First router advice

[jander1960]

Now that I have a great saw (TS 55), I'm thinking the next tool I should get is a router.

I can't afford a new Festool router right now, but if I was able to get a used OF 1000 E at a decent price, do you think I would be happy with it (vs. waiting to afford a 1400, or *shudder* getting something other than a Festool router)?

What would you consider a top price to pay for a used OF 1000 (lightly used)?

Thanks in advance.
Jim

 

[Rob-GB]

As Festool kit tends to hold it's price, for re-sale, you may be better off waiting a little longer on the saving route and get the OF1400.
You will find it more versatile due to the collet sizes available and with a bit more power to go with it.
If you buy a smaller router to start with you will almost certainly be looking at a larger one a short time later. The OF2200 is a big beast of a tool and may be too big for someone starting out.

Make a list of what you are looking to accomplish with a router purchase and see what one best suits your needs.

Don't forget that a Festool router can be easily used with the guide rail you already have with the TS55, is that something you might want to do?

Rob.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Sage advise from Rob. If I could only have one Festool router it would be the 1400 in large part to being able to use both 1/4 and 1/2 inch shaft router bits.  The 1000 or 1010 would be second choice for many of us Festoolians.

Best,
Todd

 

[Bob Marino]

I would agree with the above posts; with this caveat. If you can get the 1000 at a very, very good price (under about $175.00), it's worth considering. You can certainly make good use of that router for most tasks, and IMHO, is just the right size for most routing applications...and it should/does come with the guide stop for attaching the router to the rail.  You can always get the 1400 at a later date - as/if budget permits - and even resell the 1000 and get good coin back for it. Having said that, the 1400 is the more versatile of the 2 routers and there is a recent discussion of the pros and cons of each of the Festool routers.

Bob

 

[jander1960]

Thanks for the advice gents. 

Keep in mind that this would be my first router, so I would be using it to learn about all the wonderful things that routers can do.  I don't know exactly, right now, what I would be using it for.

I have read the various threads comparing the 1010 to the 1400, and from those I know that the 1400 is more versatile, and that the 1000 is limited to 1/4" or 8mm cutters.  I just wanted to determine that if I could get a used OF 1000 for a good price (< $175), if it would be a good way to start.  Sounds like it would be.

Thanks again,
jim

 

[DavidCBaker]

Jim, I happen to be located just a few miles from you (Edmondsen and OHB) in Nipper's Corner. Small world.

I have the MFK, 1400, and 2200, and I would definitely echo the 1400 for the do-all router. I find myself reaching for it far more frequently than the 2200. The latter is great to have, but it is a beast and over-heavy unless you really need to move through a lot of tough wood.

And stay away from the Woodcraft store in Franklin or you'll walk away with a new one.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

There aren't a lot of used Festool routers on the market.  If you can find one less than 175, jump on it!

 

[PeterK]

Routers are like rabbits and multiply like crazy!
If you truly think you will only own one router, the 1400 is the way to go. Only caveat is that it is not very practical for router table usage.
BUT--- you will probably end up with 3 or more. I have 8. You will end up with a dedicated router in a table at some point - 1/2" shank. That will take care of most of your large bit usage. Then the 1010 becomes a wonderful hand router. Granted, the 1010 is limited to 1/4" or 8mm bits but it is truly a fantastic router and is gets the most usage of my collection. I just love for a plunge router how the weight is kept low so that the 1010 becomes so easy to balance and control. I have not had any issues as long as I use quality bits with breaking 1/4" shank bits. My preference is Freud and CMT for bits. Festool makes fantastic router bits in 8mm shank - kind of pricey at times but they really hold their edge sharpness - only limitation is that the selection is somewhat limited. I have several Festool bits. The 8mm shank is quite a bit stronger but difficult to find in the USA from other suppliers. No matter which Festool router you choose, you will love it. Just be warned - - - you will end up with more than one!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you can, play with a Festool router in a store before going looking at other brands. My opinion - - for others to consider, the Dewalt 621 is a nice plunger but tippy unless you add a larger base plate and has decent dust collection. I have an older PorterCable 7529 that is extremely nice - just don't know how the new model of it compares. I have purchased one of the multi-base packages from Dewalt and was not impressed at all with the plunge base and now most Dewalts are made in Mexico and no where near as nice of construction as they used to be. Bosch makes some nice stuff but I have no experience with their routers.
Pete

 

[Neill]

I am going to take a very contrary viewpoint here and suggest that as a first router you might want to think about the Porter Cable 693.  You can find a brand new variable speed plunge router for less than $200.  It comes with a 1/4" and 1/2" collet.  You can also buy an inexpensive insert for the 1/2" that will enable you use 8mm shanks.

One reason I am a proponent of this router is that it is powerful enough to do what you want without being overfully powerful or heavy.  The main reason, however, is that this is the standard that almost all OEM's use.  When you want to buy jigs, etc. they will be drilled for a P-C base plate, not necessarily for others.  It is also interchangeable with a standard fixed housing and d-handle housing.  You can also purchase the motor with the interchangeable housings as a kit.

