Cold feet

WarnerConstCo. said:
Technically the 2200 takes 8mm, 1/4" and 1/2".

The 2200 will take, 6mm, 8mm, 12mm in metric and 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" shanked cutters with the appropriate collet. It just does not come with all of them in either the router or accessories systainers. I chose not to get the 3/8" collet as the one cutter I use is is cheaper to replace in a 1/2" shank than the collet!
Rob.
 
I own all four festool routers and a significant amount of tooling and jigs for both.  I have been through advanced router training and have quite a bit of experience with routers, etc. Between the 1010 and the 1400 I would defiantly pick the 1400 as a superior machine for the following reasons: ability to take 1/4 to 1/2 bits in same tool (along with 6 and 8 mm and 3/8), ratcheting spindle... the 1010 does not have it, self centering copy rings on the 1400. Having to hand center every time you change a copy ring on the 1010 is a pain, and you need a 28$ accessory.  Tool-less copy ring changes on the 1400- no screws to loose or strip in the middle of a job. Lastly, the fine adjustment on the edge guide and rail stops with the 1400 is far superior to the 1010 edge guide adjustment, as is the edge guide its self.  Also, the 1010 does not have auxiliary tapped holes in the router base for attaching a sub base or base plate directly to the router base.  Both the 1400 and 2200 do, and special base attachment is very easily accomplished with two metric screws.  This feature is not available on the 1010 so double face tape is your choice there.

I know all of the things i mentioned are subtle, but the subtleties are the reasons to make a choice depending on what you are looking for.  If you don't have enough experience or exposure to all of the options mentioned- and most people posting on the forums asking about the 1010 vs 1400 do not, other wise they wouldn't ask, pay particular attention to these subtle details.  They make a lot of difference if you are using your router for a wide variety of operations and tasks- changing setup and accessories often.

Unless I were going to be using my router for extended periods of time overhead or with the edging plate, I would consider the sleight additional weight of the 1400 as an advantage. For edging it's a wash.  
If I could have only one router it would be the 1400, with the 2200 next for fabrication or the 700 if I were doing furniture or laminate work. The 1010 would be my last choice. That's not the order I bought them in, but hindsight is 20/20

These are my opinions- Hope they help

Jay
 
I have a Triton MOF001C in the router table, so I wanted a free-hand router. I did my research and felt that the 1010 was perfect for my needs. I went to one of my local dealers and asked to see the 1010, but they didn't have one. They did have the 1400 and they let me play with that a bit. Even though it was a larger router than I intended to buy I loved how well ergonomically it is designed, so I went for it. In my case I already had a collection of 1/2" bits for the Triton, so that helped me go with the 1400.

So far the 1400 is one of my favorite tools in the shop and I've used it with ease to do edge-work holding the router both vertically and horizontally. I think that, all other things being equal, the best router is the smallest/lightest one that will do the job. I'm confident that the 1010 would have easily done the tasks that I've used the 1400 thus far and arguably would have been the better tool. But I'm happy to say that the bigger 1400 has also been very enjoyable and very easy to operate in spite of it's larger size.

Either 1400 or 1010 will be a great choice. With respect to the power ratings 1010 makes a lot of sense if you're planning to get a 2200 later, while the 1400 is perhaps better first choice for those also aiming to get the 700.

 
I've got an old Craftsman (never use) a DW621 and two Festool routers; the MFK700 and the OF1010.  The 1010 is my favorite router as it is so easy to handle and has some great accessories available.  The only shortcoming is a shorter plunge depth than a 1/2" router.

After going to the April class, my next router will be the OF2200 with the extra bases.  It is surprisingly easy to handle for such a powerful router.  The extended base makes edging operations very stable.

I might still get an OF 1400 someday, but it got bumped past the OF2200.

I have started to build a collection of Festool 8mm bits for the OF1010 which are excellent performers.  I don't think you would run into any chatter problems or shear a shaft unless you were running large diameter cutters, which would drive better on the OF2200 anyway.  I hope Festool has a special on 8mm bits sometime to promote their use!
 
I just don't get that. I do not like the feel of the 1010 at all. Its plunge depth is ridiculous and I don't like the dust collection on it either. So many times I have set stuff up and then go to adjust the height and plunge and have to switch routers, I finally set it aside.

