Festool Router Dilemma

[Connollyir]

I will be in the market for a new router shortly and I am trying to take the long-view and purchase tools that will multi-task and fill as many roles as possible.

I currently use a Milwaukee 1.25hp (I think) for just about everything - edge profiles to panel raising - and given that this is my first router it has performed admirably for the last 5 years. The main problem is the switch is on its way out, there is too much backlash in the height adjustment for the work I do, and dust collection is non-existant.

Common knowledge with my friends says a proper router table should have a 3hp router, but how true is this? I tend to baby my equipment so I have gotten by with the milwaukee fine up to now (despite being underpowered by their standards). However I am taking on larger cabinet jobs these days and I worry about stressing out a lower power router.

With all that said, I am trying to decide between the OF1010 and OF1400. I will also be purchasing the LR32 and I know the 1400 attaches with screws as opposed to the quick attachment of the 1010 (which I like). I also noted that the 1010 does not come with a 1/2" collet - is one available separately?

Any opinions or experience would be appreciated.

-Ian

 

[Roseland]

The 1010 cannot take a 1/2" shank bit, it only goes to 8mm.

Having said that, I have both a 1010 and a 1400 and I prefer the 1010 whenever I have the choice; it's just so light and easy to use.

The 1010 also is better for edging.  Although the 1400 can take the edging plate, it's too heavy to hold horizontal comfortably, and there is no chip deflector.

But if it's brute power or a definite requirement for 1/2" shank bits then it has to be the 1400.

In the end it doesn't matter which you get now, because you'll end up with both soon anyway!

Andrew

 

[Kev]

OF1010 does not accept half inch router bits - it's Festool's lower power router.

OF1010 is ideal for LR32 because it's nice and light - but the OF1400 is more of a multi-purpose option.

The OF2200 is the tank - no good for LR32 (simply not compatible) but it's the machine you want if you need ultimate power.

If you're the sort of fellow that wants just one router, needs half inch bit support and is willing to be gentle on really big tasks I think the OF1400 is for you.

From the CMS table router module perspective, only the OF1010 and OF1400 and sanctioned for NA (the OF2200 is also supported in the CMS throughout Europe and Asia Pacific). I'm guessing this'll change at some point in the future.

 

[Bob Marino]

 Ian,

 If I were you, I'd opt for the 1400. In no particular order, the reasons would be that the 1400:

 Accepts 1/2" bits - the 1010 accepts 1/4" and 8 mm only.
 Has snap-in guide bushing adapters, rather than the 1010' screw attached adapters.
 Easier bit changers with ratcheting spindle.
 More power - and yes, more power can help reduce chatter and yes again, larger bits require more power.
 Better dust collection.

 This is not to knock the 1010, because the 1010 - being smaller and lighter, just handles so well - and yes the 32 mm hole drilling system certainly can be used with the 1400, but was designed for the 1010. With that said, I'd give the 1400 a nod - even if only by a whisker.

It's a tough call and like many Festool tool choices - has no right or wrong answer and much depends on your own preferences. No matter which router you choose, a good vacuum is essential.

Bob

 

[Connollyir]

Kev - good point about the CMS, I forgot to mention I will be purchasing the table with the router. For reference, is the OF2200 compatible with the NA CMS, even if not "officially" sanctioned?

Bob - I didn't realize the 1010 had screw attached adaptors only, in my eyes that makes the 1400 a better choice from the start - even if I have to screw it to the LR32 (once its on the plate I'll be batch running my parts anyway so its probably a non-issue). As far as dust collection I have been using the CT Mini with the Oneida cyclone kit - the one that mounts on top. Will the stock hose from the Mini give the 1400 sufficient flow or should I just bite it and get the tradesman kit with the bigger hose?

 

[Bob Marino]

Kev - good point about the CMS, I forgot to mention I will be purchasing the table with the router. For reference, is the OF2200 compatible with the NA CMS, even if not "officially" sanctioned?

Bob - I didn't realize the 1010 had screw attached adaptors only, in my eyes that makes the 1400 a better choice from the start - even if I have to screw it to the LR32 (once its on the plate I'll be batch running my parts anyway so its probably a non-issue). As far as dust collection I have been using the CT Mini with the Oneida cyclone kit - the one that mounts on top. Will the stock hose from the Mini give the 1400 sufficient flow or should I just bite it and get the tradesman kit with the bigger hose?

