Is a Festool router worth it for me?

Bob Marino said:
  Just to add my 2 cents to the already excellent advice you have gotten already. Only up until  about 6-7 years ago (can't find my older catalogs this moment), Festool offered the OF 1000 and the OF 2000. It was lacking in a mid sized router, capable of handling a 1/2" bit.  The built up demand was incredible and the OF 1400 sales proved it, and I'm guessing is still one of Festool's best selling tools - and with good reason.

The 1/2" bit issue is a real one, but may or may not be important to you, unless you plan to swing heavy bits in the future. Something else may weigh on your decision and that is the tool-free guide bushing adapters and chip deflector on the 1400, rather than screw-ins on the 1010. It's not a major advance, but a nice feature. Having said all that, I'm of the age and mindset of using the lightest tool  that can handle the tasks - without struggling or straining. The 1010 fits the bill for me, most of the time, but as a dealer, I have all 4 Festool routers in my shop. Most Festool users do not, so they have to choose amongst them.
I kinda pick my router, like I choose my sander. I tend to favor the 6" sanders. If I need to start with 60 or 80 grit or so, I start with the Rotex and switch off to the ETS 150/3 at 120; just smoother, lighter and easier to handle. Heavier jobs, or when I have to use a 1/2" bit,  I choose the 1400. Edge work, pin holes, really most routing, I prefer the 1010.

So, if only one router, I'd probably still give the 1400 the  slight edge, just for the 1/2" bit and tool-free ability and features.  If my answer is still a bit nebulous, it's because they are both so darn good!

Bob

No this about covers it very well, thanks Bob! And thanks to other as well for all the excellent advice.

Why should I worry about the 1/2 inch bits?
 
Generally more selection in 1/2" bits than 1/4" bits. Also much more robust. The larger shaft allows you to run some of the bigger profile bits that would otherwise probably result in broken shafts.
 
Why should I worry about the 1/2 inch bits?

As has been stated, bits with bigger shafts can handle bigger cutters. Many bits are OK with smaller shafts but if you're going to swing a big bit (one with big cutters), you should have a big router and a bit with a big shaft.

For many hand-held router tasks, 1/4" shaft bits are fine. However, you won't find many bits that are made for solid surface that have less than a 1/2" shaft...

Tom
 
Most import reason for me to pick the OF1400 and sell the OF1010:

the parallel edge guide and the guide stop are way better, especially the fine adjustment
 
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