Edge Routing accessories for the OF1400

[Daviddubya]

I have been reading the many interesting threads about edge routing and the new MFK700.  I already own the OF1400 router, and have a couple of questions about the edge routing accessories available for it.  Although the Festool USA web site does not show any of the edge routing goodies as accessories for the OF1400, the 2007 catalog does.  One of the threads I read mentions the edge routing accessories do indeed work with the OF1400.

First question:  The 2007 catalog shows the same edge routing accessories for the OF1010 and the OF1400, except that the Chip Deflector (486 242) is shown in the list for the OF1010, but not for the OF1400.  Is the Chip Deflector used with the OF1400, or is it not required to use dust collection with the edge routing accessories with the OF1400?

Second question:  I have read about the pros and cons of using the OF1400 as an edge routing tool.  I understand the considerations, especially weight, but...  Does anyone have experience using the OF1400 with the edge routing accessories?  How well (or poorly) does the OF1400 work with the edge routing accessories?

[Brice Burrell]

  Dave, I give you my comments and take some pictures showing the accessories on the 1400, give me a few minuets.

[bruegf]

David,

I've been looking at the accessories trying to figure out what to purchase w/ the router.   This gives a pretty good idea of the various accessories and how they're used.

Fred

http://www.festoolusa.com/Web_files/OF1400_manual_usa.pdf

[Daviddubya]

David,

I've been looking at the accessories trying to figure out what to purchase w/ the router.   This gives a pretty good idea of the various accessories and how they're used.

Fred

http://www.festoolusa.com/Web_files/OF1400_manual_usa.pdf

Fred - Unfortunately the edge routing accessories are not mentioned in the manual you referenced, written by Rick Christopherson.  Stay tuned for more input from Brice.

[bruegf]

Daid,

Sorry, I thought you were referring to the Edge guide #492636, which is in the manual.   Which part are you referring to?  Hopefully its not another one that once I see it I think I'll need it too.  The 1400 router purchase is starting to look really expensive once I add in all the accessories.

Fred

[Daviddubya]

Fred - The edge routing accessories are the Angle Arm (486 052), Copier Scanning Set (486 534), Edging Plate (486 058) and possibly Chip Deflector (486 242).  The first three are listed in the 2007 catalog on page 54.  You can look them up online as accessories for the OF1010, or by part number.  This set of accessories allows the OF1400 to be used in a horizontal position for edge work.  Brice will be posting how they are used on the OF1400 shortly, according to his earlier post.

ps - All Festool purchases are expensive, some are more expensive than others. 

[Brice Burrell]

Dave, the edge routing accessories, the angle arm with its two attachments the edging plate and the copying set fit the 1010 and 1400. The angle arm mounts to the router's base were the out rigger (support foot) attaches.


The 1010 is very easy to use for horizontal routing because for its smaller size and lighter weight. The 1400 is a little more effort, but I consider it to be well with in the ability of the average person.


The chip guard does not fit the 1400 as is.  I believe it could be easily made to fit with a longer M5 bolt, by replacing the thumbscrew shown here.


The chip guard mount to the router by pinching the base (between the double ended arrow). As you can see in the pic it won't fit, the piece that the black arrow points to floats on the shaft of the thumb screw. A longer screw would allow the chip guard to attach the 1400.


The chip guard make a difference, collecting almost all the chips, without it the collection is not that great. I'd say go for it Dave, if you aren't happy return the stuff.

[Daviddubya]

Brice - Thank you for a very informative reply.  Can you describe how the Copier Scanning Set (strange name) is used.  It is hard for me to envision using a bearing guided cut with the router in a horizontal position to "copy" something, i.e. to do template routing.  Seems the bearing would be engaging the vertical edge to hold the router in place.  Maybe it is just the name of the accessory that is confusing?

I am in the process of deciding whether to:

a. stick to the non-Festool method I have been using for flush top edge trimming, or
b. buy the OF1400 accessories and start using it for those cuts (and others), or
c. sell my old stuff, keep the OF1400 as my go-to, hand-held, plunge router, and buy the MFK700 setup (for at least $500 and maybe over $700!).

I have three trim routers and one multi-base kit collected over time that do not all get used now.  The OF1400 has replaced the multi-base kit.  The MFK700 would replace the trim routers and then some in functionality.  Selling those routers and various accessories and buying the MFK700 is VERY tempting because of the MFK700 versatility and small size.  Thoughts?

[Brice Burrell]

  Dave the copying set works with the router in the vertically, like a copying bit with its bearing following a pattern. But the copying set is meant to be used with bits without a bearing, like a spiral bit.

  Here is a link to my site, Edge routing accessories, check it out for more info.

  I agree, the MFK is very tempting. Is your Festool Visa paid off?

[Daviddubya]

Brice - Thanks for the clarification.  As I now understand it, the Copier Scanning Set OR the Edging Plate are used with the Angle Arm, not both at the same time.  Makes a lot more sense now.  I was confusing the Copier Scanning Set with one of the photos of the MFK700, with a bearing guide being used in the horizontal position.

Fortunately, I cannot make an impulsive decision about the MFK700 until May!

Wanna buy some old, slightly used routers?