Router advice - MFK700?

[Euclid]

I’ll preface this by saying that I’m a routing novice with fairly basic experience of using a router (I don’t currently own one of my own) - and I apologise for being a bit long-winded…

I’m looking at getting a 1/4” machine - the upcoming projects I have in mind could, I think, be handled by a non-plunging “palm router”. I see several of Sedge’s Instagram clips using an MFK700 for conventional routing, rather than edgebanding etc.

So - as there a bit id a deal on the MFK700 just now - do you think this would be a good machine? And offer a better experience than a much cheaper unit (e.g. DeWalt D2620x)?

- Yes, I know MFK won’t plunge!
- Dust collection - I like that the MFK can from either above or below).
- I’ll want to use a trammel, which I’m expecting to make myself whatever machine I go for.
- Obviously no on-guide-rail ability - to use against a guide (UJK Pro-clamp) I’d need to make a straight-edged base for the MFK.
- Edgebanding work not a priority - but I guess I might do some in the future if I have the ideal trim tool!
- Occasional one-handed use would be useful.
- Re. size: I’m never going to use huge bits or make raised-panel doors; if I need to make a few larger rebates or dados, I could make several passes for both depth and width: time is not usually a constraint.

Does the MFK make a good small router? I’d spring the cash for it if it’ll be a good buy.

Or would I be better off with a cheap palm-router for now, and perhaps get an OF1010 or 1400 in the future if I get more adventurous?

Also, the ‘Plus’ version of MFK700 now comes with the ‘ball bearing brake. It’s not clear if this is a permanent fixture - and if it can be removed, the (phenolic?) rubbing plate only covers a part of the base. If I went this route, the basic (plus) version and the edge guide would see me through my initial projects.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

A while back I bought the cordless 1/4” Makita cordless, along with all the bases etc.
What a superb little router it is, good power and very comfortable to use.
They also do a corded version.

De Walt have recently released a 1/4” palm router that apparently copies much from the Makita, I have no experience of it though.

 

[Euclid]

Thanks for that - and for having the patience to read my long post!

I hadn't been thinking 'cordless' - but that's something to consider, especially if I planned to get a larger (corded) router in the future.

 

[hdv]

I have one of those and I really do like it. However, there is something you should be aware of before deciding if this really is the router for you: it accepts only a very limited set of short bits. Due to how the base is constructed only stubby bits will fit. Even if you do the Paul Marcel modification. That is not too much of a problem if you intend to use it for the thing it was made for. But if you have a much broader range of applications in mind it might become a real constraint.

Look up articles by Jerry Work ("Using the Festool MFK700 Router for Making Fine Furniture")  and Half-Inch Shy ("Using the MFK-700 on the Guide Rail") for ideas on how this router can be used in combination with guide rails.

 

[Euclid]

Thanks, hdv.
Yes, I'd seen Paul-Marcel's mod - and the shortcoming he was solving - but missed the one about the guide rail (I'm quite a fan of his videos...).
The bit-length limitation applies to the horizontal (and 1.5 deg) base does it? Rather than in 'vertical' mode?
I'd been thinking that edgebanding and lipping work had never been a priority - but that might be because I've mange had a tool to deal with it easily!

I do like the look of the MFK but don't want to be seduced by a love of Festool (and in particular the ergonomics which seem to suit me) if it's not quite right for me.

 

[DynaGlide]

The bit length is an issue in both vertical and horizontal. The MFK does not sound like a good fit for your first and only. Get a 1400 to use any size bits. The MFK is a specialty machine best suited to dedicated operations.

 

[junk731]

Not many routers bring the features found on MFK but some these features are very use driven. For ease of routing edgebanding from 2 positions vertical and horizontal its hard to beat. Downsides are its expensive and many complain that they don't like it because they cant see the bit.
If you want a Festool router and have the budget I would suggest starting with the OF1010 for its versatility. It uses both 1/4 and 8mm bits along with some interesting features and accessories. It has good dust collection when setup properly and this feature has been standard for many years, most other routers fail miserably in the DC department or in recently years just making it available.

I have all the Festool routers available in NA and these 2 are the most used for the custom cabinets and furniture I build.

