Centering bit in OF 1010

[Jack Parks]

I plan to use an OF 1010 with a guide bushing and need to center the bit.  Is there a way to do this on this router?

 

[Ken Nagrod]

The centering mandrel 492187

 

[Jack Parks]

Ken,

I actually have the centering mandrel  but I don't see how you can loosen the base such that it will shift and allow you to center it with the collet.

Jack

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I'm sorry that I can't be of further assistance with that since I don't own the OF1010, but there are plenty of guys on here who do that would be better able to answer that.  I know Tom Bellemare knows about that combo.

 

[Dongar]

Jack
You don't center the bit in the router you center it in the guide bushing. First you loosely attach the bushing with pan head screws in over sized holes. Then you insert the mandrel through the bushing and snug it. Next you release the plunge lock allowing the mandrel to center the bushing. Finally you tighten the screws and remove the mandrel. In many cases it really does not matter if the bit is centered if you just keep the router in the same orientation to the work. with most routers this is the only thing you can do. If the bit shank is close to the size of the bushing  you could visually center the bit in the bushing and get it closer then most routers.
Donald

 

[Jack Parks]

Jack
You don't center the bit in the router you center it in the guide bushing. First you loosely attach the bushing with pan head screws in over sized holes. Then you insert the mandrel through the bushing and snug it. Next you release the plunge lock allowing the mandrel to center the bushing. Finally you tighten the screws and remove the mandrel. In many cases it really does not matter if the bit is centered if you just keep the router in the same orientation to the work. with most routers this is the only thing you can do. If the bit shank is close to the size of the bushing  you could visually center the bit in the bushing and get it closer then most routers.
Donald

Donald,

Thanks for your response.  I understand the process of centering the guide bushing but the problem with the OF 1010 is there is no play in the guide busing adapter nor guide bushing when mounted to the base of the router.  This adapter allows you to use the Porter Cable style guide bushings.  Maybe there is some play when you use the Festool copying rings.  I plan to contact Festool tech support tomorrow.

Jack

 

[Dongar]

Jack
I was using my 1010 today and when I looked at my guide bush adapter I realized that I bought it from Leigh Jigs. Festool did not have a Porter Cable style adapter at the time. The Leigh adapter does have counter bored over sized holes for centering. Did Festool have any suggestions for you?
Donald

 

[Mr Handyman]

It may be the case that the rings and base are manufactured to such specifications that it always centers, but then again, why produce the mandrel? It comes with the VS-600 dovetail jig, along with a special guide bush.

Anyway, the guide bushes for the OF 2200 can not be adjusted, but are in the right position from the outset.

 

[Jack Parks]

Jack
I was using my 1010 today and when I looked at my guide bush adapter I realized that I bought it from Leigh Jigs. Festool did not have a Porter Cable style adapter at the time. The Leigh adapter does have counter bored over sized holes for centering. Did Festool have any suggestions for you?
Donald

Donald,

I talked to Dan Durant my Regional Sales Manager with Festool and he put me in touch with Kevin in tech support.  Kevin knew exactly what I was taking about but said unfortunately the Festool adaptor does not allow any movement for you to center the guide bushing.  He said before they were able to get an adaptor made by Festool in Germany that they used to recommend the Leigh adaptor, I believe he said it was part number 704, and it had enough play to center the bushing.  He said the only way he could think of to make the Festool adaptor work would be to enlarge the hole the guide bushing fits into to give it some play.  The problem with trying this is that there is a shoulder around the hole where the bushing fits that still limits any movement.

Dan did a great job trying to get my problem solved and Kevin did all he could for me but I think Festool should correct this issue.  The guide bushings are not centered when you use their adaptor and they sell a centering mandrel that will still not allow you to center the bushing.  I think they should take back the Festool adaptor and provide a Leigh adaptor for us.

Regards,

Jack