1400 accessories

[electricald]

Hello everyone,
Last week I posted a topic inquiring about the accessories for the 2200. With all the discussion about it you guys noticed I was planning on buying the 2200 as my first router and advised me against it. And it worked, and thanks to all. So I am purchasing the 1400 instead and am certainly appreciative of the help from everyone as I am getting into woodworking new here.
Lee valley lists a small bore base and a table widener with the 1400. As well there are copying rings and the cantering mandrel. I am planning on ordering the guide stop, edge guide and chip guard. It comes with the 1/4, 1/2 & 8 mm collets. So my questions are: do I need the small bore base and table widener, do I need more collets, should I get an extra edge guide as it was mentioned I should when I was on about the 2200 and one guy showed a video on its use, is this support foot a waste of money? Or if there is anything else you guys can think of relating to this website and can advise me on.
Again the web site is:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/festool/page.aspx?p=68488&cat=5,68341
Thanks again everyone you are my eyes and ears.

Regards,
Dan

[Kev]

I'd deffo get a second edge guide - and avoid the overpriced clear plastic box thing !

I'm pretty certain the support foot comes with the guide stop - which you'll need if you're using your rails.

I wouldn't bother with a 3/8 collet unless you have bits for it.

Things like the table widener and small bore base really come down to target usage ... they're useful if you are likely to need them - that said, the table widener could be handy !

Guides fall into the "as you need them" class too, but to me they're cheap and I'd rather have them than be stuck wanting one 

Kev.

[electricald]

Thanks Kev,
I was thinking the same on the edge guide. The clear plastic chip guard is a waste of money??
The support foot I will have to email LV about as it is not mentioned in the included accessories. Maybe as you say included with the guide stop.

I don't have any 3/8 bits and I was thinking the same on the copy rings. Better to be looking at it then for it.

Regards,
Dan

I'd deffo get a second edge guide - and avoid the overpriced clear plastic box thing !

I'm pretty certain the support foot comes with the guide stop - which you'll need if you're using your rails.

I wouldn't bother with a 3/8 collet unless you have bits for it.

Things like the table widener and small bore base really come down to target usage ... they're useful if you are likely to need them - that said, the table widener could be handy !

Guides fall into the "as you need them" class too, but to me they're cheap and I'd rather have them than be stuck wanting one 

Kev.

[PaulMarcel]

Nice, the table widener is now $75... was $110 when I got it!  A forgotten benefit of the table widener is that the base is thicker; with this base on, you can use the guide stops to run the router along the guide rail, but off the back so the router sits on the stock instead of half on the rail and half on the foot.

Get the guide stops so you can use it on a guide rail.  You'll either get the foot with the guide stops or it comes in the kit (I believe I got mine in the kit, but that may have changed).

If you don't mind the foot, you can leave the table widener for another purchase.  Personally, I use two guide rods and one of the guide stops as a very long offset handle to stabilize the router; a lot of extra control especially if you're on an edge.  My video review demoed that if you can't picture it.

If you don't have a D36 hose, get one for routing; it makes a difference.  It'll also make a difference for your TS-x5 saw and cleaning kit.

I'd get a second edge guide over the plexiglass routing aid; I'm sure it works better in many circumstances, but I could think of other jig uses for an extra edge guide.  I'd put this in the "buy it when you need it" category; for example, the money for the extra edge guide would be better served buying the D36 if you don't have it.  Though the anti-static version is a bit stiffer than the non-antistatic version, I think I prefer the anti-static version for routing... at least in dry Arizona the chips fly off loaded with static leaving ya look like Fozzie bear.

[cliffp]

I am an OF1400 owner and was also wondering about getting the table widener. I actually have the guide rail adapter already and was considering using it in the way Paul demonstrates in his second (excellent) video review of the OF1400. My only concern about using it in this way is the concern that the adapter (the bit that normally goes on the guide rail) might scratch the wood as its underside is not smooth. By the way, when I bought the guide rail adapter it came with the support foot.

Another accessory I have and like is the Angle Arm 486052 and Edging Plate 486058. I found that it takes a bit of practice to flush trim but I find the results acceptable.

I should probably start another thread to mention this but as you are about to become a new OF1400 owner I thought I would tell you about a 'near miss' I had a couple of days ago. I had set it up to do some job or other (can't remember exactly what) and was fiddling about with the various accessories - again I can't remember what - it could have been the dust collection attachment that goes around the cutter and plugs into the hose or the chip catcher. The router was still plugged in and switched on at the CT Midi and while manhandling the router, I accidentally pressed the trigger. Luckily my fingers were not near the cutter but they could have been. In future I will either switch off at the vac or unplug the cable. I have had the router for a few months and had used it quite a lot so it is probably a case of familiarity breeding contempt or, knowing me, just stupidity.