With all the CT's having the same suction stats; it makes the decision tougher. The dc will be better with the 36 mm hose, but the standard 27 mm hose works well also. Just worth mentioning - the 36 mm hose is too large to fit inside the MINI's hose garage.

  Bob

 

[Brice Burrell]

Kev - good point about the CMS, I forgot to mention I will be purchasing the table with the router. For reference, is the OF2200 compatible with the NA CMS, even if not "officially" sanctioned?.....

Yes, in fact some members here mentioned they receive the parts necessary to mount the 2200 with their CMS.

 

[Connollyir]

Kev - good point about the CMS, I forgot to mention I will be purchasing the table with the router. For reference, is the OF2200 compatible with the NA CMS, even if not "officially" sanctioned?.....

Yes, in fact some members here mentioned they receive the parts necessary to mount the 2200 with their CMS.

Well then that solves the potential upgrade issue down the line when, not if I purchase the 2200  [smile]

Seems the consensus is the 1400, which is what I was leaning towards anyway - I have too many 1/2" bits and its more versatile.

I'll probably end up with the MFK 700 fairly soon as well to round out my kit, that well before the 2200.

-Ian

 

[sancho57]

I went for the 1010 first, awesome router. Does a heck of a lot of things. Then I got the 2200 for a router table and for my 1/2 shank bits which I use to hog out a lot of wood in one pass

To me its the perfect combo

 

[Connollyir]

I went for the 1010 first, awesome router. Does a heck of a lot of things. Then I got the 2200 for a router table and for my 1/2 shank bits which I use to hog out a lot of wood in one pass

To me its the perfect combo

I would agree that is a great combination, my problem is slow cash flow for new tooling (who would think?) requires me to focus on a jack of all trades right now. Generally I have been replacing tools that die with a Festool equivalent, only springing for something new if it seriously increases capability or efficiency.

I think the 700 and 1400 will fit my bill nicely and make life much easier from here on.

-Ian

 

[skids]

I am in a similar boat right now..Mulling the 1010 or the 1400. I REALLY like the 1010 and it's weight and maneuverability. The 1400 just doesn't seem like a router I could toss around easily. But yes, the 1/2" bits is a sticking point. Although I am awaiting an awesome set of 8mm bits which should serve me well. Bits on there way but still haven't decided on the router!

I am basically new to routering, so the 1010 seems like the more practical choice. But, the 1400 is probably the more universal choice for a person who only wants one router. Which I suppose is me...Still love that 1010 though.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

You really cannot go wrong with either choice of router -- they all of their purpose and usefulness and there is certainly overlap in many applications.  Love the 1010/2200 combo with all the accessories.  However, the MFK700 has always been on my mind as one I would want to add at some point -- so easy to maneuver.  The OF1400 seems like a great all around machine and I could see adding one someday.  But for now, the 1010 and 2200 get it done and handle everything I could ask of a router. 

Scot

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Although the 1400 is the Festool router I have had the longest it is by far the one I use least.  The 1010 and 2200 are in my eyes the real gems of the Festool line, the 1400 is a poor attempt at a compromise. 

You mentioned a router table and worrying about power, so unless you are going to get a CMS I have to wonder if any Festool is the ideal router for you right now.  If you are doing lots of cabinetmaking then you really need a good router table with a powerful 3hp lift mounted router. 

For other routing tasks my personal belief is that ergonomics trumps power especially in any edge treatments.  Wo cares if your router can hog out a 1/2" round over in a single pass if you bobble the cut because your router is top heavy(speaking specifically about the 1400 here). 

I don't think you can really have a jack of all trades router if you are trying to make a living at woodworking.  You waste way too much time on setup to be productive.  Buy the right tools for the job and don't worry about their color.  Also realize that with Festool you can easily double the cost of your router purchase by buying the accessories that come often standard with other kits. 

Just my 0.02.  BTW the 1010 is my favorite router of the 6 that I own, it is a sweet little unit.

 

[skids]

Although the 1400 is the Festool router I have had the longest it is by far the one I use least.  The 1010 and 2200 are in my eyes the real gems of the Festool line, the 1400 is a poor attempt at a compromise. 

