Festool v Bosch Routers

[jimmylittle]

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.

I *may* have done this exact thing last week...  Luckily, it didn't shatter the shroud, just cut a larger hole in it.  DC still works fine, and I can actually see the bit better while using it, so happy accidents, right?

That being said, I love my 1400, but I'm still on the fence about the 700.  I had the little Bosch palm router, and loved it.  I got the 700 to replace it, as the Bosch is old and I've lost many of the attachments since Clinton was president.  I like it.  It's certainly more powerful and has fantastic dust collection, but one-handed use is really tough because of the shape of the base plate and body.  I like the speed of holding a piece to the bench with one hand and routing the edge with the other.  Now, I have to spend a few more seconds per piece to clamp it down and use 2 hands on the router, especially with the vac hose attached.  It is certainly safer to use the 2 handed method, and I arguably may get marginally better results, but there is a speed disadvantage.

Also consider your use.  Many of us (including me) typically work alone, so a $450 router for edge banding and small profiles is an investment that is worth it.  Back when I worked in a production environment, We'd buy a $100 Bosch palm router for each profile.  (flush trim, ⅛" and ¼" round overs, small ogee, ⅛" slot cutter, etc.) and leave them set up.  We probably had a dozen routers with different bit setups.  It saved a ton of time, and we had perfect consistency because we never moved the setups.  In that situation, buying a dozen Festools would be overkill!

 

[regdor1999]

Wonderwino (and all), maybe you already ready know and just prefer the Festool bits, but Lee Valley has a large selection of 8mm shank bits now.  I think they started carrying them last year or the year before.

Lee Valley USA Link To 8mm Shank Bits

 

[polarsea1]

FYI, Elaire Corp has metric collets for Bosch, Milwaukee, PC and DeWalt routers.

 

[iamnothim]

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 I've done this but never admitted it. with a large bit on it. Its an add on vs an integral part of the design.

I sold my 1619 EVS not long after getting the OF 1400.  Festool is a "System".  Bosch is a bunch of cobbled together parts.
I later this week my MFK 700 arrives and the Bosch Colt will go on Craigslist and get about $40.

 

[Ajax]

I have 2 x Bosch MRC23 routers (one in a table and the other ready for hand work).  These are solid machines.  I like the placement of the ON/OFF switch in the handle.  The only thing I don't like is the bit adjustment.  It's stubborn.  I also have the optional dust collection clear plastic parts.  They work pretty well, but they are sometimes difficult to find online.  Unlike Festool, Bosch puts dust collection a little lower on the "must have" feature list.

I also have a Bosch Colt hand router and I bought the plunge base for it.  At $100 for the router and $100 for the extra plunge base, this is a nice piece of kit for doing smaller stuff. 

My only incentive for moving to Festool routers would be integration with the tracks and better bit depth adjustment.

 

[Ajax]

(P.S. Bosch have also brought out a new router with a hint of Festool about it - Bosch Router Gof 1250)

Oh, man!  Bosch has figured out the things that I don't like and has brought out a new product to fix all of those deficiencies.  That's a nice router!  And Made in Switzerland!

 

[iamnothim]

One other experience I'd like to add....  Safety
I'm a moderately skilled hobbyist.

IMHO...
I know this isn't a manly-man concern for many, but when using the Bosch 1619 EVS and Colt you have to one hand the router (for a moment) during the gyroscopic start & stop.  Your fingers are much closer to the bit with a Bosch 1619 EVS or Colt than with the OF1400 or MFK 700.  Exceptionally close with the Bosch Colt.  I've screwed the pooch on my workpiece a couple times during this maneuver.  Plus the wood knobs on the 1619 slick.  With a Festool router your hands never leave the machine.

I have full control of the OF 1400 during startup and operation and my fingers are away from the bit giving better visibility.  I have the Table Widener for the OF 1400.  It helps a lot.

What I don't like:  The "little" foot that's used with the guide rail is hokey and it takes some time to figure out whether to use it or the table widener when routing on a rail close to the edge of the work piece.    (I need to buy the edge guide) I agree with the depth stop posts.  I use the turret for multiple passes but I set the bit depth with an iGauge digital depth tool.  BTW: Thanks for the mod @Stoli.  I was also surprised that the CMS/VL and OF 1400 doesn't support larger raised panel bits.  I have an Amana bit that I used long ago with a Rockler table that I can no longer use.

