I need a router recommendation

[StevoWevo]

Hey all,
I am looking to get set up for the RS32 system. The thing is I didn’t really want to buy another router because I have 5 already, mostly porter cable stuff which has been ok. Nothing special. I’m wondering which festool router might be close in handling to the PC 690 series if anyone wants to take a stab at that.
I considered trying to make an adapter plate for one of mine but I think a dedicated router for this that works right without any fiddle-fn around might be a smarter move in the long run.
Thanks!

 

[RJNeal]

I’m thinking that if your happy with your other routers and are thinking about keeping this as a dedicated router then I would get the OF1010.
I have both the 1400 and the 1010 but only have used the 1010 with the LR32 system. I like the lightness of that model.
Rick

 

[jeh]

Get the Mafell DD40 which will outperform the LR32 and offers the ability to join. Not cheap, but way more useful.

 

[peter halle]

If you are looking forward to LR32 usage, the 1010 is shorter in height and works great.  If you want 1/2 collet capacity for other things then the 1400.

Peter

 

[Cheese]

I'd also vote for the 1010, it's so nice and light yet still powerful. I only haul out the 1400 when I need to use 1/2" diameter router bits.

 

[waho6o9]

1010

 

[Birdhunter]

I agree with the Mafell DDF40 recommendation since you already have a bunch of routers.

I bought one just because I was curious. I have both Festool Domino machines, but find myself using the doweling machine a lot. It has amazing quality and accuracy

 

[Sparktrician]

I, too, vote for the OF 1010.  It's just right for use with the LR 32.  It's also perfect for use with the Leigh dovetail jigs.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Well, do you want “something special” or do you want something like the PC 690 you already have?

The OF 1400 is most like the PC stuff but the OF 1100 is something special and a treat to use with the LR 32 set.

The Mafell DDF40 is also special and if you don’t already have a Domino might be worth considering.

 

[Dove_Tail]

Guys - The only Festool routers I own are the 1400 and the MFK 700 (which is awesome).

I've been using the 1400 with my LR32 system and it's been fine.  It sounds like most everyone favors the 1010 for this work.  Has anyone used both with the LR32, or can you talk more about why the 1010 is better?  Is it just the lighter weight?

 

[Sparktrician]

Has anyone used both with the LR32, or can you talk more about why the 1010 is better?  Is it just the lighter weight?

I have used both with the LR 32.  The lighter weight is part of the issue.  The other part (as I see it) is that the OF 1400 is bulkier and has stronger return springs to accommodate the additional weight.  Imagine that you're building a whole bunch of cabinets, all of which need to be line-bored.  The return springs on the OF 1010 are lighter than those of the OF 1400.  the OF 1010 is easier to compress than the OF 1400.  Now multiply the effort needed to do one cabinet's sides by the number of cabinets being constructed.  Do you get the picture now? 

 

[ryanjg117]

The return springs on the OF 1010 are lighter than those of the OF 1400. 

But that's how I get my cardio in for the day.

 

[StevoWevo]

Has anyone used both with the LR32, or can you talk more about why the 1010 is better?  Is it just the lighter weight?

I have used both with the LR 32.  The lighter weight is part of the issue.  The other part (as I see it) is that the OF 1400 is bulkier and has stronger return springs to accommodate the additional weight.  Imagine that you're building a whole bunch of cabinets, all of which need to be line-bored.  The return springs on the OF 1010 are lighter than those of the OF 1400.  the OF 1010 is easier to compress than the OF 1400.  Now multiply the effort needed to do one cabinet's sides by the number of cabinets being constructed.  Do you get the picture now?

I like your argument for the 1010 Sparktrician. Why you prefer one over the other is good info. I’m curious how the 1010 does power wise drilling the cup holes, if it seems to struggle at all. I have to be honest, I’m not a big fan of small collets and bits. I always go to 1/2” tooling whenever possible. So that brings me to another question. Has anyone switched to after-market bits/cutters for the shelf pins and hinges? The replies have been great guys so thanks for the help

 

[Chris Cianci]

Hi
I’ll chime in here I own and use both 1010 and 1400,with the LR 32 and other applications  If I was only wanting to buy one router I would make it the 1400, because of the multiple collet and bit sizes and the power. I try to use forward thinking with purchases ...... ? What if I ever get router table ? Who knows how big of bits I will want to use in the future.  I don’t want to be limited by my tool choices on an upcoming project due to a tool limitation. I ve never found the 1400 to be heavy or clumsy for freehand work and never noticed the spring tension when using a track or the LR 32....just my hobbyist experience.
One last word of caution......one Festool router leads to the purchase of the second , the third .......and them multiples of what you already have....ask me how I know

 

[joemodern]

I like your argument for the 1010 Sparktrician. Why you prefer one over the other is good info. I’m curious how the 1010 does power wise drilling the cup holes, if it seems to struggle at all. I have to be honest, I’m not a big fan of small collets and bits. I always go to 1/2” tooling whenever possible. So that brings me to another question. Has anyone switched to after-market bits/cutters for the shelf pins and hinges? The replies have been great guys so thanks for the help

The cutters that come with the LR32 are 8mm and are just fine. I've used the original bits for about 30 cabinets now and they still work great. I use the 1400 so can't really comment on the power but with good bits the 1010 is plenty for this and other jobs.

