Video Review of Festool MFK-700 (574288)

[PaulMarcel]

Here is my video review of the MFK-700, a router shrouded in some mystery due to some limitations; in my review, I describe the MFK-700 fully but also point out some of the short-comings and present workarounds that I've done and published on my blog.

Review of the Festool MFK-700

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Nice video, Paul. @2:35, it's not a "stop", we call it the "feeler bearing". Members may be interested in more details on your modifications to accommodate longer bits.

 

[Brice Burrell]

...Members may be interested in more details on your modifications to accommodate longer bits.

Yes, I agree. Half inch shy, Festool MFK router.

 

[mouppe]

Another good review,

Thanks!

 

[PaulMarcel]

Richard is my new favorite FOGger   thanks for the compliments!  [embarassed]

 

[tDot]

Really?!?!  Garage door open... at night... in January... show off!  (I'm jealous)

 

[GhostFist]

Awesome vid! At first glance I thought to myself "How big is this guy's freaking shop?" as I couldn't see the end of it then i realized the garage door was open haha. Ya I didn't know too much about this router iuntil this video, would like to see some more action shots though.

 

[PaulMarcel]

It's an endless shop   Actually wondered if all of you thought I only used that little corner of my shop since I'm always there!

In action here's a dust-collection demo video I did for someone awhile back.  It was pretty impromptu, but you get to see me making tiny molding for stairs and the effectiveness of the DC.

Half-Inch Shy Demos MFK-700 Dust Collection

 

[PaulMarcel]

Really?!?!  Garage door open... at night... in January... show off!  (I'm jealous)

We're a little like the southern hemisphere here in Arizona.  It's nice all winter, but get back to me in August...  [eek]

 

[Ken Nagrod]

So Paul, do you think you would have had less build-up inside the MFK 700 if you had taken smaller depths of cut and more than 2 passes?  You seem to have shown that you filled up the collet area after that first pass, like you were overloading the router and the dust extraction?  [unsure]

 

[PaulMarcel]

I think the D36 hose would have worked better.  Even a small router is a dust and chip devil.  Once a few chips pile up near the collet, others get caught and it snowballs.

I'd have to re-watch the video to see exactly what you mean as I filmed that back in October IIRC.  I wouldn't want to take an extra pass.  If anything, give it a shake after one pass or use the D36 hose.

 

[Frank Pellow]

Thanks Paul, I learned more about this router watching these two videos than from any previous source of information.

 

[lambeater]

Morning Shane, just trying to figure out the set. Does it come with the edge guide or was it added to the video review set.

thx
Lambeater

 

[PaulMarcel]

Hi, Lambeater...

I downloaded the manual today for the MFK-700 (faster than finding it in the shop  [embarassed]) and it indicates the edge-guide is an accessory.  Note, too, that the 0º base is an accessory as well; the kit comes with the vertical and 1.5º bases.

If there's a dealer with one on display in your area, bring a chunk of wood and a 1/4" or 8mm bit to the store to try it out.  With the dust shroud on it, I actually wouldn't be concerned at all running it in the store.

 

[lambeater]

Thanks Paul, I shouldhave checked my kit better. Guess its time to buy one.

Lambeater

 

[Wood_Junkie]

One side bit of good news...

If you get the 0o base and the edge guide, you can actually fit it ALL (Minus the power cord  hahahaha!)  into the Systainer 2 that the MFK comes it.  It's tight, but all three bases and edge guide fit in there, along with the other little pieces.

I've been meaning to take some photos of the Systainer locations of things to post, but haven't had time.

 

[Julian Tracy]

Hi Paul,

I found it odd that you'd suggest the 1400 for inlay work...  Although it has tons more visibility compared to the mfk, it's not that great when compared to the OF1010 and it's way overkill for inlay work.

With the dust shroud attachement on the 1400, I find the visibility to be not that great, whereas the 1010's thru-the-base design allows perfect viewing of the cutting action.

Also, the 1400 is quite a heavy router and if you didn't need the power, which you don't for inlay work, why deal with it.

1010's the perfect router in my book.

Just got the MFK 700 and looking forward to figuring it out...

Julian

 

[PaulMarcel]

Sounds like the OF-1010 would be better given the visibility.  I don't have one and have never used one so I couldn't comment on it.  I like the added weight of the OF-1400 vs the MFK-700 since it gives a great deal of control, though.  For the little bit of dust, I actually use it without the shroud, but I'm talking about cutting down 1/8"ish.

Thanks for pointing that out, though; someday I'll have to give that router a spin.