Festool recently released two new routers, the MFK700 and the OF2200, and a new multi-function table, the MFT3. Judging from the emails I’ve received, there is a lot of interest in seeing these items on the show. So this one is for you guys!
And perhaps the most exciting part of the video is at the end when I announce the Fecool Giveaway Prize for May, a brand new MFK700 Trim Router.
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23 Responses to “48 – New Festool Tools”
Thanks for the info marc, these look like some wonderful projects. lets see if i start saving now i probably can have all 3 by the time I’m 20. lol. great video!
Nice overview of the new Festool routers!
Quick question on the offset of the OF2200: if you’re left handed, does it make it more difficult to use?
Hey Wilbur. Good question. But I doubt it makes much difference. I think most of us address a workpiece in the same ways since in most cases, there is only one “right” way to run the router. Maybe a southpaw can correct me if I am wrong here.
Bugger! I don’t need more Festool tools to drool over. The smaller router looks like a keeper and I’ll have to take a good long hard look at it. Smaller means easier to handle which means less risk to the body and the work piece.
Guess I won’t be able to retire when I want….. :^(
Nice run through.
I got an email yesterday from Festool announcing the price of their new miter saw. It will be $1300, and it goes on sale July 1st. Will we be seeing a video of this in the near future?
or better yet… in the FesCool giveaway :D
I’m a southpaw. I do just about everything left-handed. When I use a router, I don’t think which paw I prefer makes much of a difference, if any. Of course, I’d sure like to try that new router to see for myself!
That Of 2200 is a keeper. It is very nice. Not much use for the MF3, but for someone with a small space; it will SAVE you money for sure.
THanks for the Details. Beleive it or not, at festool USA HQ, they call the OF2200 “OLAF”. Don’t know why!
Lates
Marc,
I took the time ,after watching your show, to see all the videos that Festool has on their site.
I can tell the MFT and the Kapex will be my next purchase.
Thanks for the product demo. Your honest approach to testing out tools and giving the things you like and don’t like are really the most helpful.
Maybe in future shows you can show us cool features of tools while building a project.
Daniel
Marc,
The festool work table is just what I have been looking for. I just haven’t been able to find the worktable that fills all my wood working needs.
Thanks so much for the info.
Bob
Cool Marc! I hope I win that MFK700, cuz otherwise I’m out the money.
That is definitely a router I’m adding to my arsenal. I’ve been drooling over it since I found it on their site a month or so ago.
Couple questions I still have about the routers: could the MFK be used to route decent sized grooves or maybe a sliding dovetail? On the FOG, some people were concerned about its power and, hmm, reach of the bit. Speaking of dovetails, could you use the MFK on the Leigh D4R jig? Powerwise, you could use the OF2200, but I wonder if the Leigh could hold the 20lb beast? People say it is pretty nimble for a big router, but what’s your take on it?
Hey Paul. I do think the MFK could handle a good sized groove and a sliding dovetail or two. Its a powerful little unit. But honestly, if you are going for full 3/4 dados for casework or a nice wide sliding dovetail, the MFK probably wouldn’t be my first choice. That’s where your standard plunge router really shines (OF1010 or OF1400).
And I do not think you could use the MFK on the Leigh jig. The jig requires that you use a guide bushing that is meant for a normal router. The vertical MFK base does NOT allow for that bushing. So I am going to say negatory on the dovetails.
You sure could use the OF2200. I doubt the leigh jig would have any trouble handing the weight of that unit. Its big and heavy, but like most people say, it wears it well. :)
Warning – nick picky, anal retentive comment ahead. ;)
A tenth of a millimeter is 1/254th of and inch, not 1/256th!
Well here’s the question, is it actually 1/10mm increments or 1/256″ increments? Festool documentation usually states “1/256″ (1/10mm)”. But we know Festool is metric so chances are, they just use the 1/256″ approximations since that’s a much more meaningful number to Imperial system-users than 1/254″. Either way, this an unacceptable amount of error and heads will roll for this one!!!!!! lol
Marc,
I would love to own the OF2200 Festool router. One thing I was wondering about is do you use it in a router table?
Unfortunately, not that I am aware of. As far as I know, the only table that router will fit in is the Festool router table, which is not for sale in the US.
Hi Marc,
What sorts of tasks do you use the MFK 700 for? I see that Festool has the MFK 700 on sale, and it is a pretty neat looking tool. I have an OF1400, but it is pretty cumbersome for the small pieces I work on. I was hoping that the MFK 700 would be easier to use on small pieces. Most things about this tool reference edge trimming. There has to be more to this tool than edge trimming. What other uses have you found for this?
Thanks!
Hey Kodi. The MFK700 will indeed be easier to use on smaller pieces. The lighter weight and smaller base are great for those tasks when a full-sized router would be a pain in the butt. But the coolest tricks are the edge trimming, the easy micro-adjust, and the dust collection.
That being said, the tool has a severe limitation in my opinion. You can’t see the bit. I use my small trim routers for things like inlays, one-off hinge mortises, and things where seeing the bit is absolutely essential to my success. So for all the cool things this router does, its Achilles heel is something that pretty much every other trim router on the market has: visibility. So unless you plan on using its edge-trimming feature, you might find something like the Bosch Colt or the new DeWalt unit a more practical buy.
Hi Marc,
Just got the MFK700, what is the best flush trimming bit to use for wide edge banding. So far easy to use.
Thanks
Hey Scott. I am hesitant to make a recommendation for you since I don’t use the tool all that often. I would suggest contacting Festool directly to get their recommendation. If I am not mistaken, the unit can’t handle really wide edge-banding.
Hey Marc,
Just found ur site it’s really good! just wondering do u think the mft 3 and a festool skill saw will be able to preform most tasks of a panel saw and chop saw? mainly is it accurate at cutting angles with the fence on the mft table?
Most, but not all. For flat workpieces and sheetgoods, you’re good to go. But for things like moulding, you might miss your miter saw.
Thanks for the advice really looking for a saw to cut accurate straight lines and angles. While being portable bought a site table taw waste of money :(