light for 1400 router

[Peter Durand]

I had to freehand along a number of curves with a "rabbit" bit. If I kept the dust collection plastic shield in place I could not see

the line I was to follow due to lack of light. I had to remove the dust thingie  to get a view. What a messy, dusty experience that was!

My question is: is there an aftermarket light that can be attached to the router so that  it shines a light on the bit?

Thanks,

Regards,
Peter

 

[Bob D.]

You'd think someone would have created one by now. After all, Craftsman had them available as an accessory over 40 years ago. I know because I had one for what they called their Commercial Router back in the early 70s. I searched and found the manual online which had a picture of accessories available for the router. It was pretty simple and not very bright, but it did put some light right on the work. Ran on a pair of AA batteries as I remember and fastened to the side of the router with two screws. It fit a couple different model routers.

 

[Renovatedspaces]

Craftsman actually had them built in to many of their routers standard for a while as well.  I’m actually surprised Festool dropped the ball on this. I am in the market for a 1400, but I assumed it would have a light.

 

[justaguy]

I've seen reports of people using a Dremel FL400 strategically placed with a couple of cable ties. I've not tried it myself but I have ordered an FL400 after searching for one at a reasonable price.

Take a look here Dremel FL400 on a 1400 look about 1/2 way down the page.

 

[RKA]

If you feel like getting crafty, here is some inspiration from mirock.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/led-light-for-my-festool-of1010-router/msg474343/#msg474343

 

[dltflt]

Here is one I just found on Amazon and it is only $13.99.

 

[rmhinden]

I found these on Amazon, see:

View attachment 1

Button Lamp Adhesive LEDs Light Package

I was thinking they could just be stuck on the inside of the router.  They look pretty small, have an on/off switch, and adhesive backing.  Not too expensive, only $9.43 for 6.

I have not gotten any to try them out.

 

[rmhinden]

Update, I just ordered a set, will arrive on Friday.

I will report back.

 

[SoonerFan]

Thanks in advance for reporting back.  Curious if / how well these might work.

Update, I just ordered a set, will arrive on Friday.

I will report back.

 

[Mr_Mod]

I was wondering whether these round LED photography lights could work
Ebay

 

[rljatl]

I wonder if you could combine these two items:

light  $17.00 + battery pack  $30.00

Looks like all you would have to do is change one of the female plugs to a compatible male plug?

Or, the expensive option:
Microfence light ring

 

[Renovatedspaces]

If it fits, I would be going with the light ring. Actually, I’d give it a go to copy it and make it myself first.

 

[TinyShop]

I wonder if you could combine these two items:

light  $17.00 + battery pack  $30.00

Looks like all you would have to do is change one of the female plugs to a compatible male plug?

Or, the expensive option:
Microfence light ring

A word of caution - there may be an issue trying to power the "KMS Squared UFO Reloading Press Light Kit" (which appears to be optimized for a 12-volt, 1A power supply) with a single 9-volt battery (~9-volts, ~500mAh). Perhaps someone far more knowledgeable about electricity can chime in.

 

[Renovatedspaces]

I wonder if you could combine these two items:

light  $17.00 + battery pack  $30.00

Looks like all you would have to do is change one of the female plugs to a compatible male plug?

Or, the expensive option:
Microfence light ring

A word of caution - there may be an issue trying to power the "KMS Squared UFO Reloading Press Light Kit" (which appears to be optimized for a 12-volt, 1A power supply) with a single 9-volt battery (~9-volts, ~500mAh). Perhaps someone far more knowledgeable about electricity can chime in.

A better option is to use a Li-Po  battery from a hobby store. Lots of power for runtime.

 

[TinyShop]

Just stumbled upon these US$10 adhesive LED light strips w/battery pack:

[Source:https://www.ledsupply.com/led-strip...MIrr6gjNvP4AIVA41pCh2qyQwyEAQYASABEgKwafD_BwE]

 

[TinyShop]

Then there are these various diameter round "halo" light strips (12V-30V):
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...d-angel-eye-headlight-accent-lights-cob/1135/

 

[TinyShop]

Better yet, this US$13.56 (shipped) 3 AA battery-powered self-adhesive LED light strip kit (w/remote control!):

[Source:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Po...868?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0]

 

[Renovatedspaces]

Better yet, this US$13.56 (shipped) 3 AA battery-powered self-adhesive LED light strip kit (w/remote control!):

[Source:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Battery-Po...868?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0]

These lights don’t bend to the radius we would need if installed to point down at the work.

 

[mcooley]

I have plans for making one and putting it out there for purchase. I also have many other small affordable add-on type designs which if there is demand might be possible to do as well. The light for the router is the tip of the iceberg really. 

 

[rmhinden]

Regarding the button lamp.  Here is a before and after picture with my OF 1010 router:

[attachimg=1][attachimg=2]

They do seem to work to better illuminate the router base.  I need to spend some more time to make some inserts to create a better platform to stick them to.  They might work better in an OF1400 as it may have a larger place to mount them.  I don't have a OF 1400 so can't tell.

I may also try trying to modify one of the lamps to see if I can make it fit better. 

Overall, well worth the $10