[electricald]

Hey Paul,
I have the guide stops included in the order (not ordered yet) and as far as I can see the foot is not included with it.
I have the CT26 vac and the stock hose that came with it and it works well with my TS55.
And already it is starting to look like that a second edge guide is in order. As far as static goes, I live in NL, Canada and it does or can get a bit dry in the winter but because I live literally a KM from the ocean, static is not a big issue.
TKS,
Dan

[electricald]

Hi Cliff,
Thanks for the info and thanks for sharing your story. Then best rule of thumb to follow and the manuals alway say this is to unplug when doing anything to the tool outside of cutting with it. I guess a lesson learned. Thanks again.
Dan

[cliffp]

Hi Dan

If you need a support foot, I have a spare though it has the slightest of marks on the scale (see pic below)

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/21223051/P1000936.JPG

I don't have a spare screw that attaches it to the router (can't remember if it comes with the router). If you want me to send it to you (free of course) just let me know.

Cliff

[electricald]

Hello Cliff,
That foot costs $7 Canadian at Lee Valley. For you to ship that to me in Canada is not worth the bother. Thanks for the kind offer though, I do appreciate it.
Cheers,
Dan

[RL]

Get the table widener base and forget the foot- it's more trouble than it's worth. Also the parallel edge guide is well worth it.

I have the small bore base and it has its useful moments but it's inessential.

[dicktill]

Another accessory I have and like is the Angle Arm 486052 and Edging Plate 486058. I found that it takes a bit of practice to flush trim but I find the results acceptable.

Cliffp,

Could you explain how these two accessories attach to the OF 1400 and how they are used? I couldn't find them listed in the 2013 catalog (maybe I missed them), and Bob Marino's website shows them as OF 1010 accessories.

Thanks, Dick

[WarnerConstCo.]

I bought the guide rail adapter (3 years, yet to be used) the edge guide ( seldom use).

Maybe save some money for bits.

[cliffp]

Dick

These parts are shown as accessories for the OF1010 but they work with the OF1400. The FOG post below shows these accessories being used on the OF1010 if you look at the video from about 2:00. In principle the use is the same with the OF1400 except you can't use the chip catcher (I improvised my own, though it has been claimed that the OF1010 one can be adapted).

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/jack-miters-with-a-jigsaw/?prev_next=prev

Cliff

[JayStPeter]

I guess I differ from the others a bit.  I find the edge guide very useful.  The rail guide with the little footie is something I seldom use, my own jigs are easier to setup and work better.  The table widener is probably good as the 1400 is not the most stable at edge routing, though I don't have one because I think they are too expensive for what they are and they have the little cup attached.  I think I've posted my edge routing technique somewhere on here, but am at work so no time to find it.  But, I use the edge guide rods all the way through the router.  On one side I hang the dust extraction hood, which does a much better job than the little spinning cup.  On the other side I put part of something (can't remember now, but probably the rail guide since I never use it for anything else) that has a handle on it to keep the router from tipping.  I drive the router from that handle with a small amount of help from the other hand near corners.  Not sure what comes with the router itself anymore as mine was one of the first batch in the US.  I throw in the guide bushing adapter (which came with mine) to close up the giant gap and find no real reason to pick up the small bore adapter.

[Tim Raleigh]

do I need the small bore base and table widener, do I need more collets, should I get an extra edge guide as it was mentioned I should when I was on about the 2200 and one guy showed a video on its use, is this support foot a waste of money? Or if there is anything else you guys can think of relating to this website and can advise me on.

Hey Dan:
What are you building?
Do you really need anything more than the basics to start off? You might.
I always find that buying for a project or task vs. buying a bunch of stuff I think I might use works better. After all most of this stuff (Festool parts) isn't going anywhere and you can get it pretty quickly when needed.
Tim

[dicktill]

Dick

These parts are shown as accessories for the OF1010 but they work with the OF1400. The FOG post below shows these accessories being used on the OF1010 if you look at the video from about 2:00. In principle the use is the same with the OF1400 except you can't use the chip catcher (I improvised my own, though it has been claimed that the OF1010 one can be adapted).

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/jack-miters-with-a-jigsaw/?prev_next=prev

Cliff

Thanks Cliff. Coulda used that a couple of days ago!

