Review of Festool: Festool MFK-700 set. (574288)

[PreferrablyWood]

I've done more research and think getting a OFK700 would be more useful for whatihad in mind, then eventually getting the zero clearance base for it. For thicker edging I would likely use the OF 1010 with edge guide. Cantex sounds interesting I will take a look..

 

[semenza]

    When it comes to trimming thicker solid wood edge banding Cantex is certainly going to do that job very well.  The trade offs between Cantex and MFK700 though are .......... Cantex is more specialized and pretty much only does that job. While the MFK is a general purpose trim router that can do other router tasks as well. Cantex is also more than twice the price of the MFK (at least in USA) even when an extra base is added to the MFK.

    Maybe I am in the minority but I actually do use my 700 for thicker solid wood banding and not for thin veneer type banding.

    I looked at Cantex before I bought an MFK700. Yes, I would like to have one.  I just don't do enough of that type of trimming to justify Cantex for that task.

    I think the decision between those two options really depends on the work and the need.

    IF the 700 was going to be used as a dedicated edge trimmer in a shop doing it regularly it could be left set up and ready to go. A note on the set up of it ...... it seems complicated and fiddly the first couple times. After that it actually does a flip and seems easy. And compared to the OF1010 set up, which I have tried out, the 700 is a breeze, and much less awkward.

Seth

 

[Kev]

^^^
Agree completely. I wouldn't try to use a Cantex for 2~3mm edge banding as to me it seems like the wrong tool. To my thinking the Cantex is geared towards edges that are more like a solid 10~40mm.

I think Lamello see things this way too as they makes different machines that serve to trim edges and faces where it's a thinner laminated material.
http://www.lamello.com/en/home/machine-wood.html for reference.

 

[joiner1970]

It's a shame the bearing fitting isn't tool free. I'm sure the hex screws will chew up with time and constant fitting and removing.

Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

 

[junk731]

So how does it compare to the lamello Cantex?

Like others have said its a very expensive well made, one trick pony that does what its suppose to. If I actually had a need to trim wide edging in an ongoing way it would be a justifiable expense but so far none of my jobs have taken me there. Same scenario with most of the Lamello tools. The 1.5 degree base on the MFK700 is extremely effective from 1/32" upto about 5/8" or 16mm. Extremely easy to reconfigure once you done it a couple of times which is true of almost every tool setup.
I was taught something very important about tools when I was an apprentice by one of my mentors, if you have need of a tool that makes the job easier, at least 3 times, then you should own it.

John

 

[Klemm]

I've got the full mfk set too. I still need the basic base though shame it doesn't come in the set.

[member=1584]joiner1970[/member]

What I think we really need is someone like [member=59331]TSO Products[/member] or Seneca Woodworking to make an alternative to the "Basic" base, with 0o to 5o adjustment for trimming and thereby be able to use the one cutter for many different edge thicknesses.

I'm ready to hit ORDER  [wink] [big grin]

Kev,
just caught your post on the MFK issue. - thank you for the confidence you express in our ability to solve specialized problems.
If you and other members determine there is a recurring need for a solution which is not otherwise available, please PM me or send me an email with more specifics - now or anytime! - solving problems is what we do. [smile]
Hans