Festool v Bosch Routers

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ali

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I currently own a Bosch GOF 2000CE (the 1619EVS in the US) and a Bosch GMF 1600CE (MRC23EVSK in the US) and already own the whole Bosch FSN setup. However since buying into the whole Festool system nearly a year ago I am wondering whether to trade my Bosch routers and go for the Festool range?

Has anyone else have experience of both or are there any real significant advantages to moving to Festool? The only thing I can think of is the dust collection. Are there any other practical advantages? please let me know

(P.S. Bosch have also brought out a new router with a hint of Festool about it - Bosch Router Gof 1250)
 
I've never had a Bosch router, but replaced Dewalt, Trion & Crapsman with Festool.  I have the OF700, OF1010 & OF1400.  Each has a unique function, all have superior dust collection.  The CMS will only accept Festool routers if that is in your future.  Only the Festool routers are compatible with guide rail functions.  I suppose the MFS system can be used with any router and the proper bushing, but why?

The biggest disappointment I have with Festool is the discontinuation of the wider 8mm shank router bits.  The available 8mm bits were every bit s capable as the 1/2" versions with few exceptions.  I hope they bring them back!  (Shane, you MIGHT be able to hire me to promote them!  LOL!)

Go for the best.  Go for Festool!
 
I have the Bosch 1617EVS and the Festool OF1400.  There are definitely things I like about each.  I think if I could keep only one of them it would be the Bosch.  But, there are some operations the Festool excels at so I'm glad I don't have to make the choice.
The Bosch wins on balance.  It has a lower CG and is easier to deal with on edges/corners etc.  The Festool feels more powerful and more solid.  But, it is topheavy and the depth adjust turret is crap.  DC is similar given you purchase all the accessories for the Bosch (which are not expensive).  But, the tool-less features of the Festool make using DC, edge guides, guide bushings, etc easier.  With the Bosch I have to keep track of a bunch of tiny screws and such to use all the accessories.  Given a similar amount of use over the years, the Bosch feels and sounds like it is not going to last long while the Festool still feels and sounds new.
 
Wonderwino said:
I've never had a Bosch router, but replaced Dewalt, Trion & Crapsman with Festool.  I have the OF700, OF1010 & OF1400.  Each has a unique function, all have superior dust collection.  The CMS will only accept Festool routers if that is in your future.  Only the Festool routers are compatible with guide rail functions.  I suppose the MFS system can be used with any router and the proper bushing, but why?

The biggest disappointment I have with Festool is the discontinuation of the wider 8mm shank router bits.  The available 8mm bits were every bit s capable as the 1/2" versions with few exceptions.  I hope they bring them back!  (Shane, you MIGHT be able to hire me to promote them!  LOL!)

Go for the best.  Go for Festool!
Click to expand...

The led light on that bosch is a winner. I'd run that one. I have both the 1400 and 1010. The dust collection setup on the 1400 doesn't look as good as the bosch because its a plastic snap on piece that can be shattered if you release the plunge with a large bit on it. Its an add on vs an integral part of the design.
 
I think the OF2200 is pretty special, relative to the OF1400 and OF1010 - which have some "nice differentiating features".

The merits of a router depend heavily on your application.

I sold off an old 2000 watt Hitachi and a Makita trimmer and went Festool with the intention of leveraging Festool's tracks, LR32 system and CMS modules ... all while gaining on DC, integrated accessories, systainer storage and my confidence in support, warranty, quality, etc.

 
JayStPeter said:
I have the Bosch 1617EVS and the Festool OF1400.  There are definitely things I like about each.  I think if I could keep only one of them it would be the Bosch.  But, there are some operations the Festool excels at so I'm glad I don't have to make the choice.
The Bosch wins on balance.  It has a lower CG and is easier to deal with on edges/corners etc.  The Festool feels more powerful and more solid.  But, it is topheavy and the depth adjust turret is crap.  DC is similar given you purchase all the accessories for the Bosch (which are not expensive).  But, the tool-less features of the Festool make using DC, edge guides, guide bushings, etc easier.  With the Bosch I have to keep track of a bunch of tiny screws and such to use all the accessories.  Given a similar amount of use over the years, the Bosch feels and sounds like it is not going to last long while the Festool still feels and sounds new.
Click to expand...

That's interesting. I have an OF1400 which primarily sits in the CMS.  I think that it has a great motor.  Like you,  I also find it top-heavy and don't particularly enjoy using it as a hand-held tool.  I too, don't care for the depth-stop mechanism.  I haven't had a chance to try the others in the Festool router family, but would like to get another for hand-held use.  
 
Which of these routers would you like if you were cutting dovetails on the Leigh Dovetail Jig with the VSR Vacuum attachment?

Jack
 
If anybody makes a router that's perfect for every task, I've never seen it. I traded in a big Bosch that I liked a lot for a 1400 even though I despised the plunge lock mechanism for the accessory options and I haven't regretted it so far. I still hate the plunge lock knob and the trial-and-error method of depth adjustment is crazy obnoxious (haven't noticed any play in my turret, though), but being able to effectively create a super-wide base by throwing the rail guides on the end of the rods is incredibly helpful as is the ability to throw two edge guides on at once to route narrow boards without a table. I personally don't even need a router table anymore for any of the things that I do, so that's a huge win given the space I have to work with. The dust collection is more trouble than it's worth for me. Maybe if I had one of those overhead boom arms going I'd change my mind, but there's no way I can do that in my garage.

I still have a little Bosch Colt for tiny stuff where weight is a significant issue. The plunge base they came out with for that is pretty darn nice, but the edge guides are really fussy. Those new "professional" models look pretty impressive. Unfortunate that they're parroting the twisty plunge lock, though.
 
jacko9 said:
Which of these routers would you like if you were cutting dovetails on the Leigh Dovetail Jig with the VSR Vacuum attachment?

