Microfence for Festool?

[James Watriss]

I was goofing off tonight, and ran across a company called microfence, who makes hi-accuracy bases for laminate trimmers, edge guides for routers, etc... and they do make one for festool routers to interface with the guide rail.

http://microfence.com/mf/pages/Clamp%20Interfaces.html

It seems like they have some interesting ideas that are taken to a pretty high level...  basically combining micrometer movements with their guides to allow for more precise adjusting. Maybe higher level than needed for hand held applications in general, since it's possible to add a lot of inaccuracy due to human error...but whatever...

IT seems like a step up from the normal rail blocks... nice as they are.

Has anyone tried these?

 

[nclemmons]

They are outstanding products.

I have the edge guide for the Festool 1010 and an adapter for the MFK700 as well.  The precision of routing dados or inlay strips is excellent.  The tools are pricey, but bring a new level of precision to router adjustment.  I wish they made an adapter for their plunge mechanism for the MFK700. 

They also make a guide rail adapter for Festool rails.  I made my own from the MFK guidebook from Jerry Work to work with the MFK directly.  I've used both, but the guide from Microfence gives you much more accurate adjustment.

You can improve any router's accuracy with a router table and some of the new digital adjustment guides like Wixey makes.  No doubt, taking a router to the wood always introduces the chance of a slip due to operator error or a change in wood grain.

That said, for really fine furniture-grade work, or instances where you want to edge band a table top or large bar top, Microfence offers a new level of accuracy.

Their videos on the site show a range of capabilities - from circles to edge techniques.

neil

 

[microfence]

I wish they made an adapter for their plunge mechanism for the MFK700...
neil

Thanks for the positive comments, guys. With regards to the MFK700,  the casting was made in a way that won't allow us to grip it, so we do not fit the MFK 700 with our Plunge Base; but we do fit it with our Edge-Guide and Circle Jig.

Although there is no accounting for human error, our Clamp Interface set-up allows micrometer-adjusted cuts (dadoes, rabbets, flutes, etc.) using the Festool Tool Guide as a straight edge. Adjustments to the dimension of your cut can be achieved without moving the clamp.

Unfortunately due to a change (for the better!) to our website, our video page is not working properly at the moment, but our webmaster is working on it! It really is a helpful video if you are interested in the Interface.
-Jill

 

[ForumMFG]

Whats so special about this setup that makes it better or different from what festool provides?

 

[microfence]

Thanks for asking. Our Clamp Interface measures in .001" readout with an entirely precision-machined mechanism. Our jig is made of stainless steel, brass, and aluminum and carries a lifetime guarantee. You can visit our website to see photos of the setup configuration (we hope to have the video up and running very shortly as well). Feel free to contact us you have any questions.

 

[bonesbr549]

I wish they made an adapter for their plunge mechanism for the MFK700...
neil

Thanks for the positive comments, guys. With regards to the MFK700,  the casting was made in a way that won't allow us to grip it, so we do not fit the MFK 700 with our Plunge Base; but we do fit it with our Edge-Guide and Circle Jig.

Although there is no accounting for human error, our Clamp Interface set-up allows micrometer-adjusted cuts (dadoes, rabbets, flutes, etc.) using the Festool Tool Guide as a straight edge. Adjustments to the dimension of your cut can be achieved without moving the clamp.

Unfortunately due to a change (for the better!) to our website, our video page is not working properly at the moment, but our webmaster is working on it! It really is a helpful video if you are interested in the Interface.
-Jill

Ya know I've been looking at your stuff for a long time and it looks great.  I noticed at your site for attaching to the 1400 that it says "special" what does that mean and how much would that one cost .vs. one for a PC 890

 

[extiger]

I use a MicroFence with my OF1400 router. The part that makes the adaptation to mate the router to the fence is just a small plate with 2 pins. Just mention Festool in your order, and they'll get it right.

In Bill Hyland's exceptional book on routers he pans the edge guide made by Festool. He much favors the Micro Fence because of the accuracy. One look at one of these accessories and you would impressed.

Gary Curtis

 

[microfence]

Ya know I've been looking at your stuff for a long time and it looks great.  I noticed at your site for attaching to the 1400 that it says "special" what does that mean and how much would that one cost .vs. one for a PC 890

Several of our Mounting Bars, such as our Model A, fit many different router models. "Special" is a designation meaning that the Mounting Bar is unique to the 1400. There is no additional charge or delivery time for a product marked "Special."

Thanks for asking!

-Jill

 

[ForumMFG]

I ordered the off-fence mortising kit and it just came in today.  Does anyone else have this?  If so, where did you find the Delrin Extensions?  Did you buy them or make them?

 

[microfence]

I ordered the off-fence mortising kit and it just came in today.  Does anyone else have this?  If so, where did you find the Delrin Extensions?  Did you buy them or make them?

The Delrin Extensions are included in the original parts package that comes with every Micro Fence Edge-Guide and should have been included by the seller when you purchased it. Let us know if you have any further questions.

-Jill

 

[ForumMFG]

Thanks Jill, my other kits are at home and I'll need to check that.  Just by chance I don't have it, do you sell them?

 

[microfence]

Thanks Jill, my other kits are at home and I'll need to check that.  Just by chance I don't have it, do you sell them?

Of course, you can find all of these types of items under replacement parts on our website.

 

[ForumMFG]

JIll, are they 1 1/4" lg?

 

[microfence]

JIll, are they 1 1/4" lg?

yes, by 3/8 diameter with 1 3/4"x 8-32 fillister head screws. See photo under replacement parts on our website. It explains everything.

 

[woodshopdemos]

A year or so ago I  used the Microfence with the OJ 1400 and it worked very well.

The story: www.woodshopdemos.com/l-m&t-4.htm

 

[Jim Becker]

Microfence products have outstanding quality and precision. I originally bought mine for other routers, but did acquire the adapters for my OF1010 and OF1400. Interestingly, my first buy from this company was at a trade show while Bill Hylton (author) was demonstrating. The owner is a sharp fellow, too. I'm glad to see them participating here as the precision of Microfence is a great fit with the precision of Festool.