Festool don't get it all Right

W

Waka

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Jul 8, 2010
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I had a job to do that required the use of a 1/4" router bit, I have the 1400 but it doesn't come with the 1/4" collet so I ordered one yesterday and it arrived in todays post.

Started to set up the router and noticed that the spanner size for the 1/4" collet is a different size to the 1/2", 12 mm and 8 mm collets, to me this is a real let down. Luckily I had a spare collet spanner that fitted, but if you were out on a job somewhere and didn't have access to another spanner then it could turn out to be a PITA.

I have a lot of festool tools and find them the best on the market, but its these little attentions to detail that let them down.
 
I know you're in the UK, but here in North America the OF1400 is shipped with the 1/4" collett as well as the 1/2" and 8mm colletts, and I don't recall having to use a different spanner.

Perhaps you were sent the wrong collett by mistake e.g. one for the 1010 router?
 
Richard

Regarding collet sizes, I wish they would do the same over here, not much use for the 12 mm collet.

Anyway I've checked and it is the right collet, it also fits the 2000 & 2200 routers. I can live with it but thought it being Festool  the size would be universal.
 
Waka,

I also have a 1400. I have 1/4", 8mm, 12mm, and 1/2" collets, and they all have the same nut size. I don't know for certain if Festool have ever changed the size, but I don't believe so. Something is not right somewhere....

I can't remember offhand what spanner size it is (I've a feeling it may be 22mm but I may well be wrong) and I don't have time to go check right now. I'd recommend ringing Festool UK & speaking to the technical dept. to get it confirmed. It may be possible that you have the wrong collet due to a supplier or packaging error or something like that, and that it just happens to have the same thread size. Unlikely, but possible.

Edit: I lied, I did have time. It's 22mm, and all 4 collets are the same size.
 
I bought an OF1400 which came with a 1/4 and a 12mm collet I told my dealer and he changed it straight away for a 1/2in collet no question my spanner size is 22mm for all collets
 
Meatman,

It's been mentioned before, but the standard package of the OF1400 in the UK has 8mm, 12mm and 1/2" collets. The 1/4" collet is not included in the scope of delivery, which is a bit rubbish really especially when they charge £44.40 for the additional collet 99% of customers will need. [mad]

I don't think I've ever seen router cutters in the UK with a 12mm shank. They should remove the 12mm & replace it with 1/4" as standard.
 
As I recall, there was a recent change to the scope of delivery for the OF 1400. It now includes the newer design collet used by the OF 2200. As a result, a different size wrench is needed if you order the collet separately.
 
Thanks Shane, that clears it up, I'll just have to carry two spanners in the box.
 
Waka, i would call them & get it changed.  That would pee me off.  My 1400 came with the 1/2 & 1/4 both with the same size spanner.  Cant remember if i got the 8mm included ?

Woodguy
 
Woodgut

You're absolutely right, I've just sent them off an e-mail, lets see what they have to say.
 
I think the new design is an improvement regarding cleanliness. It might be worth two wrenches to get better performance.
 
Shane

Thanks for the link, certainly looks like its been put through its paces.

 
Hey Shane, is there any way we can see more of the endurance testing for Festool products? I've seen little snippets of you guys sandbalsting everything and was impressed but I'd love to see how much of a kicking these devices can take, not that i plan on kicking any
 
Shane:

I just ran into the same problem with a replacement 1/2" collet.  I like the new design better, but now need a 24mm wrench.

Where can I get a Festool 24mm wrench?  Seems unreasonable to have to buy one, considering the new collet was a replacement for one that was defective.
 
[member=8968]zzzzdoc[/member] Did you manage to order the Festool 24mm wrench?
 
zzzzdoc said:
Shane:

I just ran into the same problem with a replacement 1/2" collet.  I like the new design better, but now need a 24mm wrench.

Where can I get a Festool 24mm wrench?  Seems unreasonable to have to buy one, considering the new collet was a replacement for one that was defective.
Click to expand...

Those are basic DIN 894 spec wrenches.  Any 24mm wrench will suffice.

Edit: Mr forgetful over here, let me be more helpful. 

22mm x 24mm open end spanners are common.  Worth looking into if you have both collets. 

19mm x 24mm is also findable for those that have the smaller and larger Festool routers. 

Some of the German DIN 894 and 895 wrenches are made in India, others are still made in Germany, most are made
elsewhere.  They are usually black oxide, so I can't help with finding chromed ones.

I prefer to use longer handled combination wrenches. 

Your common German firms offer all of the above (Gedore, Stahlwile, Heyco,Hazet, Elora),
as do the other usual contenders (Wright, SK, Snapon, Craftsman, Proto, Facom, Beta).   

The price gets up there when talking about 24mm, so, when swapping out wrenches with longer combos, as I do,
I look to the Japanese.  Specifically, Kyoto Tool Company. 

That said, something pedestrian like Menard's Masterforce or Draper should at least meet 894 and 895 standards. 
 
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