MFK 700 Router bits

[hemlock]

Does anyone know of an alternate source for edge trimming bits that fit the MFK 700 in horizontal mode other than the festool bits (e.g., 491666)?  I'm close to pulling trigger on the tool, but agree with others who have reviewed this tool, in that I worry about being tied to one bit from festool to ensure I can use it for one of its prime purposes.  If for some reason I can't get the festool bits in the future, there seem to be no other bits that fit it to work in horizontal mode.  That worries me.  [scared]  Thanks in advance. 

 

[Svar]

What is so special about this bit?
LeeValley has same diameter and shank but 3 mm longer:http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=69398&cat=1,33084,46168,69399,69400&ap=1

 

[Coen]

What is so special about this bit?
LeeValley has same diameter and shank but 3 mm longer:http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=69398&cat=1,33084,46168,69399,69400&ap=1

I think the Festool 491666 has a shorter shaft. Festool has a similar bit (490970) that cuts 4mm deeper, but it's global length is 14mm longer

 

[Svar]

I think the Festool 491666 has a shorter shaft. Festool has a similar bit (490970) that cuts 4mm deeper, but it's global length is 14mm longer

You could cut the shaft shorter if length is a problem.

 

[hemlock]

I think the Festool 491666 has a shorter shaft. Festool has a similar bit (490970) that cuts 4mm deeper, but it's global length is 14mm longer

You could cut the shaft shorter if length is a problem.

I thought Lee Valley were the closest contender.  Thanks, Svar. 

Its the length that is the issue as I understand it.  Longer that 1 13/16 will hit the base according to festool.  Thought of cutting the shaft, too.  May be the way to go.  Festool also specifies a cutting head length of no more than 5/8 and Lee Valley are 3/4.  Don't understand why that matters.  Anyone used these in an MFK700? 

 

[tjbnwi]

1/2" diameter- 1/4" cutter height -1/4" shank CMT 801.128.11
http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=rb~7/8/901~2

Tom

 

[Coen]

I think the Festool 491666 has a shorter shaft. Festool has a similar bit (490970) that cuts 4mm deeper, but it's global length is 14mm longer

You could cut the shaft shorter if length is a problem.

I thought Lee Valley were the closest contender.  Thanks, Svar. 

Its the length that is the issue as I understand it.  Longer that 1 13/16 will hit the base according to festool.  Thought of cutting the shaft, too.  May be the way to go.  Festool also specifies a cutting head length of no more than 5/8 and Lee Valley are 3/4.  Don't understand why that matters.  Anyone used these in an MFK700?

Because otherwise it cuts into the base. See;
[attachimg=1]

1/2" diameter- 1/4" cutter height -1/4" shank CMT 801.128.11
http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=rb~7/8/901~2

Tom

1/2" diameter isn't anywhere close to 19mm. And the 5/8" bit is too long.

 

[hemlock]

1/2" diameter- 1/4" cutter height -1/4" shank CMT 801.128.11
http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=rb~7/8/901~2

Tom

Bingo, Tom, thanks.  It meets the specs.  Would like to see more of a cutting surface than 1/4 as that is usually my target edge band size; but it otherwise it meets the specs.  Thank you.  With this option and maybe cutting the lee valley shank, it may provide the piece of mind I was looking for in that I do have some options for bits instead of just those from Festool.  Of course I could cut the festool MFK 700 base to allow longer bits (see half inch shy posts on subject from years past) but can't get my head around cutting up a $525 tool to make it work.

Still interested in other options if others know of them.

 

[hemlock]

I think the Festool 491666 has a shorter shaft. Festool has a similar bit (490970) that cuts 4mm deeper, but it's global length is 14mm longer

You could cut the shaft shorter if length is a problem.

I thought Lee Valley were the closest contender.  Thanks, Svar. 

Its the length that is the issue as I understand it.  Longer that 1 13/16 will hit the base according to festool.  Thought of cutting the shaft, too.  May be the way to go.  Festool also specifies a cutting head length of no more than 5/8 and Lee Valley are 3/4.  Don't understand why that matters.  Anyone used these in an MFK700?

Because otherwise it cuts into the base. See;
[attachimg=1]

1/2" diameter- 1/4" cutter height -1/4" shank CMT 801.128.11
http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=rb~7/8/901~2

Tom

1/2" diameter isn't anywhere close to 19mm. And the 5/8" bit is too long.

Thanks, Coen. The photo really helps to understand the cutting edge length limitation.  Not sure I understand your other comment.  "Tom's bit" (the CMT) does meet the festool requirements, unless I am missing something.  Festool specs: Dia

 

[tjbnwi]

I think the Festool 491666 has a shorter shaft. Festool has a similar bit (490970) that cuts 4mm deeper, but it's global length is 14mm longer

You could cut the shaft shorter if length is a problem.

I thought Lee Valley were the closest contender.  Thanks, Svar. 

Its the length that is the issue as I understand it.  Longer that 1 13/16 will hit the base according to festool.  Thought of cutting the shaft, too.  May be the way to go.  Festool also specifies a cutting head length of no more than 5/8 and Lee Valley are 3/4.  Don't understand why that matters.  Anyone used these in an MFK700?

