Need Help Choosing a Router

[sancho57]

I have the 1010 and 2200 like you. I find that's all I need. There are enough router bits out there that you can do almost everything with the 1010. The rest can be done with the 2200. Even though it's heavy it is very well balanced makes free hand routing a dream.

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

I had the 1400, it was my first Festool router, but I sold it once I had the 1010 and the 2200.

The 1010 and the 2200 is a brilliant combo and all you'll need to do most things. The 2200 mostly stays in the CMS router table where it's a much better option than the 1400.

Similarly, the Rotex 125 was my first Festool sander which was also sold on once I had the Rotex 90 and the 150. The 125 was a bit unruly and the 90 and the 150 have better accessory options and more versatile. 

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I had the 1400, it was my first Festool router, but I sold it once I had the 1010 and the 2200.

The 1010 and the 2200 is a brilliant combo and all you'll need to do most things. The 2200 mostly stays in the CMS router table where it's a much better option than the 1400.

Similarly, the Rotex 125 was my first Festool sander which was also sold on once I had the Rotex 90 and the 150. The 125 was a bit unruly and the 90 and the 150 have better accessory options and more versatile.

Thanks, that was the established wisdom when I bought my OF 1010 with plans of eventually getting the OF 2200, now I'll run with those two for a while, and if it seems there was situations where a middleweight machine would be appropriate, then I'll pick it up on the used market.. The OF 1400 comes up every  once in awhile where I live. I could see having it as a back up and a loaner machine at the very least..

Edit, having the OF 1400 as a backup would make good sense as it can use 12mm 1/2" shank bits, and could be used in a pinch as a shaper in the CMS GE. And another point it could be handy to dedicate one 12mm 1/2"  shank capable router to the table and one for handheld use in some workflows..

 

[Holmz]

The other options include a small hand held (1010) and something like a Triton for a table router setup.

Then for the large bits and going by hand, a 12-mm 1/2" like a 1400?/2200? Or other.

But that assumes that one likes a router table for shaper type of work.