Festool OF1400 - Video Review and Demonstration

[Chems]

Great review Peter, I've always thought that the router is probably the place that you'd notice the most difference from Festools design methods. I received a TS55R for Christmas so the OF1400 is now next on my list. I didn't need convincing but its made me all the more sure!

I'd be interested to hear about using it in the CMS as a router table too. I know the OF2200 is recommened for table use but be good to know the OF1400 could also be used.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi James

I will do my best to get the CMS but it may take a while. I sent an email to you this morning!

Take care.

Peter

 

[builderbob]

Since we in the states can't use the 2200 in the CMS table as of yet, I've been using the 1400 and am very pleased with all of the routing tasks I've asked of it. Granted I can't spin raised panel bits, I've done shaker style flat recessed rails and stiles and am very happy with my purchase! 

Bob

 

[Tinker]

I am working on some picture frames (Christmas presents)
most I am doing tapered styles and rails with 45º angled corners.
So far, i have made a couple with dovetailed keys at the corners.
Next will have floating M&T joints.

The 45º angled corners i did on my SCMS (Hitachi dust machine), but have done them in the past with my ATF 55 and MFT.
I am more satisfied with what I did with 55/mft.  The reason I did the 45º on the Hitachi was that I had tapered the sides first.
Later today, i am going to set up the 55/MFT to cut the corner pieces at 45º BEFORE doing the tapering.  I think that might work better.
I have done window trim on the MFT in the past and the angles came out perfect fits. 
I had experimented with cutting the 45º close with the SCMS and then trimming to exact angle with the CMS and sliding table.  I had no problem getting the 45º exact as far as angle went.  The problem was to get the length perfect every time.  To trim the lengths at the angles, and do it perfect every time was the same result as to cut the angles just a hair off, only sometimes worse.

(Note)  My Hitachi, I have fiddled and fiddled with. I am making cuts that are fine for carpentry and for larger trim such as around windows and door trim.  For smaller picture frames with styles and/or rails of less than 12"s, I can fiddle for ever and not get the angle perfect without resorting to sander or block plane.  On MFT, I have been able to do the cuts purfikly (spelling intended) without sanding or planing. 

With the tapered sides, I ran into problems with trying to do on CMS.  The stock had been 1"x 1-1/2".  Without some extensive jigging, i could not get the taper to what i wanted.  Finally, i set up my HL 850 w/bench mount and fence.  Bingo!

From there, I did some fluting (different style for each frame) with the CMS/OF1400.  That operation went great.  I have tried doing that with my OF 1000 with some erratic success.  Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. It depends on whether I could do the fluting with boards laying flat or standing on edge. With the CMS, it worked great every time.

I am finding out the OF 1400/MFT makes a great combo.  Doing profiling by handheld routing gets me into trouble since I am not doing that for more than a very few weeks per year.
Tinker

 

[Brice Burrell]

Since we in the states can't use the 2200 in the CMS table as of yet, I've been using the 1400 and am very pleased with all of the routing tasks I've asked of it. Granted I can't spin raised panel bits, I've done shaker style flat recessed rails and stiles and am very happy with my purchase! 

Bob

I'm not sure can't is the the right word here since so many of the CMS tables came with the parts to mount the 2200.  You're not supposed to to mount one, but that's not the same as can't.....

 

[Julian Tracy]

I had the 1400 and sold it as I already had a few mid-range HP routers and I didn't care for the clip-on dust port.  Great router to be sure, but not a need for me as I have a few other 2 1/4hp options and it was $$$ I could be spending on higher need tools...

I love the 1010 though, and in my mind that little router would be the ticket for dovetail jigs.  The 1400 is about the heaviest of mid-HP routers, and quite a bit of overkill for simple dovetails.

Can't imagine why you'd want to use it for dovetail cutting unless it was your only router.

JT

 

[Stone Message]

I had the 1400 and sold it as I already had a few mid-range HP routers and I didn't care for the clip-on dust port.   Great router to be sure, but not a need for me as I have a few other 2 1/4hp options and it was $$$ I could be spending on higher need tools...

I love the 1010 though, and in my mind that little router would be the ticket for dovetail jigs.  The 1400 is about the heaviest of mid-HP routers, and quite a bit of overkill for simple dovetails.

Can't imagine why you'd want to use it for dovetail cutting unless it was your only router.

JT

I spent a while looking into which router to buy and the OF1400 won because it provided the quickest change to and from dovetailing. There are centering issues with the OF1010 which will affect dovetail work.

