Metric Routers - any hope for the US?

[dlu]

Are there any sources of metric 1400 routers in the US? Or is there a way to convert an imperial tool to metric?

 

[Nat X]

Buy a metric try square, set your bit height against that and stop worrying about it. The scales on routers are completely inaccurate no matter what numbers they print next to them and the amount of slop in the depth turret is legendary.

 

[sancho57]

As far as a router goes why would it matter if it was metric or not? Other then picking up a 8mm collet which I got with my 1010

 

[Naildrivingman]

The scales on routers are completely inaccurate no matter what numbers they print next to them and the amount of slop in the depth turret is legendary.

I have to second Nat's comment on the slop of the turret. Until I bought my 1400, I could count the number of times on one hand that I had used a plunge router. I have to say that I am not impressed with the turret of the 1400.

 

[ear3]

Isn't the microadjust on the routers still in metric?

You could also just use metric setup blocks to set the depth.  I find using the turret scale to be pretty inexact, and it's much better to set the rough depth with a block and then use the microadjust to fine tune.

 

[PeterK]

I have always done test cuts after adjusting the depth stop. Never found the scale accurate enough fo my desires - of course maybe I am just too finicky!
Get a set of setup bars from Lee Valley or elsewhere. Great for quick adjustment and accurate. I still do the test cut though as router bits often have points that cut deeper than the center.

 

[Peter_C]

From what I understand it is a metric router with a stick on scale in standard. If you contact Festool they will send you a metric replacement sticker for free to convert it back to metric.

I often use something like this for setting up blade/bit height.https://www.amazon.com/iGAGING-DIGITAL-MULTI-GAUGE-WOODWORKERS-WELDERS/dp/B0032OG42O