Opinions on Festool MFK700 trim router

[James Baker SD]

I have a few Festool products and so far I am thrilled with the performance of most of them. The MFK-700 trim router is an exception. I was wondering if there are other users out there and what your opinion of it is.

I have been trying to trim Wilsonart Walnut laminate with a Festool Chamfer/Edge trim bit. It does an absolutely mediocre job. Not a clean cut, not flush with surface. I get far, far better results with a low angle block plane. Am I doing something wrong here and is this router just the lemon in an otherwise great product line?

James

[Chris Rosenberger]

I have been happy with mine. I have not had any problems trimming laminate.
As for other uses, I use mine to trim 1/2" edge banding & I mounted a Micro Fence, Micro Stop on mine & use it to cut sliding dovetails.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o303/chrisrosenb/100_1225.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o303/chrisrosenb/100_1230.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o303/chrisrosenb/100_1228.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o303/chrisrosenb/100_1229.jpg

[Bob Rankin]

James, can you post some close up pictures of your problems? What type of wood? Do you see any obvious issues with grain pattern? Is the bit splitting/cracking the edge downward as you cut?

[James Baker SD]

Hi Bob:

Unfortunately, I have already cleaned up the edges with a block plane so I cannot take photos. Basically I am trying to match existing cabinets in the kitchen which were Walnut laminate on substrate. I have used 3/4" baltic birch for the surfaces and 3/4" ash for the face frame. The laminate was a Wilsonart Walnut that I cut with a knife deliberately a little over sized to give me some room for error when placing it as I am using contact cement. Thus the need to trim every piece after I feel to bond is permanent.

What I am seeing is a rather fuzzy edge on the laminate after trimming with the Festool. I would expect a nice, crisp clean cut, but I have yet to achieve that. Also there is a slight edge which I can easily catch with my fingernail so the bearing on the chamfer/edge trim bit is a little larger than the cutting diameter. I think most of the problem is the bit itself. Despite being a brand new (purchased for this project) Festool bit, even my eye can see that the bearing is larger than the cutter. Plus there is only a single, straight cutting edge on the bit (one cutting edge for trim, a separate edge for chamfer on the opposite side, but only one cut per revolution). It is almost as if I bought a used bit that had been poorly sharpened (leading to the smaller diameter and poor cutting quality) but it was purchased from a reputable dealer so I doubt that.

Originally I thought this was an 8mm bit only tool (severely limiting my bit options here in the U.S.) as I did not see a 1/4" collect available as an accessory. This morning I found the 1/4" collect in the systainer so it is standard. I think I will try some high quality 1/4" bits before I give up on the router itself.

James

[Van Huskey]

It really does sound like you got a bad bit. Given the results are better even with a cheap laminate trimmer and a good bit that is probably all of yout troubles.

[Clint Baxter]

I have also been happy with both my 700 router and that particular bit. Haven't had any problems with mine. Only issues I've encountered is when I worked with high def laminate and the bit(s) got dull. Then I ended up getting some chip out on the edges. Have learned to keep a fresh edge for high def.

Clint

[Rick Fisher]

I have the router, really like it .. Could be a lousy bit .. end of the day, the router spins the bit.. the bit does all the actual work.

[James Baker SD]

What are good brands and good sources for 1/4" flush trim bits? Thanks.

James