[RL]

I guess I differ from the others a bit.  I find the edge guide very useful.  The rail guide with the little footie is something I seldom use, my own jigs are easier to setup and work better.  The table widener is probably good as the 1400 is not the most stable at edge routing, though I don't have one because I think they are too expensive for what they are and they have the little cup attached.  I think I've posted my edge routing technique somewhere on here, but am at work so no time to find it.  But, I use the edge guide rods all the way through the router.  On one side I hang the dust extraction hood, which does a much better job than the little spinning cup.  On the other side I put part of something (can't remember now, but probably the rail guide since I never use it for anything else) that has a handle on it to keep the router from tipping.  I drive the router from that handle with a small amount of help from the other hand near corners.  Not sure what comes with the router itself anymore as mine was one of the first batch in the US.  I throw in the guide bushing adapter (which came with mine) to close up the giant gap and find no real reason to pick up the small bore adapter.

I was looking at these Veritas inserts recently and I believe they fit the OF1400-included guide bushing adapter. If so, they would do the job of the small-bore base, although note that on my OF1400 the guide bushing adapter is not exactly flush with the router base.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/page.aspx?p=51153&cat=1,43000,51208&ap=1

[Peter Halle]

I might suggest that you try out the router and then buy your accessories.  In the event that you purchase the router and then take advantage of the 30 day return warranty you might find that the accessories are not returnable.  I doubt that you would be unhappy with the router, but...

Peter

[electricald]

Gentlemen,
Here is the deal with me. I work 4 weeks away and then I get 4 weeks home.
I work in Africa at present so I have actually 25 days off as I travel on my time.

I live in Newfoundland, Canada.......an island with a population of about 5 to 650,000 tops.
There is one Home Depot on this island and one Festool distributor. And the Festool stock there is just a few samples.

For me, I have to order from Lee Valley, either online or on the phone. I cannot hop in my car and go buy something; I try to get hopefully what I will use.  So getting things, especially festool I have to rely totally on what you guys say, I have no other basis.
Peter has said wait until I see if I like the router, a good point, but it is likely I will and I am sure he feels the same.

Incidently Tim, The garage is detached 22 x 26, 2 floors (barn style roof) solely a woodworking shop. My first plan is to build a bench against one wall about 8 feet long, made from sheet birch ply and drawers. And with this order I am ordering the Kapex as well and the 500 domino. The kapex I plan to set into the bench and use the top to run flush with the kapex table.
Then I plan to build an assembly table and then a scandanavian style woodworking bench.

From there I want to make some furniture for myself, ie, bed, lamp tables,  mirror and so on.

So my LV order, here it is:
OS 1400, table widener, small bore base, guide stop, and edge guide. What I try to do is get a general feel from everyone and then place my order as it is a week before I get it

Thanks guys for all the comments, I still will read all the comments over and over again and think before I ''proceed to cart'', LOL

Sincerest Regards,
Dan Power

[billg71]

I'd suggest skipping the table widener and get Pat Warner's Precision Subbase Kit

Well made, dead-nuts accurate and centerable, it allows you to use the conventional P-C guide bushings. And it's cheaper than the table widener.

HT,
Bill

P.S. IIRC, the small bore base allows you to use the router with the guide stop totally off the guide rail instead of half-on with the foot thingie supporting it on the work. Makes for easier edge routing since it covers the big hole in the stock base and is less apt to snag on corners.Drawback is that the hole in the steel mounting clip is just 1-17/32 dia. so you're restricted in the size of bits you can use.

I'll add that Pat's base is too thick to use with the edge guide  if you want to make cuts < 3-1/2" from the edge of the workpiece, the edge guide won"t go under the base. Ditto for the table widener.

[fastbike]

I'll echo the recommendation for Pat Warner's sub base.

[dicktill]

Dick

These parts are shown as accessories for the OF1010 but they work with the OF1400. The FOG post below shows these accessories being used on the OF1010 if you look at the video from about 2:00. In principle the use is the same with the OF1400 except you can't use the chip catcher (I improvised my own, though it has been claimed that the OF1010 one can be adapted).

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/jack-miters-with-a-jigsaw/?prev_next=prev

Cliff

Cliff (or others),

I see there is also a #486534 Copier Scanning Set (KT-OF)  that also fits into the #486052 Angle Arm (WA-OF). What is this used for and how does it operate?

Thanks, Dick

[TOOLTOWN]

The Copier Scanning Set, Edging Plate, and Angle Arm are used to expand the capabilities of the router to include tasks such as trimming edge banding.



Ken

[cliffp]

Dick

If you look here at about 8:00, Paul Marcel explains its use very well.



Cliff

[dicktill]

Thanks Ken, Cliff, and Paul. I'll have to spend some more study time on Half-Inch Shy.

Regards, Dick

[dicktill]

Further to my earlier questions (above) on some specific accessories: There are some good photos of the angle arm (486052), edging plate (486058), chip deflector (486242), and copier scanning set (486534) in the "Festool Essentials - The Routers" book (pages 26-29), showing their attachment and use. Overall an excellent book BTW.

Regards, Dick