Festool Router Subbase

[Bill Fleming]

On the old forum Dave Falkenstein posted a discussion of adding a sub-base to the Festool routers that allowed use of the guide rail but added thickness to the base such that leaving the router partially on the rail with the adjustable foot providing support to the other side of the router base.

This is such a great idea that frankly it should be either standard or an option BUT it isn't and Pat Warner seems to have no interest in doing this SO.....

my question is - have others done this and/or is anyone selling these.... not that it is hard to make but who ever makes one has to get jigged up and might as well make a bunch and sell them.... Below is what Dave previously posted (hope photos come thru....

Cheers - Bill

Festool OF1400 Router Fix

I have read some threads about the Festool OF1400 router being less than stable when used on the guide rails. As many know, the OF1400 employs a "footie" to make the router level when used on the rails. This footie is a major contributor to the complaints about instability.

I came up with a really simple idea to solve the problem. See the attached photos. I made a secondary base plate that attaches to the bottom of the OF1400 when used on the rails. I made the base plate from a piece of 1/4" hardboard with Formica laminated to both sides. The resulting thickness is .20", just right to level the router on the rails.

The first photo shows the router on the rail with the footie installed. Note the gap under the router. The second photo is the secondary base plate I made. The third photo shows the secondary base plate mounted onto the router using two threaded holes that already exist in the router base. The countersunk bolts were purchased at Ace. The fourth photo shows the router on the rail with the secondary base plate installed.
Attached Thumbnails
       
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Dave Falkenstein aka Daviddubya
Cave Creek, AZ

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Festool OF1400 Router Fix

I came up with a really simple idea to solve the problem. See the attached photos. I made a secondary base plate that attaches to the bottom of the OF1400 when used on the rails. I made the base plate from a piece of 1/4" hardboard with Formica laminated to both sides. The resulting thickness is .20", just right to level the router on the rails.

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Dave Falkenstein aka Daviddubya
Cave Creek, AZ

Dave,  did you mean 1/8"  hardboard?  1/4 = 0.25 and the two layers of Formica would increase the thickness further.

 

[bill-e]

Bill,

There is a base already sold by Festool which can be used.  The LA-OF 1400 base is thick enough to suffice and just snaps on and off.  The base is 1/8" thick which works well enough.

 

[Bill Fleming]

Bill-e

That is a great idea - I assume that is a "creative" use of that item since Festool was very interested in what was proposed.  So if I understand correctly you attached the base you are suggesting to a template insert and you are good to go?

Cheers - Bill

 

[bill-e]

Bill,

No, if you click on the link in my original post you'll see that the base already comes with the insert so it's ready for use.

 

[Bill Fleming]

Bill-e

Yeah I noticed that - so - ordered and on to the shop..... Festool should add your use to the description and should mention in the manual - great solution!

Cheers

 

[Corwin]

Bill,

Thanks for sharing this information!!!  Nice solution!

Corwin

 

[Daviddubya]

Dave,  did you mean 1/8"  hardboard?  1/4 = 0.25 and the two layers of Formica would increase the thickness further.

Yes Dave - The original posting on SMC and the old FOG was in error - the hardboard is 1/8".  When I posted this same enhancement here on the new FOG recently, I corrected the original post.  My new FOG post is here:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=34.0

I would not be surprised if Festool used my idea to produce the LA-OF 1400 secondary base, that is now available.  I don't recall that accessory being available when I bought my router.  Bob Marino did send the idea to Festool a year or more back.  Mine cost way less than $25!!!  I used scraps and two bolts from Ace - total cost about $2.  Mine now lives on the router unless I need to use a bushing.