Because otherwise it cuts into the base. See;
[attachimg=1]

1/2" diameter- 1/4" cutter height -1/4" shank CMT 801.128.11
http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=rb~7/8/901~2

Tom

1/2" diameter isn't anywhere close to 19mm. And the 5/8" bit is too long.

You are correct. About 1/2" not close to 19mm.

Tom

 

[Coen]

[...]

Thanks, Coen. The photo really helps to understand the cutting edge length limitation.  Not sure I understand your other comment.  "Tom's bit" (the CMT) does meet the festool requirements, unless I am missing something.  Festool specs: Dia

 

[joiner1970]

Here's the one I bought for my mfk700http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Straight_Trim_267.html

I don't know if they do international shipping you'd have to try.

Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

 

[hemlock]

Thanks for all the feedback and leads.

Coen, appreciate your thoughts on the OF1010 too.  Like the systainer comment  [big grin].  That is a factor for my Festool collection but honestly I am second guessing the MFK700 over its bit limitation.  Although I did find this last night from whiteside that lists several straight bits that would fit.

 

[Coen]

It seems that with both the OFK 500 and MFK / OFK 700 one is bound to Festool bits if you want to use the full range of adjustments available. But Festool being Festool, and German, I don't think they will suddenly stop making those bits.

Either way, as alternative to the 700, one might take a look at this in combination with the 1010 (/1400?);
SF-OF 486242; (incompatible with OF 1400 (?))

UP-OF 486058;

WA-OF 486052;

KT-OF 486534;

Although I have no first hand experience with that setup.
More talk here;http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/festool-reviews/672-festool-1010-eq-edging-plate.html

This setup does result in something being able to cut thicker edges. There is no 5/8" limit.

If I remember right, above components where available in a systainer long ago, but they dropped that kit. I could check old catalogs this weekend, I've got a few stored of those.

 

[hemlock]

It seems that with both the OFK 500 and MFK / OFK 700 one is bound to Festool bits if you want to use the full range of adjustments available. But Festool being Festool, and German, I don't think they will suddenly stop making those bits.

Either way, as alternative to the 700, one might take a look at this in combination with the 1010 (/1400?);
SF-OF 486242; (incompatible with OF 1400 (?))

UP-OF 486058;

WA-OF 486052;

KT-OF 486534;

Although I have no first hand experience with that setup.
More talk here;http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/festool-reviews/672-festool-1010-eq-edging-plate.html

This setup does result in something being able to cut thicker edges. There is no 5/8" limit.

If I remember right, above components where available in a systainer long ago, but they dropped that kit. I could check old catalogs this weekend, I've got a few stored of those.

You are absolutely correct.  I have this set-up for my OF1010.  It does work nice for edge banding and I have used it for that with success on softer woods.  I was a bit concerned though using it on harder woods where sanding the edge smooth/even, if necessary  may be more difficult to do to maintain a clean edge. 

I have a job for a few pieces of furniture made of cherry and was thinking it may be a good use for the MFK700.  Thought I could "set it and forget it" for all the edge banding given its accuracy; and the maneuverability of the smaller router would help ensure clean cuts too (the OF1010 set up, while nice, is a bit cumbersome compared to the MFK).  But like I said, right now, I'm not sure its worth it ($525+$133 for the zero degree base+$50 for the festool bit) given the bit limitations--even with my Pro 5 $50 voucher!  So for now, I am leaning towards staying with the OF1010 set up you reference instead.  It is quite good.  Like you said earlier, the down side is that route does not include a new systainer!  [wink]

 

[tjbnwi]

The MFK 700 is my favorite Festool router. I have multiples of each router.

I wish Festool would sell just the motor assembly.

The 1010 with the above mentioned accessory works very well also.
Tom

 

[Bhend18]

There's always this option too.
http://www.halfinchshy.com/2010/12/extending-capacity-of-mfk-700.html

 

[hemlock]

I just found this Freud option that appears as if it will fit within the confines of the MFK700 horizontal base (without the Marcel modification  [smile]).  Very close to the Festool bit (491666).  So, given this and the other bits posted above, there are indeed options out there (my OP).    [big grin]  Thanks for the thoughts, feedback and help.

 

[sawdust-samurai]

Super old thread I know, but I'd like to verify that the Freud 16-103 bit does work in the MFK 700 horizontal base to trim edge banding?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Super old thread I know, but I'd like to verify that the Freud 16-103 bit does work in the MFK 700 horizontal base to trim edge banding?

In the 8 years since this was first posted, there are even more choices. Although I am one of the ones to do the Mercel modification, I do keep an eye on the shorter cut-length bits too.
Freud, Lee Valley, Yonico, Woodpeckers all make bits that would work with it. Some are bearing-guided mortise bits, intended for use with jigs, but that can be removed, to shorten them. Others don't have the bearing.  Woodpeckers and Lee Valley even sell them with 8mm shanks. The one I use is 1" cut length, 3/4" diameter with 8mm shank. It's a normal straight bit, with brazed carbide.
I would really like to see Woodpeckers take this on in the Ultra Sheer line, giving it a spiral cut.