Could anyone recommend a router for me please?

[Emperor Ming]

I've just bought a fairly substantial (for me) amount of Festool kit to replace some Makita tools.  This is for home use, and I'll be looking to augment with a router at some point in the future.  So, I wonder if anyone could recommend one for me.

At present, the main things I anticipate wanting to do will be to apply some curves or other fancy-ness to the edges of certain things.  I don't immediately foresee the need to have to rout into anything, if that makes sense.

Is there an option for this kind of 'peripheral' routing?  Even so, perhaps I should future proof and opt for something like an OF1400, which seems to be a very nice middle of the road machine?

Thanks in advance folks

 

[3PedalMINI]

I've just bought a fairly substantial (for me) amount of Festool kit to replace some Makita tools.  This is for home use, and I'll be looking to augment with a router at some point in the future.  So, I wonder if anyone could recommend one for me.

At present, the main things I anticipate wanting to do will be to apply some curves or other fancy-ness to the edges of certain things.  I don't immediately foresee the need to have to rout into anything, if that makes sense.

Is there an option for this kind of 'peripheral' routing?  Even so, perhaps I should future proof and opt for something like an OF1400, which seems to be a very nice middle of the road machine?

Thanks in advance folks

I have been battling the same thing. I cannot decide for the life of me between the OF1400 and the 2200. Im leaning more towards the of1400 because of all the accessories including the LR32 system and currently the of2200 cannot be placed in the router table due to a UL listing snafu with the switches. I also like that i can use the 1400 with the dust extractors and auto on function. I just dont know though, i have a old trusty Ryobi router that is insanely powerful, i may just keep that for the times that i need the power, i need a middle ground router more times then i need the massive power. Trade off though between the 1400/2200 is the 2200 can be more accuruately dialed for detail inlay work (depth) but its a large heavy router for that kind of stuff

Maybe someone can persuade us to just take the plunge (no pun intended)  [big grin]

 

[3PedalMINI]

I've just bought a fairly substantial (for me) amount of Festool kit to replace some Makita tools.  This is for home use, and I'll be looking to augment with a router at some point in the future.  So, I wonder if anyone could recommend one for me.

At present, the main things I anticipate wanting to do will be to apply some curves or other fancy-ness to the edges of certain things.  I don't immediately foresee the need to have to rout into anything, if that makes sense.

Is there an option for this kind of 'peripheral' routing?  Even so, perhaps I should future proof and opt for something like an OF1400, which seems to be a very nice middle of the road machine?

Thanks in advance folks

I have been battling the same thing. I cannot decide for the life of me between the OF1400 and the 2200. Im leaning more towards the of1400 because of all the accessories including the LR32 system and currently the of2200 cannot be placed in the router table due to a UL listing snafu with the switches. I also like that i can use the 1400 with the dust extractors and auto on function. I just dont know though, i have a old trusty Ryobi router that is insanely powerful, i may just keep that for the times that i need the power. i need a middle ground router more times then i need the massive power. Trade off though between the 1400/2200 is the 2200 can be more accuruately dialed for detail inlay work (depth) but its really to large & heavy router for that kind of stuff

Maybe someone can persuade us to just take the plunge (no pun intended)  [big grin]

 

[Jalvis]

Are you sure a router is the correct tool for your needs?  Sounds like you need a bandsaw?

There is no Shortage of convincing arguments on this forum for Festool routers.....therefore I foresee you both spending money. 

Sometimes when this type of question comes up I think the better question is "Why should I NOT buy a Festool _____?"  Lots of pro's so what are the con's?

 

[MrToolJunkie]

When you say curves to the edges of things, I assume you mean profiles such as a round-over or cove or Ogee, etc...  Any of the Festool routers will do that and with minimal dust.  While I do not own a 1400, that would be a good choice for a single router in my opinion.  If you can spring for more than one, then I would suggest the 2200 and the 1010 -- this combination would cover any hand router task and give you access to all Festool accessories.  The 1400 would be better in the router table than the 1010.  Also, consider the range of bits you want to use...1/4 inch and 8mm shank bits work fine for edge profiling, etc... and 1/2 inch shank bits are the way to go for heavy duty routing and joinery such as deep mortises, etc...  The 1400 can accept them all and the 1010 is limited to 1/4 inch and 8mm. The 2200 can also accept them all, but 1/2 inch is what is recommended (although I have used other size bits with the router without issue -- you just have to keep the power in mind as you can easily push this router faster than a small bit can keep up).  The 1010 is lighter than the 1400 making hand-routing tasks a bit easier or less tiresome, but I do not think that the weight of any of the routers, even the 2200 is that bad. 

