I was responding to the thread about the under-lid pictures, and finally figured out what I think I want:

The OF 1400 has a lot of bits and pieces, and they all rattle around, or have to all be unpacked to get to the one thing I always need... the wrench... And I think i have a solution.

An accessory insert/ container set that holds the router in its upright position, but allows for two (well-made) upright containers that would slide in on either side of the router, to hold all of the bits and pieces.

It's possible that the bottom of the insert would need to also have room to hold the bars and the fence. But the myriad of dust shrouds, the wrench, the rail blocks, base inserts, as well as all the OTHER stuff, like guide bushings and bits... they all are left to crash aimlessly into and around a $500 router. As the saying goes, it's not the fall that kills you, it's the sudden stop. Likewise, it's not the moving around that will add wear and tear, it's the crashing into each other of all the bits and pieces.

So far, I use a separate systainer to hold some of the smaller stuff, and I need a sortainer 4 to go with my 1010... but it really is a hassle when i need to take either of the routers somewhere... did I remember ______? Do I have room in the truck for one more box? On the one hand, it's all part of the game, and not something to complain about idly. But in reality, the genius of the systainer system to me is that it allows me to keep everything with me, where I need it. But the routers are a special case, because they are so accessory-heavy. The systainer setup as currently offered does a reasonable job of holding the required stuff. But I think it would be nice to have the option to do it a little more gracefully, and not have to rummage through the systainer like a 5 year old through his toy chest.

James,

That is a great idea!

I find that no matter where or what it is, I hate digging for (or even having to easily move) something to get at something else.

I have the OF1010. If I am reaching in the box for the router there is a 50/50 chance of needing to change the bit. I hate digging for the wrench! Especially when I can look into the systainer and see all kinds of room to have put it some place else in the insert.

A cool wish for me would be to have cord storage on the systainer lids. It is very rare for me to have more than one cord out at a time even though I may be using 3 tools.

I bought my OF 1400 when they were first introduced in USA, and several accessories to go with it.  Everything goes into the original Systainer together with 5 collets (I separately purchased a 3/8" and 10 mm collet), Edge Guide, Guide Stop, Chip Guard, VS 600 Dust Extraction Hood, Whiteside brass set up bars and inlay kit, Extra Dust Hood.  It's a bit crowded and yes, I have to take out a lot of items to use the router, but you have to remove a lot anyway to access the collet wrench and Guide Rods.  I keep the extra collets in the packaging in which they came from Festool because the insert does not have enough molded locations for 4 extra collets.  I keep my bits in a separate Router Bit Systainer which works fine for most excepting some that are longer than what Festool sells.

I agree that Festool could do a better job of providing an insert for their OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers.

A bigger problem for me is keeping handy and not losing the small parts needed for the small LR Hole Drilling Set (no Systainer) more so, my MFS.   What do other owners of these router accessories do for storage of these small parts?

Dave R.

You're going to end up with chipped carbide allowing them to rattle around loose like that.

Yes, I know! 

The bits in the 6 small compartments don't move about - once the lid is closed they're held by the foam & don't move.

The bits in the long compartment at the front are either in plastic tubes or are wrapped in cotton to protect them.

The bits that are loose in the top right are old bits that I don't care about... OK, I'll be honest - I am aware that the bits could chip, but I've just gotten lazy, and since they mainly just stay in the shop now I haven't bothered. I will go and have a word with myself immediately.

But the original question was about finding storage options for spare collets, MFS hardware 'bits', etc., not router bits. That's my excuse & I'm sticking to it!

Just put some adhesive velcro on the side-wall and on the wrench, and just stick it there.  Looks like there's plenty of room on all sides of the router.  Or even better, afix it to the lid.

I don't have a Festool router yet, but I suspect its in my 2010 future... 

after seeing how you keeps your router cutters jrb, i bought this today

There is a place for the guide stop to fit. It needs to be in two pieces. Then the guide stop can be placed on top of the edge guide. One piece with the micro-adjuster fits near the front of the systainer and near the lefthand side of the edge guide, the other part fits over the middle of the edge guide near the center of the systainer.

I don't quite understand the issue with the OF 1400 wrench location. If I need the wrench, the router is not in the systainer and the wrench is easily accessible.

I like it down there, especially for transport, because it is trapped underneath the router.


Tom

At least it's better than the location of the wrench for the of1010, underneath the edgeguide.