Considering an OF 1400 - opinions please

[Martin Johnson]

The guys have a lot of great points about the router, but I just wanted to ease your concerns about never knowing until you try it from your original post.  May I recommend that you wait until you have a project that requires a lot of router use...you have 30 days to evaluate the router...if it is not what you thought, you can bring it back to your dealer for a refund...

I have only had the chance to look at a unit at the local dealer. It seems to be a nice router, but one just never knows until he tries it for himself. Unfortunately, that is not really an option.

 

[score0matic]

ON topic...I love my OF1400! The fiber base idea is awesome...One of the few things I've been frustrated with my OF1400 was the crappy foot that came with the rail attachment kit. Problem solved! The router is so well thought out its amazing...makes it VERY easy to use once you learn how it wants to be used. Works VERY well with the guide rails (minus the previously mentioned crappy foot).

I built a rail ski for my OF 1010.



I have sense added the micro adjuster to it this allows you to adjust wider dado's or several spaced flutes while keeping the rail at the same registration

Thanks Craig

 

[Bob Marino]

ON topic...I love my OF1400! The fiber base idea is awesome...One of the few things I've been frustrated with my OF1400 was the crappy foot that came with the rail attachment kit. Problem solved! The router is so well thought out its amazing...makes it VERY easy to use once you learn how it wants to be used. Works VERY well with the guide rails (minus the previously mentioned crappy foot).

I built a rail ski for my OF 1010.



I have sense added the micro adjuster to it this allows you to adjust wider dado's or several spaced flutes while keeping the rail at the same registration

Thanks Craig

Very nice!

Bob

 

[score0matic]

Thanks Bob.

here here is the hole data for the OF 1010
Center to center of the 2,  5/16 holes are 4 7/32" From the bottom to center of the hole is just about 5/8 ( 39/64"  ;D ). Make sure you account for the thickness of any sliding strip you may choose to attach when you are drilling.

Craig

 

[Dan Clermont]

Craig!!!

That is an awesome jig you have made.

Very creative.

Dan Clermont

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

Very creative jig. From what I could see though on the YouTube video, if you had started the router and plunged it down would it have been hasta-la-vista to the guide rail directly below the bit?

Edit: Oops...I overlooked the micro adjustment at the beginning of the video.

 

[score0matic]

Very creative jig. From what I could see though on the YouTube video, if you had started the router and plunged it down would it have been hasta-la-vista to the guide rail directly below the bit?

One of my rails has just that  ;D ;D  Actually it was the reason for my jig.  the little foot slid up causing the rail guide to jump track and what this is what you get.

Craig

 

[gkeas]

I like mine.  If needed, I could use it for all my routing needs.  As it happens, I put a Triton in a table, and I'm fortunate enough to have the MFK700, as well.

Having said all that, if I could only have one, it would be the 1400.  Even at the current pricing (I got mine 2 increases ago), I'd still buy it new without hesitation.

 

[clev1066]

Well, I bit the bullet and the OF 1400 arrived today. I somehow forgot to order the hard fiber base runner (492574) So far, I just love it. I'm on my way back out to the shop to route some dados for fixed shelves; a task I use to use a 12" radial arm saw to do. I must say, the OF 1400 takes up less space and has phenominally better dust collection. I do think I need to get the bigger hose for my CT22 though.

Edit:

A couple of hours later, and I'm wondering what to do with my ex-favorite Bosch 1617evs router kit. I'm thinking I'll just leave the motor in the router lift and sell the fixed and plunge bases. I also don't know about the OF 1000??? Will I ever use it again, or did it just get replaced also? What about my dedicated dovetail jig router, the Porter Cable 960 single speed? To be fair, I haven't tried the OF 1400 with my Omnijig yet; and I might actually prefer the lower handles of the PC for that task.

 

[Jim Becker]

Yea, keep the fixed base router(s) for dovetail work, for sure. The lower center of gravity is better for that IMHO.

 

[johnrichardson]

I highly recommend the Hard Fiber Base Runner (Item #492574) cause it is the same thickness as the guide rail and far superior to the footie which comes with the guide stop IMO

I have to second Dan's recommendation here.  The add-on base is far superior to using the foot.  It may be the best and one of the most used Festool accessories I have purchased.

Yes! I think I will have to order one of these too dont like that dinky foot thing sledding along the workpiece....

 

[grobin]

I have borrowed a friend's a couple of times when my old skill just would not do the job.  Its a great router and fairly light for the power.  I have the guide rails etc. for my TS55 and it works very well.  It cut 1/2" rebate in zebra wood cleanly and easily (my purported 2hp Skill coked up on even cutting 1/4" at a pass).  If you are going to do panel raising or use huge bits in really difficult woods (Osage orange, Zebra Wood, hard maple, …) you need the 2200.  Even that has problems with 1/2" spiral cut bit in lignum vitæ.

BTW I plan on buying one as soon as I get the spare change.