 

[MattrYYC]

Just a note, I have the newer Bosch MRC23EVSK with the plunge and fixed bases, Bosch has addressed the one handed start / stop issue by having switches on the bases now instead of the motor, it was quite a nice upgrade. I would still place the OF1400 on my list for the want of the LR32 system and true rail integration, but I don't have anything bad to say about this Bosch MRC23 kit.

 

[iamnothim]

Just a note, I have the newer Bosch MRC23EVSK with the plunge and fixed bases, Bosch has addressed the one handed start / stop issue by having switches on the bases now instead of the motor, it was quite a nice upgrade. I would still place the OF1400 on my list for the want of the LR32 system and true rail integration, but I don't have anything bad to say about this Bosch MRC23 kit.

I just took a look at it.  Very nice and the depth adjustment looks "positive"

 

[iamnothim]

I think the LR32 cabinet guide rail system is an excellent justification for purchasing a Festool OF 1400 router.  I do not know if Bosch has a similar apparatus.  I used the LR32 for the first time yesterday and it was fantastic.

Checkout these instructional videos MrBigerock put together.  They are excellent.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Yes, because the OF 1400 works with the CMS and the LR32 is the reason I purchased it over the OF2200.

 

[sancho57]

Dont know about the Bosch, But i can tell ya this about the  OF2200. And talk about balace, Once I had mnes sitting up side down on my MFT, plugged it it and I guess  left the button pressed which keeps it turn on cuz t fired up, It just sat there spinning and didnt fly all over the place lke my old PC would have.
Another is the controls in the handle i really like that. and another is the hand grips they are slightly turned in to give me more control over the cut

 

[RKA]

I do not know if Bosch has a similar apparatus. 

Indeed they do.  Not available in ... well you know how that ends.

http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/fsn-ofa-32-kit-800-34897-ocs-p/

Festool's kit is more complete, having the indexing pieces for the end and sides of the rails for repeatable work.

 

[MattrYYC]

And if we want to play the forbidden fruit game - I think this would be a true competitor (I'm not saying winner) to the OF1400

 

[duburban]

what has bosch done to not imitate festool but push the envelope? the grade for comparative innovation would be a C-

 

[MattrYYC]

what has bosch done to not imitate festool but push the envelope? the grade for comparative innovation would be a C-

It sure does mimic a lot, I like the digital depth gauge idea in theory but there isn't a lot new here, and there certainly is no 'system' approach to it.

 

[copcarcollector]

I like the integrated digital readout on the depth scale on that Bosch. Assuming is maintains its accuracy, I would like to mess around with that router with that option! Or maybe a Festool router with that option, or an add on part----  

 

[woodie]

I do not know if Bosch has a similar apparatus.

Indeed they do.  Not available in ... well you know how that ends.

http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/fsn-ofa-32-kit-800-34897-ocs-p/

Festool's kit is more complete, having the indexing pieces for the end and sides of the rails for repeatable work.

They do include the piece for indexing off the top or bottom of your panel, I'm not sure about sides. There isn't much info on this, even though Bosch has had it on their website for almost a year.

 

[RC]

I just wish Festool would come out with an update to the 1010 and include the 2200's dust shroud and depth adjustment and do away with the oval dust port.

And I'd also love to see accessory bases for the MFK700 like you have for the Bosch Colt-type routers.

I'd seriously love to have a handy minirouter in the shop when I need to do the one roundover or dado groove and ideally it would integrate with my other Festool gear, but there is no such router in the Festool lineup :-(

The 1010 isn't really that much smaller than my 1400 to be worth investing in (and is a very dated design just howling to be updated to more modern design) and the MFK is limited to edge routing since there is no adjustable bases for depth plunge or fixed.

I've been looking longingly at the Colt-like routers now for a couple of years just wishing Festool would bring something into that segment.

 

[Kev]

I just wish Festool would come out with an update to the 1010 and include the 2200's dust shroud and depth adjustment and do away with the oval dust port.

And I'd also love to see accessory bases for the MFK700 like you have for the Bosch Colt-type routers.

I'd seriously love to have a handy minirouter in the shop when I need to do the one roundover or dado groove and ideally it would integrate with my other Festool gear, but there is no such router in the Festool lineup :-(

The 1010 isn't really that much smaller than my 1400 to be worth investing in (and is a very dated design just howling to be updated to more modern design) and the MFK is limited to edge routing since there is no adjustable bases for depth plunge or fixed.

I've been looking longingly at the Colt-like routers now for a couple of years just wishing Festool would bring something into that segment.

Me too. A super compact 1000w router ... with symmetrical handles. Basically a miniaturised 2200. Reiska - shoot it with your shrink ray [smile]