Crazyraceguy
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Those old R2D2 looking round-tops are cool looking, great for display, but I wouldn't use one at this time.
How much better are the Festool Routers?
- Thread starter onocoffee
- Start date
sancho57
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[member=75933]luvmytoolz[/member]
"The 2200 aside from being a beast is by far best engineered and performing router I've ever used. It is astoundingly good and worth every single cent."
I have FT 3 routers ea have their specific uses, 2200, 1010 and the 700. I do use the 700 more than the others.But I like all of them and would buy them again
"The 2200 aside from being a beast is by far best engineered and performing router I've ever used. It is astoundingly good and worth every single cent."
I have FT 3 routers ea have their specific uses, 2200, 1010 and the 700. I do use the 700 more than the others.But I like all of them and would buy them again
I thought I would resurrect this thread instead of starting a new one - especially since I'm a different position now than when I started the thread.
I came across a pretty good deal on a "used" OF1010. It was purchased in October and has a transferable warranty, so I think $400 is a decent deal. But I'm wondering if it's the right deal.
I've got the Makita trim router that I've been using a lot to do roundovers and chamfers. My Skil 1/4" plunge has sat dormant so far and I did get a used Incra router table that has a Freud FT2200 installed - and it came with a selection of 1/2" bits. Considering these are the routers that I currently have, is the OF1010 the "right" router to pursue? I've been doing smaller projects and will be trying my hand at making chairs and smaller tables soon.
I came across a pretty good deal on a "used" OF1010. It was purchased in October and has a transferable warranty, so I think $400 is a decent deal. But I'm wondering if it's the right deal.
I've got the Makita trim router that I've been using a lot to do roundovers and chamfers. My Skil 1/4" plunge has sat dormant so far and I did get a used Incra router table that has a Freud FT2200 installed - and it came with a selection of 1/2" bits. Considering these are the routers that I currently have, is the OF1010 the "right" router to pursue? I've been doing smaller projects and will be trying my hand at making chairs and smaller tables soon.
mino
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No (tool) answer can ever be right for every person.
As for an advice, think of the OF 1010 as the go-to tool, as the precision tool and as an 8 mm tool first, 1/4" tool second. With a sparing 8 mm bits selection you will find to be taking out that 1/2" router far less often than assumed.
As for price point, getting just the bare OF 1010 R misses well over half its value - the one which which lies in the available accessories. So the tool price itself is not all that important in the end. It is just the enabler. The accessories and 8 mm bits make it into "the universal router", including acting as the poor man's MFK etc. etc.
Lastly, do not be too hung up on "a selection of bits" unless you know their origin/state. Quality bits go $30-$50 a piece and more. Few hobbyists fork out for them .. and even fewer pros will pass on a selection of quality bits willingly .. unless run down. All the while the cheapo ones can be get, well, cheaply, and are not really worth the bother anyway.
As for an advice, think of the OF 1010 as the go-to tool, as the precision tool and as an 8 mm tool first, 1/4" tool second. With a sparing 8 mm bits selection you will find to be taking out that 1/2" router far less often than assumed.
As for price point, getting just the bare OF 1010 R misses well over half its value - the one which which lies in the available accessories. So the tool price itself is not all that important in the end. It is just the enabler. The accessories and 8 mm bits make it into "the universal router", including acting as the poor man's MFK etc. etc.
Lastly, do not be too hung up on "a selection of bits" unless you know their origin/state. Quality bits go $30-$50 a piece and more. Few hobbyists fork out for them .. and even fewer pros will pass on a selection of quality bits willingly .. unless run down. All the while the cheapo ones can be get, well, cheaply, and are not really worth the bother anyway.
luvmytoolz
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[member=82312]onocoffee[/member] One thing to keep in mind that I think is super handy, is that the handle on the 1010 allows safe and comfortable one handed operation. Doesn't sound at all important, but that's what I love most about my OF900, and I will be upgrading to an OF1010 when they're next on special for that main reason.
It's incredibly useful when you need to just "tweak" something or do stuff on the fly, or fiddly stuff with a long reach.
It's incredibly useful when you need to just "tweak" something or do stuff on the fly, or fiddly stuff with a long reach.
Thanks [member=61254]mino[/member]
I guess I should have stated that the bit set the Incra Table came with is a 30pc Freud 1/2" set that's rather comprehensive. It came with the table so that was nice. Otherwise, I've been buying Whiteside bits as needed. The Incra table is rather complete with a mounting plate for the FT2200 (I also have an Incra PRL-V2 lift), as well as the full WonderFence with LS Positioner.
The used router is the recent OF1010 REQ-F-Plus 576922 set
And @luv - understood. Thanks.
