Need a router

[TheTrooper]

I'm slowly converting my shop over to the green.  I own a tile and Hardwood flooring company and I build custom inlays, stair treads, and I also make custom cabinets and built-ins as a hobby.  I currently use a Bosch Colt trim and a Ryobi 2 Peak  HP EVS Plunge  Router. They've held up for the past 6 years but I need something more user friendly. I use the ryobi to router openings in an existing floor to drop an inlay into, and to mount in my router table to make raised panel doors, moldings and so on. I was looking at the 1400 EQ and the MFK700 EQ.

I also stumbled across a deal on the OF 2200 EB. I haven't purchased it yet because I'm not sure if it's going to be too big or hard to handle.  Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

[nclemmons]

I have both of those routers you are considering.  The 1400 gives you much greater flexibility as far as bit size, length, plunge depth and visibility.  The MFK700 is excellent for edge routing.  My concern with your application and the 700 is visibility as it's virtually non-existent, particularly for inlays.

I'd suggest either the 1400 or possibly the 1010 which is a great small router with lots of flexibility, is light weight but packs a lot of power with plenty of options for accessories - more than the 1400 actually.  Downside of the 1010 is you are limited to 1/4 and 8mm bits so if you need a lot of 1/2 bits, the 1400 might be the better option.

neil

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm slowly converting my shop over to the green.  I own a tile and Hardwood flooring company and I build custom inlays, stair treads, and I also make custom cabinets and built-ins as a hobby.  I currently use a Bosch Colt trim and a Ryobi 2 Peak  HP EVS Plunge  Router. They've held up for the past 6 years but I need something more user friendly. I use the ryobi to router openings in an existing floor to drop an inlay into, and to mount in my router table to make raised panel doors, moldings and so on. I was looking at the 1400 EQ and the MFK700 EQ.

I also stumbled across a deal on the OF 2200 EB. I haven't purchased it yet because I'm not sure if it's going to be too big or hard to handle.  Any thoughts would be helpful.

The OF 2200 is the 18# gorilla of the bunch, yet despite its bulk, weight and horsepower, it's so surprisingly well-mannered.  That having been said, I'm pretty sure that it's not the right tool for the tasks you described.  I do use mine for heavy-duty tasks like routing raised panels, flattening slabs, and beveling table tops, and it barely breathes heavy at all.  Dust collection is superb, though.  I'd echo what [member=167]neilc[/member] said in that the OF 1010 might be the better choice for the work you mentioned.  The MFK700 is superb when working with laminates and edge banding, but as noted, visibility is a challenge in the situations you mention. 

 

[TheTrooper]

Will the 1010 be fine with a spiral bit in it and cutting a pattern in a 9/16 hardwood in a pass?
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[sancho57]

The 1010 is my go to router for all free hand routing. Light, great dust collection and plenty of power. It can be table mounted and the mounting kit comes with the CMS.

Now for a full time table mounted router that can also be used hand held router the 2200 is what I use. It's a beast and very well balanced, ergonomically correct (handles are such they push the router into the work and the controls are in the handle ( debth and speed) .
I've never been able to bog the motor down no matter what im cutting and how big a chunk Im hogging out.

The mounting kit comes with the CMS.

Remember Festool USA doesnt authorize the 2200 to be used in the CMS though all over the world they do.

So even though  they provide the mounting hardware, it's designed to be used in the CMS and it's the best router on the market IMO no one mounts it in the CMS.

 

[Rob-GB]

I own 3 routers, 4 if you include the old damaged Elu177e that I loved and still have not binned, one is a De**lt copy of the 177e that I was bought as a replacement when making the caps (in my avatar) bent the Elu's shaft, one is a 1/4" collet only thing that got used for one job the 177e copy could not do and the OF2200EB.(plus the CMS table)
The Festool 2200 gets used for everything other than stair trenching( due to jig compatibility issues) some freehand, some in the CMS and some jig or pattern and guide bush work even running 2.5mm grooves in oak stair treads for anti slip stainless steel flat bar inserts.
It is a rock solid router with muscle that can be as gentle as a lovers caress......

Rob.

 

[Sparktrician]

It is a rock solid router with muscle that can be as gentle as a lovers caress......

 

And every bit as wicked when not handled with respect... 

[scared]

 

[Birdhunter]

I've got all the Festool routers. The 700 is used strictly for trimming edge banding. The 1010 is used for light work where finess is critical. The 2200 is used where lots of power and smoothness is required. The 1400 is used for 90% of my routing work. For me, the 1010 is the fun to use router. It is light, handles beautifully, and has excellent power. As was said above, 1/4" shanks are the max. The 1400 lacks the advanced engineering and superior dust collection of the 2200, but it also lacks the 2200's bulk.  I think the 1400 is the best all around Festool router. 

 

[TheTrooper]

Thanks guys,  I'm thinking I might go with the 1010 and the 2200.  I can get the 2200 a little cheaper than the 1400.  I'm thinking the 1010 will be able to handle cutting those curves out for me on the job site

 

[Stone Message]

For the main OF1010, 1400 and 2200 this may help:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/whick-festool-router-video/

Peter

 

[TheTrooper]

Peter those are amazing videos and helped so much. I'm set on the 1010 and the 2200 as I feel it will compliment each other. I chose the 1010 for the weight and view for the detail stuff and the 2200 for a strictly table mounted unit since I do some raised panels. You guys are so helpful. Much thanks

 

[Sparktrician]

Peter those are amazing videos and helped so much. I'm set on the 1010 and the 2200 as I feel it will compliment each other. I chose the 1010 for the weight and view for the detail stuff and the 2200 for a strictly table mounted unit since I do some raised panels. You guys are so helpful. Much thanks

If you're thinking of table-mounting the OF 2200, you might want to read this thread.  Also, be aware that the OF 2200 CAN draw up to 20 amps under full load, so you'd do well to use it on a 20 amp circuit.  There are other considerations, too.  PM me if you want a fill-in. 

[smile]

 

[Stone Message]

If you are looking at the CMS-OF and the OF2200 in particular then try this:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/cms-of-setup-and-use-videos/

Peter