Hope this helps and others will weigh in as well.

Scot

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Oh, and welcome to the FOG!

Scot

 

[Birdhunter]

I've about finished replacing almost all my power tools with Festool products. I have a bunch of DeWalt 621 and 625 routers I need to sell as a result of the refurb. At my age this will be the last time I have to replace everything and I wanted to have the absolute best tools. Thus, Festool.

I initially needed a small router for inlay work and bought the 1010. It's a delightful router, but can't handle 1/2 inch bits.

Of course, I needed a router to handle 1/2 inch bits and bought the 1400. It too is a delightful router.

For some insane reason, I decided I absolutely had to buy the monster 2200.  The 2200 is a beast. I work out a lot and I'm pretty strong (though old), but the 2200 is a lot to manage. It's wonderful for plowing through a lot of material without a hint of straining.

All are excellent in collecting dust.

If I had it all to do over again, I'd buy only the 1400. It's got enough power for 90% of anything I have to do and it's light enough to use for edging and inlays.

 

[Stone Message]

If you need help deciding then go to the OF1400 Review thread...

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-of1400-video-review-and-demonstration/

Let us all know what you decide to do.

Peter

 

[3PedalMINI]

If you need help deciding then go to the OF1400 Review thread...

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-of1400-video-review-and-demonstration/

Let us all know what you decide to do.

Peter

Peter, Excellent review! you sold me  [big grin]

 

[Kev]

Hi Ming,

The OF1400 is a great "all rounder". The OF2200 can go in the CMS ... just not in the US!

I have the OF 1010 and OF 1400 ... I got the OF 1010 with the intention of just using it for dovetails, etc - but haven't got it out of the box in earnest. The OF 1400 is a great all rounder.

The OF 2200 is on my radar, but will spend it's life mostly setup as a table router and only "come out" if there's a monster job that suits it better than the OF 1400 and there's nothing on the horizon.

Peter's review will probably have you leaning towards the OF 1400.

Festool's specialist routing machines are only suitable if you have a common work pattern that demands then (like the MKF's etc).

Welcome to the FOG  [smile]

I didn't realise Mongo was in the UK !

 

[Jesse Cloud]

All three are good routers and handle edge treatments well.
Since all three are good, we get lots of threads comparing them and all three have fans.
I own the 1010, the 1400, and the 2200.  The 1400 gets most of the work, but the others have come in handy for certain applications.
If I had to downsize, there is no doubt that the 1400 would be the keeper - but that's just my personal preference and the kind of work I do (hobby furniture making).

One thing I would encourage... learn more about routers - they can do incredible things and are the most versatile tool in the shop!

 

[Sparktrician]

I don't disagree that the OF 1400 is the best all-around router.  I would suggest, though, that the OF 1010 is perhaps the better choice for fine work and use with a dovetail jig due to its size and light weight.  Each has its place in the line-up.  The OF 2200 is unparalleled for doing things like door panels with a wide bit.  I wouldn't even think of using 1/4" shank bits with it, though.  It's way too big and heavy for the detailed work that I think you're suggesting.  Sadly, the CMS' switch prevents use of the OF 2200 in the CMS (for now).  The OF 1010 is a wonderful router to start on and use for dovetailing and with the LR 32.  The best one-size-fits-all router is still the OF 1400. 

[smile]

 

[fastbike]

The OF1400 can do depth to 0.1mm. The 2200 can do finer than this? Difficult to believe that level of accuracy is necessary anywhere.

