My thoughts after switching from Porter cable 690's to Festool routers.

[Max Neu]

I recently switched out all of my handheld tools(routers,sanders,jigsaw,etc.) to Festools.I love them all,but the one thing I want to talk about now is the difference between the 690's and the festool routers.I have used the 690's for years,and never really gave it much thought,until now.I can't believe how much better the festool routers are, it's like night and day.Besides superior dust collection,comfort,the cut is 100% better,no more chatter and hand sanding.I use an OF1010 for a dedicated flush trimming router,I use it to flush trim the finished sides of cabinets,where the face frame meets the end panel.Before,when using the 690,it alway's left a small edge to sand off,which took alot of time on a bigger job,I alway's just assumed the bit's weren't perfect.Now,with the festool,the frames are getting trimmed off as flush as possible,you can't even feel the joint when you rub your hand across it,so the sanding time has been cut down significantly.I couldn't be happier with these routers,they will pay for themselves for sure.For me,time is money,now I can spend more time cutting,and less time sanding. 

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I hear you, Max.  The better my cut is, the less time I have to spend futzing around. That's why I buy the best power tools, measurement tools, and blades.  Good luck.

 

[BMH]

I concur, never care much for routers for the same reason, dust and quality of cut. I discovered the 1400 and the accessories that go with it. Now I have also the 700, 1100 and the CMS. They have become one of my most important tool in the shop. The problem I now have is that the cut is so clean I have to hit the edge with some sandpaper so I don't cut myself.

Bruce

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I hear you Bruce, I've already gotten a paper-cut from a rabbeted edge.  I'm enjoying working with the 1400 in the CMS GE, although I still don't have the hang of setting up the out-feed table without having it constantly falling apart. [tongue]

 

[MrToolJunkie]

They are nice to use for sure...much of the smoothness has to do with the bearings and overall rigidity of the spindle.  Festool routers excel in this category in my opinion.  They are smooooth machines.

 

[sancho57]

After I got my festool routers I gave away my PC routers, they were the older 690 and 7518 routers ones actually made by PC.

I didnt regret it one bit and havent looked back.

I replaced the 690 w/ the 1010 and the 7518 with the 2200.

One of the best routing decisions I have made.

A good friend of mine asked me just yesterday if I thought the 1010 was a good router as he had seen one for sale.

I told him for the price he said he could get it for Id buy inna heart beat.

I hardly use the 2200. The 1010 is my go to router. I barely use my router table (CMS) because the 1010 is such a awesome little router.

Between the 2, they are all Ill ever need.

 

[RDMuller]

I agree with everything said above.  I think I have 8 routers of miscellaneous types.  Some are dedicated to very specific uses for attachments and settings now.  Use a 1400 for 2 weeks and then go back to something else.  You won't realize how bad the old ones are and how good the new one that now has become your reference standard is.