Using the MFK 700 With a Dovetail Jig.

[Brice_Arnold]

Let the addiction ensue. I picked up an MFK 700 basic with the vertical base for use with my Leigh and Akeda dovetail jigs. There were features on this router that seem to implly that it is an ideal router for this application

1. Precision depth adjustment
2. 8mm collet
3. Threaded receiver for PC style bushings.
4. Small and Nimble size making it easy to maneuver on the jig.

With these jigs I typically have two routers setup when doing through dovetails. And as of recently a third router just for half blind dovetails. Kind of a set it and forget system that minimizes set-up time from one day to the next. This of course, assumes that the joint doesn't change. If the MFK proves suitable I would like to pick up a second one for through dovetails arrangement.

Obviously the MFK will not handle the 1/2" bits but for most of the joints I am doing I am using 1/4" and 8mm bits.

So my question is if anyone is using this router for dovetailing. I know it has been talked about and I have seen the set-ups for sliding dovetails but haven't heard of anyone using it with the jigs.

If you are using the router as described, what is your feedback? Any tips on maximizing success?

Thanks

 

[mtnsona]

I have used the MFK 700 with the Leigh dovetail jig for through dovetails.  It is a little clunky getting the bit installed with the bushing, but once installed the router works well with the jig.  I think that it is more controllable in that use than my 1400.

 

[Brice_Arnold]

Got my router today and true to form it is compatible with the PC style bushings. This is fine for the Leigh jig. However the Akeda uses custom bushing with a different thread than the PC style bushings. What this means is that they will not thread into the base of the MFK 700.

I am contemplating machining some of my own bushings that are compatible with both the Akeda jig and the MFK 700.