Peter

 

[builderbob]

Since we in the states can't use the 2200 in the CMS table as of yet, I've been using the 1400 and am very pleased with all of the routing tasks I've asked of it. Granted I can't spin raised panel bits, I've done shaker style flat recessed rails and stiles and am very happy with my purchase! 

Bob

I'm not sure can't is the the right word here since so many of the CMS tables came with the parts to mount the 2200.  You're not supposed to to mount one, but that's not the same as can't.....

I hastily typed "can't" and should've said "not supposed to". You're correct that Festool has not gotten UL approval yet due to the switch issue and therefore nulls our warranty.  Good find Brice

Bob

 

[Kodi Crescent]

As usual Peter, another excellent review! 

BTW - Festool, my wife hates you   [wink]

Use a Festool dust extractor and sander to sand a drywall patch in the kitchen.  She'll change her tune real fast.

 

[stvrowe]

As usual Peter, another excellent review! 

BTW - Festool, my wife hates you   [wink]

Use a Festool dust extractor and sander to sand a drywall patch in the kitchen.  She'll change her tune real fast.

Or vice versa [jawdrop]

 

[Scott B.]

Merry Merry, Peter

Great to hear that your holiday was met with such sustainable cheer, and your family certainly understands your condition.

I only use a router for a few dozen mortises and rabbets a year, but very much enjoyed your tour of this advanced model.

Splendid presentation as always...Cheers!

 

[Stone Message]

Forget drywall - that does not turn women on work - at least not where I live!

Peter

 

[Scott B.]

TMI!  [scared]

Chope Chope!

I will soon be releasing video footage on Rotex tuning snowboards. Chicks should dig. Take that Peter Parfitt! [big grin]

 

[cliffp]

Peter,

I was thinking of buying the cms module for my OF1400 and mounting it in a piece of mdf to attach to the end of the MFT in a similar way to a photo I saw of yours a while back (if I am remembering correctly). I like the idea of taking the OF1400 in and out of the cms module as and when I want to use it table mounted and being able to store the cms module/mdf somewhere space efficiently when not in use. Do you think this makes sense? I was also going to get the cms dust extraction set to plug into my CT Midi (I understand you can just about do this even though it wasn't designed to fit).

Regards
Cliff

 

[Stone Message]

Peter,

I was thinking of buying the cms module for my OF1400 and mounting it in a piece of mdf to attach to the end of the MFT in a similar way to a photo I saw of yours a while back (if I am remembering correctly). I like the idea of taking the OF1400 in and out of the cms module as and when I want to use it table mounted and being able to store the cms module/mdf somewhere space efficiently when not in use. Do you think this makes sense? I was also going to get the cms dust extraction set to plug into my CT Midi (I understand you can just about do this even though it wasn't designed to fit).

Regards
Cliff

Hi Cliff

(I can't resist it - don't look down)

Yes, I have made a router table (tablette) that fits on the end of the MFT3. I am using an old CMT router in there and the setup is quite reasonable. I was going to get the CMS-OF but I would then want to get a second CMS Unit as I am in a static workshop and want everything available all of the time. I am looking at other router table options and am undecided.

I am not sure about investing in what I believe to be a fantastic mounting platform for the OF1400 (or OF2200) and then not getting the CMS Unit itself. The router table that I have just described is the second table that I have made. Routers are quite easy to mount and I do not believe that you will reap the benefits of Festool's router table concept without going the whole hog.

If you go with your plan you need to have a pretty sturdy frame to enhance the MDF. Rather than MDF you could try high quality plywood with formica bonded on both sides (that is what I have used on the MFT table of mine). Make sure that the plate is a snug fit and also ensure that it is secure - a router going full tilt make a nasty missile when you feed in something far too hard and fast!

The CMS dust extraction kit is excellent and I highly recommend it. The only thing that suprises me is that they do not do an anti-static version.

PM me if there are more details that youwould like to discuss.

Peter

 

[cliffp]

Hi Peter

I consider myself more of a fiscal Cliff than a precipice!

I would get the cms base unit but fear I would not have the space to store it (or would resent the space it took up in a very crowded single garage with lots of other stuff such as garden furniture, tents etc). It is also quite expensive for a hobbyist.  I am guessing the main benefit of the base unit is the no volt switch and the sturdy table? Also I guess, the ability to swap in the TS55R module etc. My thought was that I could always add the base unit later having not wasted too much money or time on the table top to insert the cms module into.  I take your point about the need for the sturdy frame and if I go ahead will find something much better than mdf (little more than glorified cardboard I guess).