Trade off though between the 1400/2200 is the 2200 can be more accuruately dialed for detail inlay work (depth) but its a large heavy router for that kind of stuff

Maybe someone can persuade us to just take the plunge (no pun intended)  [big grin]

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have been battling the same thing. I cannot decide for the life of me between the OF1400 and the 2200. Im leaning more towards the of1400 because of all the accessories including the LR32 system and currently the of2200 cannot be placed in the router table due to a UL listing snafu with the switches. I also like that i can use the 1400 with the dust extractors and auto on function. I just dont know though, i have a old trusty Ryobi router that is insanely powerful, i may just keep that for the times that i need the power, i need a middle ground router more times then i need the massive power. Trade off though between the 1400/2200 is the 2200 can be more accuruately dialed for detail inlay work (depth) but its a large heavy router for that kind of stuff

Maybe someone can persuade us to just take the plunge (no pun intended)  [big grin]

Actually, I've had pretty good luck running the 2200 plugged in to my CT vacs.  You have to push the router fairly hard before you'll trip a 20 amp breaker.

 

[Brice Burrell]

The OF1400 can do depth to 0.1mm. The 2200 can do finer than this? Difficult to believe that level of accuracy is necessary anywhere.

Trade off though between the 1400/2200 is the 2200 can be more accuruately dialed for detail inlay work (depth) but its a large heavy router for that kind of stuff

Maybe someone can persuade us to just take the plunge (no pun intended)  [big grin]

All Festool routers have .1mm micro adjustment.  I suppose the the poster means that the 2200's micro adjust is easier to use than the other Festool routers.  I'd agree, but it's not like it hard to use them on the other routers.

 

[semenza]

Hi Emporor,

Welocome to the FOG!  [smile]

The 1400 is the most general purpose router in the Festool line up. It is small enough to handle the edging tasks you mention and will still have plenty of power for some larger bits and routing dados etc. The DC is excellent.  1010 is lighter and handier, but does have some limitations, such as it won't take 1/2" shank bits.  The 2200 is an awesome beast. It is unlikely it will be the one to get for what you have mentioned.

If you are getting one router , go 1400. If you want a router that will do most things with the idea that you may get another router down the road get the 1010 as long as you don't already have a collection of 1/2" shank bits.  The 2200 is beyond what will be comfortable to use for edging, but is a great compliment to the 1010.

Seth

 

[Emperor Ming]

Folks - thank you all for the helpful replies, very kind.

I think I was getting myself a little confused after having seen the laminate trimmers - they seem to be able to apply curved edges, but are probably a little limited.  The OF1400 looks like the sweet spot.  Trouble is, that router makes me think that the CMS would be a great idea too.  I have a feeling this will be difficult to control  [smile]

 

[Roseland]

Firstly, welcome to the FOG!

Four years ago I didn't have a router but thought one would be useful for adding edge profiles.  I bought a DeWalt DW621, based on Pat Warner's review.  It's a nice little router but the dust collection is terrible and the hose connection is at the very top, so any tug on the hose tips it.

Shortly after I got a Triton router to use in a table.  It's crude but cheap.

Then I discovered Festool, and got an OF1400.  It's a brilliant router with superb dust collection, but it's a bit heavy for detailed work.  Also the accessories for trimming edge banding don't include a dust shroud, so I fell for an OF1010.  I love that too.  It's a little slower to use - the guide bushes are screwed in not clipped in for example - and doesn't have quite the grunt, but it's my go-to router most of the time.

Both are great routers and I think you'll end up with them both within a year or so!

Andrew 

 

[Wooden Lungs]

I have an OF1400 and its a fantastic bit of kit,  but for small quick routing tasks I use a Bosch palm router 110v.

Its great for small moulds etc and for hanging say a single door to quickly set in hinges. Micro adjustment is not 100% accurate on my one! so I just use a steel rule to set it.

Great power in such a small router.



Your heart seems set on a OF1400 though ..   Don't blame you.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

I've got the 1000, 1400, and 2200.  The 2200 is a beast to handle.  It's heavy, big, and the lack of the plugit cord makes it seem even more awkward to handle.    It's tiring to use as an everyday router.  However, while the 1000 and 1400 are pretty good at collecting dust, the dust collection on the 2200 is incredible.  However, I only use my 2200 because it is in my home while my other two routers are at my cottage.

If I had to choose one, it would be the 1400 for sure, if only for its ability to run in the LR32 jig and still have the 1/2" collet.  If the 1010 came with a 1/2" collet, it would be close as it really does just about everything I want, and is so light.  Does the 1010 come with a Plugit ?