And I just do not agree that it has sufficient power in comparison to other routers of its size that also have better plunge depth. The 1010 just feels like a cheap router to me compared to the OF 1400, it's not in the same league.
 
So 2 1/8" plunge depth is not much compared to 2 3/4" with the OF1400?

What limitations will that cause me?  Told you guys I am router illiterate. [unsure]
 
Rutabagared said:
Darcy,
I know I'll draw some flak for suggesting this but if you don't use a router that much why not go with one of the 2 1/4 hp router kits from Bosch, Makita, PC or Dewalt?  Of the group, I may go with the Dewalt based on dust collection capabilities.

Joe

My first router was a 2 1/4 hp PC but I never use it outside the router table. It does not compare to the OF1400 in any department, and really is not that much cheaper.

Richard.
 
Rutabagared said:
Darcy,
I know I'll draw some flak for suggesting this but if you don't use a router that much why not go with one of the 2 1/4 hp router kits from Bosch, Makita, PC or Dewalt?  Of the group, I may go with the Dewalt based on dust collection capabilities.

Joe

Probably because I will end up wanting a better model after a bit so, why not just get the Benz router instead of a couple Chevy's first. [big grin]

I don't even know what bits to use for what. 
 
Richard Leon said:
Rutabagared said:
Darcy,
I know I'll draw some flak for suggesting this but if you don't use a router that much why not go with one of the 2 1/4 hp router kits from Bosch, Makita, PC or Dewalt?  Of the group, I may go with the Dewalt based on dust collection capabilities.

Joe

My first router was a 2 1/4 hp PC but I never use it outside the router table. It does not compare to the OF1400 in any department, and really is not that much cheaper.

Richard.

Having all the guide rails and all my other festool things, I just see buying another brands router as counter productive.

I will defiantly go with a Festool just not sure which one.
 
Rutabagared said:
Richard Leon said:
Rutabagared said:
Darcy,
I know I'll draw some flak for suggesting this but if you don't use a router that much why not go with one of the 2 1/4 hp router kits from Bosch, Makita, PC or Dewalt?  Of the group, I may go with the Dewalt based on dust collection capabilities.

Joe

My first router was a 2 1/4 hp PC but I never use it outside the router table. It does not compare to the OF1400 in any department, and really is not that much cheaper.

Richard.

Richard,
It's less than 1/2 the price in the US.

Joe

Oh ok. Point taken. I bought a PC plunge/ fixed base combo which was about $300 if I remember correctly, and paid $470 for the OF1400. Should have gone down the festool road from day one but I fell into the cheaper option trap. It was the last time.

Richard.
 
Rutabagared said:
I'll only add that, since you haven't compiled a collection of bits yet, I wouldn't base my decision on available collet sizes.  Buy the 8mm shank Festool bits that both the 1010 and 1400 will accommodate.  Good luck and enjoy!

I recently ordered an OF 1010, but exchanged it for a 1400 instead, precisely because I didn't want to be limited to 8mm shank bits from Festool. While they are great bits, comparable 1/2" shank bits from any of a variety of router bit manufacturers are considerably less expensive. I started adding up the cost of all the bits I would need to buy for the various projects I'm envisioning, and the difference between the 8mm and 1/2" shank was significantly more than the cost of upgrading to the OF 1400. A no-brainer for me.
 
For a first router I would go with the 1400. I had a 1010 and returned within 30 in exchange for the 1400. I am much happier.

I didn't feel as though there was anything wrong with the 1010. The ergonomics of bit changes simply didn't suite me. It has made it back on the list, just way down.

You really can't go wrong with either one, I would just me more inclined to the 1400 as a first router.  [2cents]
 
Aside from the power/weight differences, the 1400 is a newer design and has more advanced features. The 2200 is even newer still and therefore, has still more advanced features. They keep getting better.

Tom
 
Tom Bellemare said:
... the 1400 is a newer design and has more advanced features.

Tom

Yet, I was surprised to see the cheesy plastic add on for dust collection, on the OF1400. It looks like an after thought.
 
Take a look at what they did with the 2200, Gary. I think it's a big improvement.

Tom
 
Rob-GB said:
WarnerConstCo. said:
Technically the 2200 takes 8mm, 1/4" and 1/2".

