Best festool router for running dadoes?

[Jonhilgen]

I've started to route dadoes in my cabinets for cabinet backs (something I only did on finished ends, but now I do it for all cabinets).  I have an OF 2000, which is a bit much for running 1/4" dadoes, and the dust collection stinks.

So, which router excels at this particular task.  I will most likely be dedicating one router for this task, since I'm building more and more cabinets and would like to cut down on setup time (as well as the dust!).

I know JMB is going to say "justgetheof2200itsthebestrouteroutdermanjustgetit" but its a bit too costly

Jon

 

[GhostFist]

of 1010

 

[bullieblue]

OF1010

of 1010

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I believe in the cabinet class, Sedge and Steve use the MFK for that task with the parallel guide. If you have the need for a trim router, worth a look.

The OF 1010 would also do a great job.

 

[davee]

I use the MFK for this and drawer bottoms. Easy to use and no dust.

 

[mastercabman]

I have the 1010 and use it for 1/4" dadoes.No problem!

 

[ccarrolladams]

I believe in the cabinet class, Sedge and Steve use the MFK for that task with the parallel guide. If you have the need for a trim router, worth a look.

The OF 1010 would also do a great job.

Shane is correct, as usual, about learning many uses of the MFK700 in Festool end user classes. It is entirely possible to use the MFK700 to route 6mm or 1/4" dadoes close enough to an edge such a guide is practical.

However, if I were going to dedicate a Festool router to making such narrow dadoes, I would recommend the OF1010. Personally I like to leave my own MFK700s each set up for specific trim tasks. Changing set-ups on the OF1010 is significantly faster. Also, the purchase of an OF1010 costs less. The 1010 watts of power in the OF1010 is more than enough to make bigger dadoes and rabbets.

 

[BMH]

I have the 1400, 1010 and the MFK. They all do a great job. The 1400 is the fastest to set up, but a little heavy. The 1010 is much lighter and the most cost effective of the three. The MFK  the easiest to handle but a little longer to set up.

Dedicated router for dadoes: 1010 and spend the money saved on good router bits.

Bruce

 

[sancho57]

Why would you dedicate on router especially at the price you pay for a festool router to making only 6mm grooves?

I buy tools based on versatility.

For the task you want a router for I would go for the 1010. You could use it not only for the groove, but cutting the edge banding, flush cutting etc.

The 1010 is the most versatile router I have owned. I grab it and use it for all my none table routing.

 

[Jonhilgen]

Why would you dedicate on router especially at the price you pay for a festool router to making only 6mm grooves?

I buy tools based on versatility.

For the task you want a router for I would go for the 1010. You could use it not only for the groove, but cutting the edge banding, flush cutting etc.

The 1010 is the most versatile router I have owned. I grab it and use it for all my none table routing.

Ok, maybe "dedicated" is a bit too narrow a definition.  I would mainly be using it for dadoes, but it sounds like it would also shine for trimming wood banding as well.

Thanks for the input guys.

Jon

 

[danrush]

Jon,
I firmly believe in dedicating routers for specific and repetitive tasks. I employ a couple of 1010's , one for dados, one for the lr32, and one for my most common round overs. 
As I transition from a site installer to shop based fabricator ( a 10 year plan ) I know I'll add more 1010's as needed. 
They are great little machines for the modest tasks at hand.

Dan

 

[Sweet]

Jon,

I'd opt for the OF 1010. We have a couple in the shop and they are an amazingly versatile tool. When routing grooves for cabinet backs I have added long (400mm I think) beech runner to the fence which makes the operation easier and more accurate. As others have already said you can also use it for LR32 system and it makes an excellent trimming router (with the required accessories) for lippings.

Dan.