Jack
Click to expand...

My gut would say they're both too big!

When I do finally spend up on Leigh gear I'll play with the OF1010 in it, but if the VRS is effective I'm likely to try and find a small quality router with symmetrical handles myself.
 
Kev said:
jacko9 said:
Which of these routers would you like if you were cutting dovetails on the Leigh Dovetail Jig with the VSR Vacuum attachment?

Jack
Click to expand...

My gut would say they're both too big!

When I do finally spend up on Leigh gear I'll play with the OF1010 in it, but if the VRS is effective I'm likely to try and find a small quality router with symmetrical handles myself.
Click to expand...

I'll let you know about the VSR effectiveness tomorrow but, I originally purchased the Leigh 24" jig to do case construction with material up to inch and a quarter and those cutters are all 1/2" shanks.  I have a smaller Porter Cable for the 5/16" and 8mm shank cutters and a ELU 3339 for the heavier cuts but, that machine is too heavy for extended use.

Does the OF1010 come with 1/2" or 8mm collets?

Jack

 
jacko9 said:
Kev said:
jacko9 said:
Which of these routers would you like if you were cutting dovetails on the Leigh Dovetail Jig with the VSR Vacuum attachment?

Jack
Click to expand...

My gut would say they're both too big!

When I do finally spend up on Leigh gear I'll play with the OF1010 in it, but if the VRS is effective I'm likely to try and find a small quality router with symmetrical handles myself.
Click to expand...

I'll let you know about the VSR effectiveness tomorrow but, I originally purchased the Leigh 24" jig to do case construction with material up to inch and a quarter and those cutters are all 1/2" shanks.  I have a smaller Porter Cable for the 5/16" and 8mm shank cutters and a ELU 3339 for the heavier cuts but, that machine is too heavy for extended use.

Does the OF1010 come with 1/2" or 8mm collets?

Jack
Click to expand...

The OF1010 can not handle 1/2" collets. It comes with 1/4" and 8 MM collets I believe.

Peter
 
I prefer 1/2" shanks. I've been wondering how the OF 2200 is as a hand-held. Akin to the Domino XL, is there more control because of the larger size? Is it better balanced than the OF1400? Or, am I  best off getting the MKL500 and buying a slew of 8 mm bits?
 
NYC Tiny Shop said:
I prefer 1/2" shanks. I've been wondering how the OF 2200 is as a hand-held. Akin to the Domino XL, is there more control because of the larger size? Is it better balanced than the OF1400? Or, am I  best off getting the MKL500 and buying a slew of 8 mm bits?
Click to expand...

In my opinion the OF2200 is the best hand power tool I have ever owned or used -- a true engineering marvel.  Everything about it is great and I do not find it cumbersome to use at all -- very well balanced.  The XL is Festool's second engineering marvel in my opinion -- they got everything right on this tool too.  I think that the 2200 is well balanced just like the XL for comparison sake, if that makes sense. 

Scot
 
ScotF said:
NYC Tiny Shop said:
I prefer 1/2" shanks. I've been wondering how the OF 2200 is as a hand-held. Akin to the Domino XL, is there more control because of the larger size? Is it better balanced than the OF1400? Or, am I  best off getting the MKL500 and buying a slew of 8 mm bits?
Click to expand...

In my opinion the OF2200 is the best hand power tool I have ever owned or used -- a true engineering marvel.  Everything about it is great and I do not find it cumbersome to use at all -- very well balanced.  The XL is Festool's second engineering marvel in my opinion -- they got everything right on this tool too.  I think that the 2200 is well balanced just like the XL for comparison sake, if that makes sense. 

Scot
Click to expand...

I'm sure that the OF2200 is a great router but, for using free hand with a dovetail jig 17.4 pounds is a bit bulky.  If I wanted to mount this machine in a router table I'm sure that it would be a great performer but I need a medium duty high quality light weight router.

Jack
 
NYC Tiny Shop said:
I prefer 1/2" shanks. I've been wondering how the OF 2200 is as a hand-held. Akin to the Domino XL, is there more control because of the larger size? Is it better balanced than the OF1400? Or, am I  best off getting the MKL500 and buying a slew of 8 mm bits?
Click to expand...

The 2200 is deceptively easy to control (as long as you don't need to wave it about in the air - it is still heavy). The soft start up and ergonomics make it feel like a "luxury sports router" [wink] [big grin]
 
My older Leigh D4 came with 8mm shank router bits.  The 1010 is great with those bits on the jig.  I usually pick up the smallest tool that will do the job.  The 1010 is my go-to router for anything but table mounted or large diameter bit applications.  Unfortunately, Festool USA dropped the majority of their 8mm shank bit line.  [sad]
 
Peter Halle said:
jacko9 said:
Kev said:
jacko9 said:
Which of these routers would you like if you were cutting dovetails on the Leigh Dovetail Jig with the VSR Vacuum attachment?

Jack
Click to expand...

My gut would say they're both too big!

When I do finally spend up on Leigh gear I'll play with the OF1010 in it, but if the VRS is effective I'm likely to try and find a small quality router with symmetrical handles myself.
Click to expand...

I'll let you know about the VSR effectiveness tomorrow but, I originally purchased the Leigh 24" jig to do case construction with material up to inch and a quarter and those cutters are all 1/2" shanks.  I have a smaller Porter Cable for the 5/16" and 8mm shank cutters and a ELU 3339 for the heavier cuts but, that machine is too heavy for extended use.

Does the OF1010 come with 1/2" or 8mm collets?

Jack
Click to expand...

The OF1010 can not handle 1/2" collets. It comes with 1/4" and 8 MM collets I believe.

Peter
Click to expand...

If it did it would be the best router on the planet!!
 
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