The 2200 will take, 6mm, 8mm, 12mm in metric and 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" shanked cutters with the appropriate collet. It just does not come with all of them in either the router or accessories systainers. I chose not to get the 3/8" collet as the one cutter I use is is cheaper to replace in a 1/2" shank than the collet!
Rob.

I have an OF 1400 and 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 8mm and 10mm collets for it.  It is my primary hand-held router.  I have a table mounted PC 7518 and a Freud 1700 VS also table mounted.  I am considering purchase of a 1010 because the 1400 is a bit of a task to balance and guide on a narrow 3/4" thick edge, e.g. when cutting a rabbet for installation of a plywood back into an assembled cabinet or bookcase box.

Dave R.
 
Dave

I have both & for the very reason you just mentioned.  If i only had to have 1 then its the 1400, but the 1010 is a great accompaniment.  Also good having both when using the Leigh dovetail jig.

Woodguy.
 
I think it really does depend on what you're looking to do. If you're just goofing around with straight bits and occasional pattern work, I think I'd probably go with the 1100. I found it to be a sporty little unit that does smaller work well, and in conjunction with a 1/4" spiral flush bit, and the edging plate, it's unbeatable. I've never found the need for a sub-base, since it doesn't handle any of the heavy duty 1/2" shank bits that are used for serious edge profiling. If you're not a guy who used routers in your day to day, I think it's a great place to start. But, as with the other routers, you'll want to invest in accessories, so budget for that. It's a huge part of what makes the Festool routers worth the price. Edge guide, guide stop, edging plate, and possibly the fine depth adjustment.

I think that if you were going to need the benefits of the 700, you'd already have bought one. Likewise with the 2200.

Again, I think it's all about the router and the accessories, so I'm assuming you'd buy the 1400 with an edge guide AND the guide stop blocks. I use a guide stop as an outrigger in conjunction with the edge guide to keep it stable when I'm routing edge profiles, so I don't see the need for a sub-base. But I'm also told that if you have a need for the hole drilling kit, that it's a direct bolt-up, and holds the base alignment very well. Once you're used to the adjustment process with the guide stops, it's great for running dadoes in conjunction with the guide rails. It's good for all around plunge work, too. And while I'm not a fan of using plunge routers with dovetail or other trapped bits, the plunge lock is sufficiently solid that you could get away with it. So, for heavy duty stuff, the 1400 is an all around workhorse. So I think that it could be a good choice. But it might be overkill if you're not typically a router guy.

I have a lot of tools that I purchased because they were cool.  I'm in the middle of trying to decide between selling off tools that are paid for, but not regularly used, and keeping them, but accepting that it means more hours lost to learning curves, and not to productivity. The router is a pretty fundamental tool for a lot of guys, but if you're successfully running a shop or a site business without one, my current position is driving me to warn you that if you don't need one yet, I'd only invest in one if you really think it will add to your business. A good router is, at heart, just a motor. The job determines the shape and type of tooling, and the accessories you'll need to help present the tool to the work in a safe manner. The moral of the story is that you don't really need to learn how to use a router. You need to learn how to use all of the bits and sets and accessories. And there are a LOT of bits and sets and accessories, that will (long term) cost you several times what the router does. If you include a box that will properly hold and protect your bits, and a box to hold and organize all of the bases, fences, fence accessories, collets, wrenches, hex keys, dust collection thingies,  and other stuff, and a box for the work holding stuff, and a place to do the work... you're looking at 2 or 3 full systainers worth of "stuff," that will populate the work area. And the process of learning how it all works, and how to wrap your mind around it, and how to put it to productive use, will take a long time to be as profitable as it should.

I'm not trying to say that a router is a bad idea. It's the leatherman of the woodworking world... it can do all kinds of things, and it is extremely useful. I'm just trying to give you a realistic mental image of what you're getting yourself into. If you're only using it to cut a few dadoes once in a while, a small laminate trimmer may be all you need.

 
nickao said:
I have to disagree on the 1010 and agree on the OF1400 and 2200. I really don't like my 1010 that much at all and find 9 times out of 10 I grab my DeWalt 618's first.

I like the OF1400 and is the router I use the most. If you can only get one Festool router I would get the OF1400. If I could get two Festool routers I would get the OF2200 and the OF1400.

