OF 1010 Router Decision

A-Aron

A-Aron

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Looking to purchase my first router and thought that I'd decided on the OF 1010 until I saw some posts about North America not having much in the way of 8mm shank router bits.  Should this impact my decision? Should I just go to the OF 1400 instead? 

In many of the reviews and posts that I've seen, the people that own both the OF1400 and the OF1010 say that the 1010 ends up being the go-to router because of its weight, and that it doesn't give up much in the way of function compared to the 1400.

I am a hobbyist and will be building cabinets, bookshelves, and other mid to small plywood projects.

Oh, and hello FOG. Glad to be a part of the group now.
Bam. 1st post.

 
if you are planning one router I would go for the of 1400, as an all rounder
 
Welcome to the forum. The OF 1010 can use 8mm or 1/4" bits. So, you're not locked into just 8mm.  [wink]
 
The limited availability of 8mm shank bits shouldn't effect your decision; you can still use 1/4" shank bits.  I would think whether this will be your only router and you need to use 1/2" shank bits would be the issue that effects your decision.  If so, get the 1400.

Also, you can get 8mm bits from Lee Valley, but I haven't seen much info on the quality of their bits.
 
A-Aron said:
Looking to purchase my first router and thought that I'd decided on the OF 1010 until I saw some posts about North America not having much in the way of 8mm shank router bits.  Should this impact my decision? Should I just go to the OF 1400 instead? 
...
Click to expand...

I cannot comment on the 1010 in particular but I have a similar router.
As mentioned you can usually get 6 and 8-mm collets as well as 1/4".
It is relatively cheap to get 8-mm bits through someone like dictum.com.de and shipping is not bad. Maybe Rockler or someone in the US has them, you just need to plan ahead as it is not a trip to home-depot on the day.

I will likely get a large (1/2") router at some point. It is a consistent argument that the 1400 is a better all-rounder, but a small router is sometimes easier to wield around. Unless it is better to have a 1400 and 2200, than a 1010 and 2200, then the 1010 seems like a good choice. They smaller ones still seem to through a lot of chips out, just they do not power the 1/2" bits. But there is plenty to do with small bits.
 
[welcome]

It's always nice to drive a sports car ... but sometimes you need to carry a load!

The 1010 will be nicer for the majority of tasks, but some may challenge it. If trimming, small grooves, dovetails, etc are your target the 1010 may be enough, but if you're looking at shaping panels go for the 1400 as a minimum.
 
Well, thank you all for the replies!

My concern about finding 8mm bits has been allayed somewhat with your links to Dictum and Lee Valley... I went to Dictum and found that many of their 8mm bits are out of stock.  Maybe they're hard to find this soon after Christmas?  Haven't checked Lee Valley yet, but apparently, with some searching, they can be found.

The other suggestions about getting the 1400 as a better "all-a-rounder" make sense and perhaps the best "starting" course of action would be the 1400 and then the MFK 700 for the light duty work.

Like waho6o9, I'll probably end up with all of them after a while anyway over the next few years... ;)

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to purchase the 1400.  Now on to accessories!

 
A-Aron said:
Well, thank you all for the replies!

My concern about finding 8mm bits has been allayed somewhat with your links to Dictum and Lee Valley... I went to Dictum and found that many of their 8mm bits are out of stock.  Maybe they're hard to find this soon after Christmas?  Haven't checked Lee Valley yet, but apparently, with some searching, they can be found.

The other suggestions about getting the 1400 as a better "all-a-rounder" make sense and perhaps the best "starting" course of action would be the 1400 and then the MFK 700 for the light duty work.

Like waho6o9, I'll probably end up with all of them after a while anyway over the next few years... ;)

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to purchase the 1400.  [size=14pt]Now on to accessories![/size]
Click to expand...

[popcorn]

 
"On to accessories!" As in- Now begins the search for accessories!

I was just looking at the MFS 400 and 700 which seem like extremely handy add-ons.

I'm going to be building the Paulk Workbench before I start the next few projects, so getting the tools to make the workbench come first.

This is my first router, so I'm trying to wrap my head around how to purchase bits, and what ever else I need.
I probably won't be doing any ogee profiles or classical curved type profiles. Mostly squared off edges and grooves like dadoes and flush trim cuts.

What bits should I get?  Wish there was a beginners bit package for modern/midcentury woodworking style.

I already have the TS55 and CT26 so I'm on the path...

 
I don’t know if it is available in your part of the world, but in the Old Countries Festool sells a set with 10 of the ‘most useful’ router bits. Quite good value for money (it is around 220 euro, about USD 240, but prices can vary a lot between continents). I bought it in a package deal with a OF1010.

Festool BOX-OF S8.
 
Bert Vanderveen said:
I don’t know if it is available in your part of the world, but in the Old Countries Festool sells a set with 10 of the ‘most useful’ router bits. Quite good value for money (it is around 220 euro, about USD 240, but prices can vary a lot between continents). I bought it in a package deal with a OF1010.

Festool BOX-OF S8.
Click to expand...

Thank you Bert! Looks like that set is not normally available here in the New Country.  It does give me a pretty good idea of what to look for though.

One of the bits that I want is used to route out the T-Track groove that will line up with my table saw T-Track. I'm also going to need a bit to plunge out the holes on the top of the table where the clamps will attach.
 
Bert Vanderveen said:
I don’t know if it is available in your part of the world, but in the Old Countries Festool sells a set with 10 of the ‘most useful’ router bits. Quite good value for money (it is around 220 euro, about USD 240, but prices can vary a lot between continents). I bought it in a package deal with a OF1010.

Festool BOX-OF S8.
Click to expand...

And if one is not doing large bot work then the 1010 probably makes more sense.

It seems like you get more with a 1400, but it is also more weight, bulk, etc. So it ay be worth considering the 1010, or the 2200 as a lot of people start with the 1400 and get the 1010, and then either hardly use the 1400 or get the 2200 and hardly use the 1400.
 
rvieceli said:
CMT and Amana also make good bits as well. HEre is a spot that has them as well as Freud.
http://www.routerbitworld.com/

You might want to take a look at the guide stop to use it on the guide rail
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/guide-stop-of-1400/p/492601/

Possibly an edge guide as well.
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/edge-guides/p/492636/

Ron
Click to expand...

Thanks Ron, those are good suggestions.  The link to the router bits is great also.  I only saw 1/2" shank router bits which would work for the OF1400. 

 
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