You mentioned a router table and worrying about power, so unless you are going to get a CMS I have to wonder if any Festool is the ideal router for you right now.  If you are doing lots of cabinetmaking then you really need a good router table with a powerful 3hp lift mounted router. 

For other routing tasks my personal belief is that ergonomics trumps power especially in any edge treatments.  Wo cares if your router can hog out a 1/2" round over in a single pass if you bobble the cut because your router is top heavy(speaking specifically about the 1400 here). 

I don't think you can really have a jack of all trades router if you are trying to make a living at woodworking.  You waste way too much time on setup to be productive.  Buy the right tools for the job and don't worry about their color.  Also realize that with Festool you can easily double the cost of your router purchase by buying the accessories that come often standard with other kits. 

Just my 0.02.  BTW the 1010 is my favorite router of the 6 that I own, it is a sweet little unit.

I tend to agree with this line of thinking, no matter how much I try to convince myself the 1400 is the better choice. It will fee like a compromise in some ways for me, like an all-season tire...I think the 1010 2200 combo is pretty slick quite honestly, and if my routing needs/abilities get better, I would give it a hard look. But, if I can find more 8mm bits, and I will, I think I could be very happy with the 1010. I know all plunges are top heavy to some degree, but the 1400 just felt really heavy and tippy compared to the 1010. I think that is how what I like about the 1010, the ergo factor is better. And since I won't always be using it on the guide rails it might make more sense.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

8mm bits are great and you can find them - CMT carries them and some dealers, including Tom, can order them in.  Lee Valley has a small selection of common bits as well that I have heard work well.  Personally I do not think that there is anything wrong with 1/4 inch shank bits.  Unless it is a huge bit you do not need 1/2 inch shank.  For some reason there is a perception that 1/2 shank bits are higher quality and better for everything and this is not necessarily the case.  For most hand routing tasks with a smaller, lighter router 1/4 inch bits work great. 

Scot

 

[Bob Marino]

Although the 1400 is the Festool router I have had the longest it is by far the one I use least.  The 1010 and 2200 are in my eyes the real gems of the Festool line, the 1400 is a poor attempt at a compromise. 

You mentioned a router table and worrying about power, so unless you are going to get a CMS I have to wonder if any Festool is the ideal router for you right now.  If you are doing lots of cabinetmaking then you really need a good router table with a powerful 3hp lift mounted router. 

For other routing tasks my personal belief is that ergonomics trumps power especially in any edge treatments.  Wo cares if your router can hog out a 1/2" round over in a single pass if you bobble the cut because your router is top heavy(speaking specifically about the 1400 here). 

I don't think you can really have a jack of all trades router if you are trying to make a living at woodworking.  You waste way too much time on setup to be productive.  Buy the right tools for the job and don't worry about their color.  Also realize that with Festool you can easily double the cost of your router purchase by buying the accessories that come often standard with other kits. 

Just my 0.02.  BTW the 1010 is my favorite router of the 6 that I own, it is a sweet little unit.

I tend to agree with this line of thinking, no matter how much I try to convince myself the 1400 is the better choice. It will fee like a compromise in some ways for me, like an all-season tire...I think the 1010 2200 combo is pretty slick quite honestly, and if my routing needs/abilities get better, I would give it a hard look. But, if I can find more 8mm bits, and I will, I think I could be very happy with the 1010. I know all plunges are top heavy to some degree, but the 1400 just felt really heavy and tippy compared to the 1010. I think that is how what I like about the 1010, the ergo factor is better. And since I won't always be using it on the guide rails it might make more sense.

 I totally agree with many of the points made by Kevin and Skids. I'm not backing off my suggestion that the 1400 is the better choice for Ian - he has a compliment of 1/2" bits already and the 1400 is the better choice for larger bits - less chatter. Having said that, I have plenty of 8 mm bits and being a dealer, have all of Festool's routers routers on hand. But I am also a proponent of using the smallest/lightest tool - drill, saw, router that will get the job done - without placing undo stress on the motor - or me, for that matter. The 1010 does fit the bill ergonomically most of the time and unless I NEED something heavier, I pick up the 1010 first.
Now if budget allows for multiple routers, I'd go with both the 1010 and the 1400. The 2200 is a production size router and most, not all would find it too large and heavy as well as expensive for typical routing tasks.

