MFS

[Nanod]

I have a African Mahogany table and 10 chairs to build. Each chair is going to have cherry inlay on them and there will be some inlay on the table it self to.

So here's my dilemma. I could build a simple jig for basically no money at all and it would work fine. On the other hand I could buy the MFS and would work perfect too but as you guys know it doesn't come cheep!!!

So here's my question to the guys who already own the MFS do you find your self using it very often and if so for what? I can think of a few different projects I could use it on my self but I could also just build a jig for them to.

Any thoughts would defiantly help!!! I don't mind spending the money on it but if it's just going to set on the shelf I would rather spend the money on something else in the Festool line up.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Roseland]

**Update: I got the pictures in the wrong order, sorry!**

I think the MFS is one of Festool's best kept secrets.  Like you I was struggling to justify one but thought it worth the risk.  It's now rare that I don't use it on a project in one way or another.

If you haven't seen it, you should read Jerry Work's excellent primer:
http://www.festoolusa.com/Web_files/MFS_Jerry_Work.pdf

An example of where the MFS comes in handy was making these steps; the sides were routed with pockets 6mm deep to house the ends of the treads.  Even before it was glued it was strong enough to use:
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I had made up some small fillets that can press into the corners of my MFS that allow me to make rectangular holes and plugs that fit perfectly:
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You simply use an 8mm cutter, and 40mm and 24mm guide bushes.  The picture is just a test piece., but I used it for real recently when I had to butcher a door to access a jammed lock.  I used the jig to make a perfect repair 

You can order them too, from Shapeways:
http://www.shapeways.com/model/619039/router-guide-fillet.html?modelId=619039&materialId=6

I've even used the rails from my TS55 as extensions when I've wanted to make a really big radius.

Just get it - you'll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Andrew

 

[roblg3]

Can this be used to make box and dovetail joints in boxes? 

 

[Roseland]

Not that I know of.  I use a Leigh SuperD4 for that.

Andrew

 

[Nanod]

Just wanted to thank Roseland for encouraging me to buy the MFS.

I received them yesterday and put them to work today.
I'm really liking the way they work!!
Now that I have them I can see what you were talking about there will be all kinds of projects they get use on.

 

[Roseland]

That's what FOG is all about.  Paul Marcel has 'helped' me spend lots!

Enjoy the MFS; you'll soon wonder how you coped without it.

Andrew

 

[jimbo51]

I am thinking of purchasing an MFS 400 set and a set of longer profiles. This appears to be the more cost effective approach versus getting an MFS 700 set and a set of shorter profiles.

Are there any major disadvantages to buying a pair of the 1000mm profiles rather than the 700 mm profiles? Although more expensive and a bit more awkward to use, the 1000 would give the option for larger work.

Thoughts and recommendations?

 

[Roseland]

Unless I'm mistaken, the extra profiles are extension pieces, rather than just two legs off an MFS700.  Can anyone confirm this?

Andrew

 

[Stephen B]

Unless I'm mistaken, the extra profiles are extension pieces, rather than just two legs off an MFS700.  Can anyone confirm this?

Andrew

[size=12pt]

They are extensions and come in various lengths. See - http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectID=27984

Or
http://www.festoolusa.com/search/?q=Mfs

 

[GarryMartin]

Unless I'm mistaken, the extra profiles are extension pieces, rather than just two legs off an MFS700.  Can anyone confirm this?

They can be either.

The profiles in the MFS 400 set are a pair of MFS 400 and a pair of MFS 200 extrusions. The profiles in the MFS 700 set are a pair of MFS 700 and a pair of MFS 400 extrusions.

You can add any of the other MFS-VP lengths in to the mix, including the 1000mm ones - they aren't restricted to just being extensions.

The extrusions come with the "Sliding Blocks" on one end as per the first photo and a set of "Along-Binders" (longitudinal connectors) as per the second photo should you wish to use them as extensions. (They're photos of my MFS-VP 1000 profiles as shipped from Festool).

I did exactly the same - bought the MFS 400 kit and added the MFS-VP 1000 profiles as the most cost effective option. I haven't found anything they can't do yet that maybe the smaller 700mm ones could although I'm sure there are some scenarios.

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[Roseland]

Many thanks for clearing that up; I'll get some more now!

Andrew

 

[promark747]

Unless I'm mistaken, the extra profiles are extension pieces, rather than just two legs off an MFS700.  Can anyone confirm this?

They can be either.

The profiles in the MFS 400 set are a pair of MFS 400 and a pair of MFS 200 extrusions. The profiles in the MFS 700 set are a pair of MFS 700 and a pair of MFS 400 extrusions.

You can add any of the other MFS-VP lengths in to the mix, including the 1000mm ones - they aren't restricted to just being extensions.

The extrusions come with the "Sliding Blocks" on one end as per the first photo and a set of "Along-Binders" (longitudinal connectors) as per the second photo should you wish to use them as extensions.

For a beefier connection, you can also use the standard guide rail connectors to join MFS profiles (especially the 1000mm and 2000mm).

 

[jimbo51]

Thanks for the replies.