Also when you decide to upgrade you can use the motor in your router table.  It won't wind up collecting dust on a shelf.

Neill

 

[DavidCBaker]

Good point. I have a PC 7518 in a router table, dedicated to that.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Neill, good recommendation too.  I guess if we are looking at non Festool I would throw in a vote for the Bosch 1617evs kit.  Similar to the PC and Dewalt kits.  I have to wonder if a Festool will be found in good condition for the $175 target price when the new kit costs double that.  Seems to me that most Festool on Ebay goes for about 75-85 or even 90% of new cost if in good condition.  Also have to watch that nothing is missing like a collet which at $40 can eat up any savings you thought you were getting.  

Best,
Todd

 

[Bob Marino]

All good points. That $175.00 was just a number I chose, and it may not jibe with reality. At that price point, it's worth considering - much above that, I'd pass on it.
I had a Bosch 1617 - fixed base - IIRC, non plunge and was a terrific router - only problem  was the motor housing kept getting corroded - Bosch repaced the housing but the problem reoccured. Anyhow, I am sure that was remedied long ago.
The PC's were the industry standard for sure, but haven't picked one up in years and am hoping that they still maintained their quality - built in USA, etc., just not sure about that.

Bob

 

[Neill]

All good points. That $175.00 was just a number I chose, and it may not jibe with reality. At that price point, it's worth considering - much above that, I'd pass on it.
I had a Bosch 1617 - fixed base - IIRC, non plunge and was a terrific router - only problem  was the motor housing kept getting corroded - Bosch repaced the housing but the problem reoccured. Anyhow, I am sure that was remedied long ago.
The PC's were the industry standard for sure, but haven't picked one up in years and am hoping that they still maintained their quality - built in USA, etc., just not sure about that.

Bob

Bob,

I bought a 693 V/S last summer for a specific jig I have.  Not sure about the country of manufacture but it seems just as sound as the first one I bought about 12 years ago.  I now use the motor from that one in my router table. 

Will the new one last as long?  Only time will tell.

Neill

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Bob,
I have the Bosch 1617evs kit I got years ago and have had the same issue with the corrosion.  I clean and polish it off and it comes back over time.  My kit came with the plunge base too, an edge guide and decent storage case for it all.  IIRC the price was in the $220 range.  Where it really lacks is in dust collection and it is a bit noisy and a pain to make large adjustments to bit height.  It is decent for use with the Leigh Dovetail jig with their dust collection.  I actually had two of these sets and sold one when to my buddy when I moved to NC a few years ago.  I do have to say I find myself reaching for one of my Festool routers much more often than this Bosch these days.

Best,
Todd

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob,
I have the Bosch 1617evs kit I got years ago and have had the same issue with the corrosion.  I clean and polish it off and it comes back over time.  My kit came with the plunge base too, an edge guide and decent storage case for it all.  IIRC the price was in the $220 range.  Where it really lacks is in dust collection and it is a bit noisy and a pain to make large adjustments to bit height.  It is decent for use with the Leigh Dovetail jig with their dust collection.  I actually had two of these sets and sold one when to my buddy when I moved to NC a few years ago.  I do have to say I find myself reaching for one of my Festool routers much more often than this Bosch these days.

Best,
Todd

Yep, dust collection was a huge issue  for the Bosch and a huge plus for any Festool router.

Bob

 

[jmbfestool]

I would go for the OF1400. 

JMB

 

[tms0425]

OF 1400 is what I bought next after starting with a TS55/CT22 this year and I couldn't be happier.  I didn't already have a collection of bits so I'm starting right off with 1/2".  You'll want the guide block for the rail and the edge guide too.  The one thing I really like about this router vs lesser priced rivals is the reduced noise level and overall smoothness of it.  You still need to use hearing protection, but it is much better than most.  1/2" bits are also no sweat.  Dust collection depends on what you're doing but is generally quite good too.  It's not the right thing for a table, but hand use is a nice compromise between handling and power for most common tasks and safe to use bit profiles.

 

[tbellemare]

I would go for the OF1400.  

JMB

I agree. I reach for my 1400 first, unless it's a trimming type task. Then, I reach for the MFK.

I also hang the MFK off the edge of the MFT, somewhat like Jerry Work does but a little simpler.

Tom

 

[jander1960]

Wow, thanks for the continued discussion... I am learning a lot.

Neill has got me thinking about the PC 690 series... from what I have just researched, it is certainly a popular router.  Now I have to ask (as a newbie), what about fixed speed vs. variable, both with respect to the PC 690 series, and in general.  There are a lot of fixed speed 690 routers (LR models) available, but fewer variable speed.  Is the variable speed a "must have", "nice to have", or "not really necessary" when considering a first router choice?

thanks again for the lively info!

jim

 

[Rob-GB]

For me variable speed is a must have.
Two main reasons:-
1/ The larger the diameter of the cutter the slower it should be run at.
2/ When cutting different materials a slower speed is required i.e. plexiglas, too fast and it will melt.

Most router bit manufacturers will give a recommended speed range for their cutters.

Rob.