I guess I should have stated that the bit set the Incra Table came with is a 30pc Freud 1/2" set that's rather comprehensive. It came with the table so that was nice. Otherwise, I've been buying Whiteside bits as needed. The Incra table is rather complete with a mounting plate for the FT2200 (I also have an Incra PRL-V2 lift), as well as the full WonderFence with LS Positioner.
The used router is the recent OF1010 REQ-F-Plus 576922 set
And @luv - understood. Thanks.
mino
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A 30 pcs quality bits set is $600-$1200 ... pretty sure that Freud set does not fall into that category. Not saying it is a bad one, having a "various bits" starter set is a good idea. But one can get such a good-enough set for $100-$200. I.e. the price of 4-5 quality bits.onocoffee said:
As for the version - that seems to be the base bundle in a Systainer. You will want to add about $300 worth of accessories to it, $200 worth of 8 mm quality Festool bits and probably a universal medium quality 8 mm bits set (like Freud 1/2" one) to be in a good position.
Not trying to dissuade - to the contrary. Just saying that getting the OF 1010 R, especially in the US, makes sense as a "whole deal" approach where one compares the "full hog" with other options providing that functionality. That is where the OF 1010 shines. Just comparing it on a "router standalone versus (other) router standalone" basis will universally end up with a "not worth it" conclusion. Is probably why the seller is passing it on as well - just by itself with 1/4" bits it is not much better than a Makita trim router, yet more clunky. With 8 mm bits and accessories, it becomes a functionality beast.
I advise you go over all the available OF 1010 R accessories and add those /price and capabilities/ into the go/no-go calculus.
---
ADD:
FT webs are up again, here is the gear I believe a hobby user* should get along their OF 1010 to get the real value out of it. These just change the game. But also make the OF 1010 motor unit just a smallish part of the system ..
Below meant is atop the US "OF 1010 REBQ-Set" (578307) bundle:
MFK-wannabe kit ($270 + bits):
Angle Arm WA-OF
Copier Scanning Set KT-OF
Edging Plate UP-OF
Chip Guard SF-OF
Edge trimming chamfer bit HW S8 D24/0° +45° (491026)
Edge trimming cutter HW D 19/16 S8 OFK 700 (491666)
The LR32 system:
US => just get the full bundle in a Systainer
Europe => get the basic FP-LR 32 plate and settle stops and bits separately (see Peter Millard notes on this + TSO PGs ..)
The spindle with the monster rebating head is a must have (NAINA, but importable I guess):
Cutter spindle ASL20/OF1010 (489285)
Rebating head FK D 50x30 (489284)
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*) for a Pro the MFK(s), a spindle moulder, etc. are usually the way to go instead of one versatile tool
woodferret
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Add an extra Limit Stop FS-RSP ($19) if you can salvage the other from a tracksaw. It's weird it doesn't include it in the kit considering it has the rail guide for dados.
smorgasbord
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I only have 4 routers:
• 1970's Skil router that my dad bought for me when I was 11 years old.
• Makita 18V battery trim (with regular and plunge bases)
• Bosch 1613EVS (2.25HP)
• Porter Cable 7518 router (3HP in a router table)
My issue is that while the Bosch 1613 is pretty darn nice, it's limited by the size of the opening in its base. It uses Bosch-specific template guides that snap-in. I find they're centered well, but the base opening only clears a 1&¾" max diameter.
So far, I've gotten by decently well - anything larger than 1&¾" should probably in used in a router table anyway, except for router sled flattening type things I guess. I do have a Miceo-Fence Edge Guide, which is quite nice, with adapter plates for the Bosch and Makita, and a large aluminum plate for the Makita.
I should probably get a 2200 at some point, but the new 1010 and of course the 1400 keep calling out to me. My problem now is that with two large cherry slabs on their way to me I should probably finally get a track saw and track, so that's $1100 in tool purchases to make. And then maybe a power planer as well. And more router bits. And.....
You get the idea.
• 1970's Skil router that my dad bought for me when I was 11 years old.
• Makita 18V battery trim (with regular and plunge bases)
• Bosch 1613EVS (2.25HP)
• Porter Cable 7518 router (3HP in a router table)
My issue is that while the Bosch 1613 is pretty darn nice, it's limited by the size of the opening in its base. It uses Bosch-specific template guides that snap-in. I find they're centered well, but the base opening only clears a 1&¾" max diameter.
So far, I've gotten by decently well - anything larger than 1&¾" should probably in used in a router table anyway, except for router sled flattening type things I guess. I do have a Miceo-Fence Edge Guide, which is quite nice, with adapter plates for the Bosch and Makita, and a large aluminum plate for the Makita.
I should probably get a 2200 at some point, but the new 1010 and of course the 1400 keep calling out to me. My problem now is that with two large cherry slabs on their way to me I should probably finally get a track saw and track, so that's $1100 in tool purchases to make. And then maybe a power planer as well. And more router bits. And.....
You get the idea.
