Cheap LR32 setup?

[ryanjg117]

I scored a pretty good deal on a lightly used OF 1400 EQ router the other day, and am already looking to throw out all of my Kreg/Rockler shelf pin jigs that never seem to work for me without bad tearout (no matter how hard I clamp), in favor of using this router to bore the holes for the pins.

But, I don't do enough cabinet work to justify $500 on the full LR32 system... I'm wondering if I can get away with just a "bare bones" setup? It looks like some users have had luck with just purchasing the LR32 Guide Plate (494340), LR32 Guide Rail Index (496938), and the necessary boring bits. I already own a set of RipDogs Rip Guides (which I'm hoping could replace the need for the edge guides included in this kit). Obviously, it won't be as tidy as the LR32 systainer, but it seems to be a whole lot cheaper.

Thoughts?

 

[rst]

I pretty much did what you are thinking.  I bought the base plate and 20mm bit as I planned to use mine for making MFT style tops and all ready had four quick clamps.  I already had an extra Syst I, so I bought the insert from Festool service...they are the best, helpful and quick to respond.  I have a service business and aspire to provide as good service as Festool US provides.

 

[nclemmons]

Most users of the LR32 use it for more than drilling shelf holes. 

I have one and use it for 32mm cabinets. 

If all you are interested in is drilling shelf holes, search for 'shelf drilling jig' on Youtube.  You can purchase a 5mm bit and the router will do a great job if you make your own index jig.  Plenty of units there you can make.    See how much you use it and then make the call on the LR32.

Welcome to the FOG - please share your work as you put the 1400 to use!

neil

 

[sancho57]

One thing I've learned about doing on the cheap, is there is no real cheap.

The LR 32 kit has everything you would need to properly hassle freely drill shelf pin holes using the 32mm system.

The system can be used for other things as well.

If your not really interested in the 32 mm system there are other jigs you can get to drill shelf pin holes.

 

[Holmz]

... and am already looking to throw out all of my Kreg/Rockler shelf pin jigs that never seem to work for me without bad tearout (no matter how hard I clamp), in favor of using this router to bore the holes for the pins.
...
Thoughts?

Where in the US are you?
My daughter (Married) needs some shelf pin jigs.

 

[elfick]

How about this:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/hole-drilling-system/lr-32-hole-drilling-set-583290
It's everything except the bits, clamps, and systainer for $249.

 

[ryanjg117]

Where in the US are you?
My daughter (Married) needs some shelf pin jigs.

Holmz, I'm in the Seattle area. Happy to sell them cheap!

 

[live4ever]

How about this:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/hole-drilling-system/lr-32-hole-drilling-set-583290
It's everything except the bits, clamps, and systainer for $249.

This is what I bought.  Had everything I needed, minus the bits.  Got the 5 and 20mm Festools, and the 35mm CMT.

 

[Scorpion]

How about this:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/hole-drilling-system/lr-32-hole-drilling-set-583290
It's everything except the bits, clamps, and systainer for $249.

I'm torn.  I get the perceived savings but find that not getting the sustainer version with the boys results in feeling less organized and a need to buy the bits anyway.  Univocally you can buy cheaper but...cheaper usually = cheaper.  Quite frequently I find that I wish I'd just bit the billet and gone all in up front. 

Since I can't decide which way to go I've held off but an up coming closer project will probably bring my indecision to an end.

 

[sancho57]

How about this:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/hole-drilling-system/lr-32-hole-drilling-set-583290
It's everything except the bits, clamps, and systainer for $249.

$ 249 + $72 (#2 systainer)= $ 321, now after ha get the bits....
I don't see where there is any substantial savings.

 

[Scorpion]

How about this:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/hole-drilling-system/lr-32-hole-drilling-set-583290
It's everything except the bits, clamps, and systainer for $249.

$ 249 + $72 (#2 systainer)= $ 321, now after ha get the bits....
I don't see where there is any substantial savings.

There isn't, you just spend less if you don't want the bits, clamps, and sustainer and spending less don't hurt as much.  The primary hang up with Festool is the "...your total is..." moment at the register (or checkout page). 

 

[fshanno]

Yes you can get away with it and do nicely.  I bought $125 kit with the sled and mandrel.  I fabricated my own edge and linear stops.

I've done several kitchens a bath and various built in's using my own stops and they turned out fine.

If I wanted to splurge at some point I'd get the 95" holey rail.  Realigning the 55" rail for bookcases and pantries is tedious.

[attachthumb=1]

 

[Eden1415]

There are several El Cheapo ways to do 32mm pins without the hole rail.

If you have an MFT/3 and some dogs, look up    . Fast Easy Smart Tolls  http://fasteasysmarttool.com/  he's got a great Idea.

 

[Big G]

The best versatile system I have found for cabinetry is the Virutex T multiguide PMT111, thousands of uses unlike the festool system which is limited to pre-assembly use.

 

[polarsea1]

The best versatile system I have found for cabinetry is the Virutex T multiguide PMT111, thousands of uses unlike the festool system which is limited to pre-assembly use.

That's very similar to the True Position Guide. I can see some differences but not many.

TP1934 on Amazon

 

[jeh]

I scored a pretty good deal on a lightly used OF 1400 EQ router the other day, and am already looking to throw out all of my Kreg/Rockler shelf pin jigs that never seem to work for me without bad tearout (no matter how hard I clamp), in favor of using this router to bore the holes for the pins.

But, I don't do enough cabinet work to justify $500 on the full LR32 system... I'm wondering if I can get away with just a "bare bones" setup? It looks like some users have had luck with just purchasing the LR32 Guide Plate (494340), LR32 Guide Rail Index (496938), and the necessary boring bits. I already own a set of RipDogs Rip Guides (which I'm hoping could replace the need for the edge guides included in this kit). Obviously, it won't be as tidy as the LR32 systainer, but it seems to be a whole lot cheaper.

Thoughts?

The LR32 is non-trivial to use unless you are a regular user of it. When I had one I always worked a scrap at the same time as the piece I'm working on for sanity purposes and in case I was interrupted during the process. While it does work it is not worth the cost by the time you factor in the rails and connectors. I ended up moving to a Mafell DD40 for joinery and as an aside it does shelf holes. The Mafell spacing templates are easy to use and the chance of ruining your work is greatly reduced.

Mafell does not offer near the selection that Festool does, but their tools are exceptionally well-built. You won't be disappointed with anything other than the price. If you don't have a Domino, the DD40 is a dowel-based joiner (versus domino tenons). There is a fair amount of discussion as to whether dowel's or domino's are better. I had both and just recently sold my Domino as I was not using it and saw no advantage to it over the Mafell DD40.

Other than these two options there is not a lot available short of production line drilling equipment. I have tried numerous inexpensive to moderately expensive solutions and none of the match of two either of these options.

 

[Big G]

The best versatile system I have found for cabinetry is the Virutex T multiguide PMT111, thousands of uses unlike the festool system which is limited to pre-assembly use.

That's very similar to the True Position Guide. I can see some differences but not many.

TP1934 on Amazon

Maybe a slight similarity but I think you will find the Virutex far more useful and it is compatible to the LR32 directive