What bit do you use in the MFK 700 with Horizontal Base for flush trimming

[Grasshopper]

OK, So I laid down some edge banding and reached for my MFK 700 to flush trim the glue on stuff.  I slapped on my horizontal base (for the first time) and was surprised to have it be such a challenge to find a bit that could accomplish this task.

I ran to my local dealer (who doesn't carry Festool bits), and bought the shortest 1/4" flush trim bit (it was a bearing bit).  I got it home and it was a tight fit, and to my shock, the 1.5 degree horizontal base sat proud of the bit and its tiny bearing (yes the base was lowered as much as it would go).

So I pack up my MFK and bring it to the dealer, and we tried a few bits, without success.

Anybody out there have a recommendation of the right bit to use with the MFK700/ 1.5 degree horizontal base for flush trimming edge banding?

 

[erock]

Tom Bellemare  sells CMT bits.....

This is what I use.....

http://www.tool-home.com/products/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=trimmer+bit&x=0&y=0

Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

Festool has trimming bits for the MFK. I use those or a short CMT 1/2" morticing bit. I order the bits from Tom. If I were home I'd get you the number, I'm sure Tom can find it for you.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

491666 is the one Festool currently sells here for that application.

Tom

 

[hopper]

Halfinchshy- Paul Marcel describes in one of his blogs how to increase the bit length capacity of the MKF-700.

link:
http://www.halfinchshy.com/2010/12/extending-capacity-of-mfk-700.html

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
For this type of application and set up the maximum length is 19mm for the cutter.
Phil

 

[Sparktrician]

I use the Festool 491666 bit that Tom Bellemare mentioned.  Just be aware that the max width it will trim is 5/8" or 15.8mm. 

 

[Grasshopper]

Thanks to all who replied.

I was surprised how many 3rd party bits left the horizontal base still proud of the bit (and making any flush trim applications impossible).  I would have bought the Festool bit if it were available locally, but alas it wasn't.

In a pinch, I bought a CMT (811.142.11) Straight Bit which fit in the horizontal base.  The trouble with other short flush trim bits, is the cutter diameter was too narrow with the horizontal base (and larger ones are too long).  The Straight bit actually worked pretty well as it was 1/4" shank and 9/16" diameter.  Though not designed for this application, in the horizontal base, the cutter tapers very slightly.  This enabled me to micro adjust using both the horizontal base, as well as adjusting the guide bushing in and out to engage the cutter on a very fine edge.

Worked very well once I was setup giving me perfect edges on my 3/4" plywood boxes.  Not bad for $18!

 

[dltflt]

Or 491670 is the other bit Festool makes for the MFK700.  It has replaceable cutters.

 

[tjbnwi]

This is the CMT bit I use. I use 2 stacked bearings on it for pattern routing.

http://www.tool-home.com/products/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/131/products_id/17584

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Or 491670 is the other bit Festool makes for the MFK700.  It has replaceable cutters.

Unfortunately, Don, 491670 is no longer available here...

Tom

 

[hopper]

I use the Festool 491666 bit that Tom Bellemare mentioned.  Just be aware that the max width it will trim is 5/8" or 15.8mm.

Sparktrician,  I've seen in other posts about the max width being 5/8".  I don't quite understand the max width thing since when I trim, I'm working off of one side with the horizontal base flat on the face as the bit trims the edge of the veneer, so it doesn't matter how wide the veneer material is. Does this make sense? Hard to express exactly what I mean.  What am I missing?

 

[Sparktrician]

I use the Festool 491666 bit that Tom Bellemare mentioned.  Just be aware that the max width it will trim is 5/8" or 15.8mm.

Sparktrician,  I've seen in other posts about the max width being 5/8".  I don't quite understand the max width thing since when I trim, I'm working off of one side with the horizontal base flat on the face as the bit trims the edge of the veneer, so it doesn't matter how wide the veneer material is. Does this make sense? Hard to express exactly what I mean.  What am I missing?

The answer is that 5/8" refers to solid edging, not the veneer edging.  If you're using iron-on veneer edging, you're good to go with the 491666 bit.  If, on the other hand, you're using solid edging, the max visible thickness will be 5/8".  If I were to make solid edging, I'd be using the Amana 55468 bit set to make the edging material and to contour the leading edge of the shelf (for example) to accept the solid edging.  I'd likely make the edging material about 2" wide, glue it in place, and when the glue had set up, use the track saw to bring it down to about 1/2" exposed, then use the MFK 700 with the 491666 bit to bring the edging down to the shelf material.  Does this make sense?