Visibility with MFK700

[hanshamm]

Can you mount the MFK700 router vertically into the horizontal base to reveal the cutter for better visibility? 

Is there any chance in damaging the tool?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

It's not intended to be configured in that way. The holes on the top of the horizontal base are for the dust shroud, not for the router motor.

 

[tbellemare]

Actually, you can mount the router in the horizontal bases in a vertical fashion. I have never tried to cut that way but it would improve visibility somewhat. It might also make the dust collection pretty poor...

If you try it, will you please report on how it works?

Tom

 

[hanshamm]

I noticed there wasn't reference that configuration in the manual.  However, it would solve a lot of people's issues if it worked.  I"m reluctant to try it.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Tom, while it's possible to put it in that configuration it is definitely not recommended. The bit would be exposed in a dangerous manner. This should not be attempted.

Additionally, there's no application I can think of where you'd want to have a 1.5 degree angle which is what will result using the provided horizontal base.

The MFK is designed for specific purposes and applications. This is not one of them. Choose the right tool for the job, in this case one of the OF routers.

Shane

 

[Julian Tracy]

Having the router bit exposed in a router/trimmer is dangerous??

Isn't that how they all operate...

JT

 

[tiralie]

Can you mount the MFK700 router vertically into the horizontal base to reveal the cutter for better visibility? 

Is there any chance in damaging the tool?

Julian;
Just to confirm, yes you can mount it vertically into the horizontal base.
The stainless steel shroud that slides over the dust port could get jammed into the spinning chuck though so it's probably not an ideal solution.
I have never tried it that way.
Tim

 

[richard.selwyn]

Just a dumb question, but why do you need to see what's going on. I used mine yesterday to trim edgebanding on 30 or so items and would never think of trying to see the cutter? Perhaps it can be used for something else?
Regards,
Richard

 

[Julian Tracy]

I didn't ask the initial question, just thought it was funny to describe an open spinning router bit situation as dangerous...

I actually have the MFK setup but haven't yet used it.  At first, it seems to be a bit overwhelming in  it's complexity, but after some review of the tool and it's attachments, you realize that it seems to truly address everything you've ever wished your basic laminate trimmers would do.

Precision, control dust collection and did I saw precision...

Would be nice to have the ability to edge band thicker stock and Being able to use it in a verticle position like a standad trimmer, with good visibility would have been handy as well, but what it does - it excels at.

Julian

 

[tvgordon]

Just a dumb question, but why do you need to see what's going on. I used mine yesterday to trim edgebanding on 30 or so items and would never think of trying to see the cutter? Perhaps it can be used for something else?
Regards,
Richard

I need to see the bit when removing most of the material for hinges. The last time I had just a few hinges to install I picked up the MFK and soon realized that I couldn't see the bit in order to stay within my layout lines.  So I ended up putting away the Festool and grabbing the Bosch Colt.

But the MFK works great for trimming edge banding, edge forming or cutting dados where you don't really need to see the bit.

I would like it if Festool would make an accessory base where the bit would be visible.

Tom