If I could afford it I would have the OF2200 already, I have a fantastic use for it right now too .

i second that.. well actually not on the Dewalt :)
i have the OF1010, baught as the first router ever with the former CMS system (called Basis 1A) have an ATF55 in a different insert as well.. then as work got tougher i baught the OF2200, which is all i would ever have wished from a router to be.. then came an offer on ebay with the OF1400.. which was extremely reasonable.. i couldn't resist..
Now if i look back the last 18 month, i would say.. the OF1400 and the OF220 have seen the most work.. and to be honest .. this combination requires no re-thinking about depth adjustments and wrenching of the bits.. also .. both are double columned routers, which ads to ease of use and precision.. the OF1010 i'm using fixed mounted in the OF-FH jig for trimming, edging, grooving.. 

kind regards, Mike
 
James Watriss said:
I think it really does depend on what you're looking to do. If you're just goofing around with straight bits and occasional pattern work, I think I'd probably go with the 1100. I found it to be a sporty little unit that does smaller work well, and in conjunction with a 1/4" spiral flush bit, and the edging plate, it's unbeatable. I've never found the need for a sub-base, since it doesn't handle any of the heavy duty 1/2" shank bits that are used for serious edge profiling. If you're not a guy who used routers in your day to day, I think it's a great place to start. But, as with the other routers, you'll want to invest in accessories, so budget for that. It's a huge part of what makes the Festool routers worth the price. Edge guide, guide stop, edging plate, and possibly the fine depth adjustment.

I think that if you were going to need the benefits of the 700, you'd already have bought one. Likewise with the 2200.

Again, I think it's all about the router and the accessories, so I'm assuming you'd buy the 1400 with an edge guide AND the guide stop blocks. I use a guide stop as an outrigger in conjunction with the edge guide to keep it stable when I'm routing edge profiles, so I don't see the need for a sub-base. But I'm also told that if you have a need for the hole drilling kit, that it's a direct bolt-up, and holds the base alignment very well. Once you're used to the adjustment process with the guide stops, it's great for running dadoes in conjunction with the guide rails. It's good for all around plunge work, too. And while I'm not a fan of using plunge routers with dovetail or other trapped bits, the plunge lock is sufficiently solid that you could get away with it. So, for heavy duty stuff, the 1400 is an all around workhorse. So I think that it could be a good choice. But it might be overkill if you're not typically a router guy.

I have a lot of tools that I purchased because they were cool.  I'm in the middle of trying to decide between selling off tools that are paid for, but not regularly used, and keeping them, but accepting that it means more hours lost to learning curves, and not to productivity. The router is a pretty fundamental tool for a lot of guys, but if you're successfully running a shop or a site business without one, my current position is driving me to warn you that if you don't need one yet, I'd only invest in one if you really think it will add to your business. A good router is, at heart, just a motor. The job determines the shape and type of tooling, and the accessories you'll need to help present the tool to the work in a safe manner. The moral of the story is that you don't really need to learn how to use a router. You need to learn how to use all of the bits and sets and accessories. And there are a LOT of bits and sets and accessories, that will (long term) cost you several times what the router does. If you include a box that will properly hold and protect your bits, and a box to hold and organize all of the bases, fences, fence accessories, collets, wrenches, hex keys, dust collection thingies,  and other stuff, and a box for the work holding stuff, and a place to do the work... you're looking at 2 or 3 full systainers worth of "stuff," that will populate the work area. And the process of learning how it all works, and how to wrap your mind around it, and how to put it to productive use, will take a long time to be as profitable as it should.

I'm not trying to say that a router is a bad idea. It's the leatherman of the woodworking world... it can do all kinds of things, and it is extremely useful. I'm just trying to give you a realistic mental image of what you're getting yourself into. If you're only using it to cut a few dadoes once in a while, a small laminate trimmer may be all you need.

Thanks for that post, lots of good info in there.

I really want to get the CMS when it is available here and drop the 2200 in it.

I suppose I could get by with my colt and my PC router but, I also would like to take advantage of the guide rails with the routers.

I see the router as a small investment vs. all the bits and accessories that I would need with it as well.

Maybe I should just keep sneaking into my buddy's shop and using his SCMI shaper with the power feeder, that is the cheap way.

I really want a shaper but, I don't like tools that are stuck in my shop, I am a bit nomadic and like doing all the work I can on site. (Plus it gets me away from the old lady)
 
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