Is the OF1010 right for me?

[chappardababbar]

Hi people of expensive taste, I have another question.

I'll say up front that I've already ordered the OF1400 router but I'm going to call FFX tomorrow morning to ask them to put it on hold whilst I garner some feedback from y'all.

Over the next year I plan to build some bookcases, shelving, a toy chest, some column wraps etc.

I think what that means in terms of a router is that I would like to be able to cut dados/trenches, rabbets and rebates mainly into plywood. Probably less that 50 passes in total over a year ....if that.

From what I've read people always tend to recommend the OF1400 as the first router but my feeling is that the OF1010 is better suited. Yes it only takes 1/4" shank bits but for my uses I don't think two passes to get the right dado width is the end of the world.

I like that it comes with a guide rail and a guide adaptor for less than the price of a 1400.
I like that it's smaller and handier
It feels to me it'll work more ergonomically with LR32 and Dovetail jig set ups

The think is, I don't really know what I'll be needing a router for just yet but the first think I want to be able to do is rounding over edges on shelving, and creating thin trim moulding for detailing cabinets.

I'm aware that bits will me more limited and more expensive that the OF1400 but I  think the OF1010 will be better for me.

What am I missing?

 

[nclemmons]

1010 is a great router.  I have it and prefer it for most simple tasks like you outlined, even though I have the 1400 as well.  Plenty of power for what you outlined, and I like it a lot for dovetailing.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 1010 for what you outlined.  The biggest reason for going with the 1400 is bit selection, and a little more HP for turning larger bits like for panel raising or rail/stile bits. 

Check out Peter Parfitt's recent video on the 1010 - he does a great overview of the router. 

neil

 

[chappardababbar]

Thanks Neil. I think I've watched all of Peter's router vidoes about 4 or 5 times each. Peter's videos are fantastic and unfortunately I'm the kind of geek that will look forward to getting into my jim-jams, pouring a glass of milk, getting a pack of choc chip cookies and snuggling down to watch his videos whenever a new one is released.

However I didn't quite get what I was looking for in the individual videos or in the comparison video. I want to know where the OF1010 fails vs the OF1400 and likewise OF1400 vs OF2200. What kind of work are you limited to by choosing one vs another.

My problem is i'm in the infancy of this new hobby and I don't really know what I could be doing a little further down the line

 

[GarryMartin]

Hope this helps - from a Festool UK routing catalogue.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Neal W]

FWIW, I just received the 1400 last week.  I was torn between the two (The 1010 and the 1400) and ultimately the thing which swayed my decision was the fact I already own a fair number of 1/2" shank router bits (which I also use in my table mounted triton plunge router).  The 1010 does not have a half inch collet option, so I went with the one a little bit larger. 

The 1400 is my first plunge into the festool world as well.  Now I just need for the weather to turn warmer so I can start making sawdust again.  (Next up is the Domino 500, when it gets a little closer to the warmer weather). 

 

[ear3]

The max diameter cutter issue with the 1010 has yet to be clarified -- I'm pretty sure Peter did not cover it his 1010 videos.  In the American manual, it says max diameter of the cutters is 35mm, but in this chart from the UK, it says 50mm.  I think I may have a possible solution, however, which is that in the chart, it says "profile" diameter, presumably meaning a bit with a guide bearing.  And in my experience, I have had no issues running a 40mm bearing guided bit with the 1010 (haven't gone any higher than this).

Am I wrong?

Hope this helps - from a Festool UK routing catalogue.

[attachimg=1]

 

[GarryMartin]

It's 35mm in the European manuals too, but in all the catalogues and in the technical specification pages for the OF 1010, it always lists 50mm. I'm not sure Peter got an official response from Festool but I believe he had asked for one.

 

[waho6o9]

Is the OF1010 right for me?

Yes

 

[chappardababbar]

Thank you for the reassurance guys, I cancelled the 1400 and ordered the OF1010 instead. It just felt a cooler and cleverer tool than the 1400. Can't wait to take it for a spin. I'm off on paternity leave next week and I'm planning on making a start on a couple of projects (toy box first!)

I ordered the Festool 10 pack of bits for £140 because the bits are like £40 each individually!!!!!

I also got the parallel guides for doing some dados....will let you know how i get on

Gary looking at the table above (thanks for posting), it looks as though there are some things the 1010 is good at and other things that the 2200 is good at but little crossover between the two routers. The 1400 covers aspects of both but I think I prefer to have specialist tools rather than generalist tools. Let's see how it goes.

 

[sancho57]

That's what I did. I got a 1010 and a 2200

 

[GarryMartin]

The pack of 10 bits is a good deal - they are excellent quality bits and a good general selection. The 8mm shank size is a good compromise and will work across all Festool general purpose routers.

I have the OF 1010 and the OF 1400. Before I got the CMS, I'd reach for the OF 1010 most of the time. It's a lovely, balanced tool and has plenty of power for my DIY/enthusiast type jobs. The OF 1400 spends most of its life in a CMS module nowadays.

 

[fin]

never been on the toolfest site. they seem a better deal than a few other sites ive been on. anyone used em before?

 

[fin]

actually.... its excludes vat lol not that good  :'(