Re: the idea of a router being a missile, I recall Richard Leon describing a router flying past him so I think you are not exaggerating!

The other idea I toyed with is either buying another router (maybe a Dewalt 625, Trend T11 or Triton TRB001) and building a table top like yours or maybe buying a cheap router table from Axminster or Rutlands. If buying a router table makes sense, do you have any recommendations?

I almost bought a second hand (new condition) cms OF module, cms base unit and dust extraction set for £600 on Ebay but I didn't notice a request to confirm my bid (I was worrying too much about how I would explain it to my wife) and it went to somebody else!

Thanks for all of your suggestions - I think if you had your own Ken Rockwell style (camera reviewer) website you could make a living from your excellent reviews and ingenious techniques!

Regards
Cliff

 

[mouppe]

Hi Peter

I consider myself more of a fiscal Cliff than a precipice!

I would get the cms base unit but fear I would not have the space to store it (or would resent the space it took up in a very crowded single garage with lots of other stuff such as garden furniture, tents etc). It is also quite expensive for a hobbyist.  I am guessing the main benefit of the base unit is the no volt switch and the sturdy table? Also I guess, the ability to swap in the TS55R module etc. My thought was that I could always add the base unit later having not wasted too much money or time on the table top to insert the cms module into.  I take your point about the need for the sturdy frame and if I go ahead will find something much better than mdf (little more than glorified cardboard I guess).

Re: the idea of a router being a missile, I recall Richard Leon describing a router flying past him so I think you are not exaggerating!

The other idea I toyed with is either buying another router (maybe a Dewalt 625, Trend T11 or Triton TRB001) and building a table top like yours or maybe buying a cheap router table from Axminster or Rutlands. If buying a router table makes sense, do you have any recommendations?

I almost bought a second hand (new condition) cms OF module, cms base unit and dust extraction set for £600 on Ebay but I didn't notice a request to confirm my bid (I was worrying too much about how I would explain it to my wife) and it went to somebody else!

Thanks for all of your suggestions - I think if you had your own Ken Rockwell style (camera reviewer) website you could make a living from your excellent reviews and ingenious techniques!

Regards
Cliff

I haven't looked at a router the same since. Scariest workshop moment ever.

Here is what I did with my MFT 800 and a CMS router module. I have another MFT 800 so I have the capability to put the two tables next to each other in various configurations for wider support. When I am not using them with the router, I use them for finishing, assembly, etc.

Here's a link to the thread and a photo.

[attachimg=#]

 

[Stone Message]

If you use just the CMS-OF mounting plate all you seem to be getting is the equivalent of a router lift - or am I missing something?

Peter

 

[cliffp]

Hi Peter

I suspect your post is merely questioning the benefit of using just the mounting plate as opposed to the whole module but for anyone wondering what the module includes, it is: the mounting plate;  a fence which is micro-adjustable on the in-feed side enabling its use as a jointer; an integrated vertical featherboard; an integrated horizontal featherboard; height adjustment mechanism; dust collection connectivity via either the fence or via what they call a 'curved guard' which is used for shaping via a bearing guided bit; several different inserts for different bit sizes.

There is a good review of it here:

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/festool-cms-router-table/

and a supplementary manual here:

http://ebookbrowse.com/festool-cms-router-table-supplemental-manual-pdf-d435712524

Regards
Cliff

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Peter

I suspect your post is merely questioning the benefit of using just the mounting plate as opposed to the whole module but for anyone wondering what the module includes, it is: the mounting plate;  a fence which is micro-adjustable on the in-feed side enabling its use as a jointer; an integrated vertical featherboard; an integrated horizontal featherboard; height adjustment mechanism; dust collection connectivity via either the fence or via what they call a 'curved guard' which is used for shaping via a bearing guided bit; several different inserts for different bit sizes.

Regards
Cliff

Hi Cliff

Do all the bits work as designed without the basic CMS unit? My CMS-TS fence fixes to the side of the basic CMS unit. If, in buying the insert alone there is left over kit (or stuff you have paid for but cannot use) then one should think carefully about the strategy and try and buy the basic CMS unit as part of the plan. Alternatively (if cost is the issue), go for something less expensive.

Do not invest in any form of redundant kit.

Peter