 

[Michael Kellough]

8mm shank is plenty big enough.

 

[Sparktrician]

Has anyone used both with the LR32, or can you talk more about why the 1010 is better?  Is it just the lighter weight?

I have used both with the LR 32.  The lighter weight is part of the issue.  The other part (as I see it) is that the OF 1400 is bulkier and has stronger return springs to accommodate the additional weight.  Imagine that you're building a whole bunch of cabinets, all of which need to be line-bored.  The return springs on the OF 1010 are lighter than those of the OF 1400.  the OF 1010 is easier to compress than the OF 1400.  Now multiply the effort needed to do one cabinet's sides by the number of cabinets being constructed.  Do you get the picture now?

I like your argument for the 1010 Sparktrician. Why you prefer one over the other is good info. I’m curious how the 1010 does power wise drilling the cup holes, if it seems to struggle at all. I have to be honest, I’m not a big fan of small collets and bits. I always go to 1/2” tooling whenever possible. So that brings me to another question. Has anyone switched to after-market bits/cutters for the shelf pins and hinges? The replies have been great guys so thanks for the help

I've never had any challenges drilling hinge cups, [member=71948]StevoWevo[/member].  The OF 1010 has plenty of power for that, provided I have bits that are sharp.  I just take my time to let the bits clear themselves of debris. 

 

[Dove_Tail]

Thanks for the input.  I don't know whether to thank you or curse you, because now I have to go and buy a 1010  [big grin]

Regarding hinge cups, I never use the Festool for these.  I use a Blum Eco Drill.  It's amazing for boring the hinge cup and the screw holes easily with one alignment.  Pricey, of course, but really handy.

 

[Cheese]

I have to be honest, I’m not a big fan of small collets and bits. I always go to 1/2” tooling whenever possible.

We're all familiar with the saying "If your only tool is a hammer then every problem looks like a nail."

Well my corollary to that saying was "If your only routers are big heavy Milwaukee routers, then every router bit looks like it needs a 1/2" shaft." [smile]

That was certainly the road I drove down for years and years. Every single Bosch or CMT router bit I owned up to 5-6 years ago, had to be 1/2" bits even though the Milwaukee routers came with 3/8" & 1/4" collets.

And then I purchased a 1010, it's now my most used router in the shop followed next by the 700 and finally the 1400. The Milwaukees just sit in their red metal cases and I literally haven't touched one of them for the last 5-6 years. 1/2" tooling has it's place but the 8 mm tooling will hold its own.

 

[xedos]

Stevo - you didn't say whether you already have the LR32 and guide rail.  I'll assume not based off of some other things you asked.

The of1010 has plenty of power for 35mm cups, more than you'll need for a kitchens worth at a time.  But as dove tail hints at - lr32+ router is not the best setup for 35mm hinges.  EcoDrill or Hettich's 47307 or even EuroLimited's Euro-Drill are much better options for small production runs.  EL's can be adapted for drill press use if you get really serious.  EcoDrill and EL's Euro can be modified for dust collection that really works.  LR32 isn't great with 35mm.  These jigs are also much faster and simpler to set up for the cup offsets and setbacks than a guide rail and router.  Much simpler.

You'd also be changing back and forth from 5mm to 35mm and adjusting the rail stops for each function so you'd have to run all operations in order to get any kind of efficiency.  Building a cabinet at a time doesn't really work.  Better to have a dedicated 5mm setup + a 35mm one.  The standalone 35mm jigs are also better and easier for site work if that matters to you.

Backing up a step; if you don't have any of the Festool gear already , you're going to be looking at a big outlay to get started.  A 1010 with accessories to bore 5mm is gonna run $1150.  Nearly $1300 if you want the 1400 that some advocate here.  I don't for 5mm BTW, especially if you have other routers already.

That's Mafell DD40 territory.  And that tool will allow for 2x (+) the speed for the 5mm holes as well as performing other tasks like boring for dowels to build the carcasses of the cabinets themselves.  Sure a festool router will do other things too.  But I'm betting one of your other five will do exactly the same things a 1010 or 1400 will do.

If you're set on a router setup for boring 5mm holes then I'd suggest Bosch's Colt and FSN-OFA 32 system for a dedicated router setup.  You'll need a 5mm bit from festool or CMT or elu, or  trend to bore the holes but the bosch system is less than $400 all in.  And that includes clamps and stops.  You'll earn the low price to get the OFA kit here because it will have to be imported, but it's a lot of bang for the buck.