 

[hdv]

Although the limitations are most severe with the horizontal base, there are some with the vertical base as well. If I am not mistaken this router is compatible only with 1/4" and 8mm shank bits. And not being able to see were you are cutting is not comfortable either for most tasks.

I am with kcufstoidi on this. I would recommend the OF1010 for what I think you want the router for. It is light and works well with the guide rail. And I remember seeing an extra wide base somewhere on the internet, in case that's why you find the MFK700 attractive.

 

[Euclid]

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts.

(Looking closely at the OF1010. The 1400 is more than I feel I want to commit to at the moment, though I appreciate it's altogether more versatile; this router won't be earning me a living).

 

[ear3]

Without hesitation you should consider the 1010 rather than the 700.  The 700 can be made to do a lot of things, but you will find yourself coming up quickly against its limitations I fear.  The 1010 on the other hand can handle any task involving a 1/4 or 8mm bit.  Note that it also can be used one handed.

Plus, the 1010 can also be converted into a horizontal router with the edging plate.  Add to that its guide rail compatibility, I think it is perhaps the most versatile router with its power on the market.

You might want to do a dollar calculation beforehand to see what the true cost will be to add all the desired accessories for the 1010 -- the full edging plate setup is over $100 for example.   

 

[infer]

Even though I have the OF1400 I find that the 50 euro Katsu trim router gets all the attention lately. Even works great mounted on those cheep aluminum router inserts.

 

[ScotF]

I would also recommend the 1010 - it is a very capable machine that can grow with you as you expand your skills and use routers more. It is small and nimble, but has enough power for more traditional profiles and joinery work. Lots of accessories allow it to adapt to the task at hand. Since you are in the UK, acquiring 8mm router bits will likely be easier too. It is my most used router of the bunch, although my favorite is still the OF2200.

 

[Cheese]

Vote #5 for the 1010.

It's my most used router of them all. I also do some milling of aluminum with it so it has all the power you need for 1/4" and 8 mm bits.

You mentioned you were going to use small router bits and the compact size of this router complements that nicely.

For my uses it's 1010 = 85%.....700 = 10%.....1400 = 5%.

 

[Euclid]

Well, we seem to finding a consensus, don't we?!

(Being able to do a small amount of milling of aluminium could be very useful. It had never occurred to me to use a router for that.)

Thanks again everybody!

 

[Cheese]

Being able to do a small amount of milling of aluminium could be very useful. It had never occurred to me to use a router for that.

Well then you may be interested in this thread:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...-mfs-using-an-mfs-a-1010/msg575536/#msg575536

 

[sancho57]

I own 3 of the FT routers. the 700 I enjoy using it the most. Since it only uses 1/4 & 8mm bits that the same as the 1010. Athere is a size limitation to the dam of bits the 700 ca use. You cant go larger than 28mm or 1 1/8 diameter.

But I think youll be happy with it. You might also want to be aware the edge guide is sold separate. Usually when I buy anything festool I buy the kit. Its a better deal.

 

[Euclid]

Yes, it was the Set version I'd been thinking of; there's a 50UKP cashback (from Festool) on already good price (totalling about 27 percent off list price).

(Bit diameter limitation would not be a prob for my projected use.)

 

[grbmds]

I will just echo some other responses and say I don't think the MFK700 is your best choice given your use and the fact you are not real experienced in router use. I own an MFK700 and, while it's a great accurate router with great dust collection, it would not be my first choice in the trim router category. For a smaller router with all the capabilities of a larger router, I'd say the 1010 is one of the best (not from experience but from feedback from others). The MFK700 can be a little difficult to use in some situations,

If you want a great all-around router in a larger category, the there is none better than the OF1400; for accuracy, ease of use, the capability to use on a Festool rail, and dust collection.

However, there are certainly other brand routers on the market which are good routers and they cost much less. Dewalt, Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Triton are all great choices and I'm sure one of those routers or router sets would suit your needs for a long time.

A side note . . .There are no routers on the market with better dust collection than the Festool routers. Another great feature is registration with center of the bit on the base of the router. If you own a Festool rail, use on the rail is also a great feature and comes in handy sometimes.