Bob

 

[Connollyir]

Although the 1400 is the Festool router I have had the longest it is by far the one I use least.  The 1010 and 2200 are in my eyes the real gems of the Festool line, the 1400 is a poor attempt at a compromise. 

You mentioned a router table and worrying about power, so unless you are going to get a CMS I have to wonder if any Festool is the ideal router for you right now.  If you are doing lots of cabinetmaking then you really need a good router table with a powerful 3hp lift mounted router. 

For other routing tasks my personal belief is that ergonomics trumps power especially in any edge treatments.  Wo cares if your router can hog out a 1/2" round over in a single pass if you bobble the cut because your router is top heavy(speaking specifically about the 1400 here). 

I don't think you can really have a jack of all trades router if you are trying to make a living at woodworking.  You waste way too much time on setup to be productive.  Buy the right tools for the job and don't worry about their color.  Also realize that with Festool you can easily double the cost of your router purchase by buying the accessories that come often standard with other kits. 

Just my 0.02.  BTW the 1010 is my favorite router of the 6 that I own, it is a sweet little unit.

I tend to agree with this line of thinking, no matter how much I try to convince myself the 1400 is the better choice. It will fee like a compromise in some ways for me, like an all-season tire...I think the 1010 2200 combo is pretty slick quite honestly, and if my routing needs/abilities get better, I would give it a hard look. But, if I can find more 8mm bits, and I will, I think I could be very happy with the 1010. I know all plunges are top heavy to some degree, but the 1400 just felt really heavy and tippy compared to the 1010. I think that is how what I like about the 1010, the ergo factor is better. And since I won't always be using it on the guide rails it might make more sense.

 I totally agree with many of the points made by Kevin and Skids. I'm not backing off my suggestion that the 1400 is the better choice for Ian - he has a compliment of 1/2" bits already and the 1400 is the better choice for larger bits - less chatter. Having said that, I have plenty of 8 mm bits and being a dealer, have all of Festool's routers routers on hand. But I am also a proponent of using the smallest/lightest tool - drill, saw, router that will get the job done - without placing undo stress on the motor - or me, for that matter. The 1010 does fit the bill ergonomically most of the time and unless I NEED something heavier, I pick up the 1010 first.
Now if budget allows for multiple routers, I'd go with both the 1010 and the 1400. The 2200 is a production size router and most, not all would find it too large and heavy as well as expensive for typical routing tasks.

Bob

Kevin and Skids make excellent points, but I think Bob hit it on the head for my particular scenario. I do have a collection of 1/2" Whiteside bits that I've built up over a few years and I would hate to replace them... The 1400 has better DC which is becoming more of a big deal to me... and if my Milwaukee hasn't kicked the bucket from the work I've put it through I think the 1400 will work just fine... For now

Kevin - The CMS and 1400 will be purchased together. I definitely understand the "ideal" setup would call for the most powerful router (i.e. 2200) you can afford, but in my case things are tight and I'm trying to find a workable compromise without sacrificing too much capability. I won't say I'm completely in the "green" camp, but I hate buying the same tool twice - I really can't knock Milwaukee, the router was just over $125 and for the last 5 years its done the job. I have no doubt that Festool products will outlast Milwaukee, at least in terms of my own personal experience, and that counts for a lot.

In the end we all seem to end up with several, I'm just trying to be cost effective for my goals.

-Ian

 

[fastbike]

I have a completely different opinion. I think the 1400 is the perfect choice. I don't find it difficult or combersome. The 1010 seems more like a trim router to me and 1/4" bits don't have a very long life time in the real world unless you take micro bites all the time.

The 2200 is router table material but nothing more.

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Well sounds like I did not read the original post very well as adding a CMS does change things.  In that case I would recommend both.

 

[Northernlight]

As a new of1400 owner I can't help to feel a little disappointed, sure it's a nice machine but the price is very steep. You can easily buy 2 high end BOSCH routers for the price of 1 festool.

As I see it what sets my of1400 apart from the rest is

- better dustcollection
- ratcheting action
+ systainer

I love festool but routers and dust collectors... I don't know