OF 1010 Router Decision

[A-Aron]

Okay,

As much as I like the idea of the OF1010 and gravitate to it in the review videos I've seen because of its versatility and light weight, I have to choose the OF1400 instead.

The reason is, that Festool's decision to stop offering most of the 8mm shank bits in the USA means that I can't go to the hardware store and pick up a bit. My local WoodCraft which carries Festool, only has a few limited choices of 8mm shank bits and those are mostly for dovetails. I can't imagine Lowe's or HomeDepot carrying 8mm shank bits.
The 1/4" bits may be an option but if I'm going to be routing on a 1" thick piece of Baltic Birch ply or 2" mahogany, I would probably be in trouble.

Maybe the 1400 is a better choice anyway, because of the increased power.
Plus, I'm American, Dammit! I can handle the heavier tool no problem! [tongue] (I'm sure I'll regret this statement.)

 

[Staniam]

Okay,

As much as I like the idea of the OF1010 and gravitate to it in the review videos I've seen because of its versatility and light weight, I have to choose the OF1400 instead.

The reason is, that Festool's decision to stop offering most of the 8mm shank bits in the USA means that I can't go to the hardware store and pick up a bit. My local WoodCraft which carries Festool, only has a few limited choices of 8mm shank bits and those are mostly for dovetails. I can't imagine Lowe's or HomeDepot carrying 8mm shank bits.
The 1/4" bits may be an option but if I'm going to be routing on a 1" thick piece of Baltic Birch ply or 2" mahogany, I would probably be in trouble.

Maybe the 1400 is a better choice anyway, because of the increased power.
Plus, I'm American, Dammit! I can handle the heavier tool no problem! [tongue] (I'm sure I'll regret this statement.)

I will be picking up the OF 1010 I ordered tomorrow. My local dealer has always had the 1400 in stock so I asked them to order the 1010 for comparison. They did so as either way they would be making a sale on one of them. After messing around with both it became clear the 1400 was much bulkier and heavier than I would have liked. It's nearly double the weight of the 1010 and overall size is much larger as well. I scoured the Web and YouTube obsessively to dig up everything I could find on the 1010 in terms of power and "punch" because I fell in love with its size.

    When people were making 3/4" dad's and 1" round overs with ease I was completely sold on the 1010. A couple fellow FOGgers even messaged me about the 1010 and further extinguished my worries on the power of the 1010. Also, for what you'd be doing with the router I think the 1010 is perfect. Edging looks to be one of the best functions of the 1010.

 

[A-Aron]

Staniam,

Thank you for the post. Where are you getting your bits?

I was in the shopping cart with the 1400 and saw your post.
Is the lack of Festool 8mm bits really so insignificant?

I'd love to be convinced that the 1010 is the way to go.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have all the Festool routers (confessed tool junkie) and the choice of a 1400 as your first is smart.

Be careful with routers. They can be very dangerous.

Some of my learnings:

There is a saying that routers go left. That's so the direction of the router bit doesn't accelerate the router.

Shallow cuts are safer than deeper cuts.

Smaller router bits are safer than bigger router bits.

For many cuts, router tables are safer than free handing.

Use push sticks or push pads instead of fingers to move the work on a router table. They are more easily replaced than fingers.

Have an emergency bailout plan in case something goes crazy.

Use a strong vac as routers create an amazing amount of debris.

Wear safety glasses.

 

[Staniam]

I don't think the lack of 8mm bits is a problem at all as you can go into just about any shop that sells router bits and pick up 1/4" bits. I probably won't be purchasing many 8mm bits as there are so many options already in the 1/4". Obviously the 8mm shank is a tad thicker but if you come across a project where you need that extra 2mm thick shank you can still order 8mm bits as others have stated.

If you decide to go with the 1010 you may want to think about future projects where you might need an 8mm and order it but otherwise there are plenty of small and large wood eating 1/4" bits. Plus if you decide to go with the 1010 you can use the money you save to get basically all the surefire needed accessories and be at or around the price of the 1400  [big grin]

I think the 1400 is an I credible router but from what I've seen and read the 1010 can do just about all of what the 1400 can save for when you get into the "shaping" category which it doesn't seem like you'll touch.

Power and ergonomics vs +power and weight

 

[A-Aron]

Staniam, Birdhunter, everyone else,

Thank you for the replies and thank you for making this more difficult. 

If the 8mm bit selection is not an issue due to the viability of the 1/4" shank bits then it sounds like the 1010 is the way to go... for what I'm doing.  As I mentioned before, I'll be building bookshelves and cabinets where most of my router work will be trimming excess edges of plywood off, routing shallow dadoes for shelves or sliding doors, and cutting out templates.  I'll be working with plywood from 1/2" to 1-1/2" in thickness mostly which made the 1010 seem like a great choice.

The 1400 seems like the universal first choice because of its versatility and I could no doubt use it for all or most of my projects but if 99% of my projects could be done with almost half the weight and less cost--I have to consider the 1010.

Maybe Holmz is right. A great combo would be the 2200 and the 1010.

I'm gonna have to wait until morning on this decision now... My brain has started smoking.

Maybe I can attach the CT26 to my ear and cool my brain off.

 

[Flatsawn]

Cheese and greg mann LOL!!!

 

[Flatsawn]

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

I was just looking at the MFS 400 and 700 [/color]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...

Before you jump on that go to amazon and read the reviews.

 

[Flatsawn]

Oh and welcome

 

[mark60]

It is a tough decision and one I faced a while back. It was easier for me because I already have a bigger Bosch router that could handle bigger work if the 1010 fell flat.
The work you're describing sounds perfectly suited to the 1010 and trimming hardwood edging off plywood boxes was what pushed me to the 1010. I knew that even the largest dados could be made with the smaller router it might just take an extra pass or two. Being a hobbyist I'm can take a few extra minutes and not be losing money at the same time. The 1010 with the edge trimming attachment is the cat's meow for trimming and I think the 1400 would be unnecessarily heavy and unwieldy for that task.

 

[tiralie]

The 1010 is a great machine. Until last year it was the only router I used for the work you are describing. Great little router.
I suggest you don't get one unless you are ready to buy more Festool. It's a gateway to the green addiction!
Tim

 

[travisj]

I contemplated both of these machines a couple of months ago.  My issue was I have several routers.  What I was missing was a "good" plunge router.  I went with the 1400 since the majority of my bits were 1/2".  The 1010 looks like an awesome and capable router.  Based on what you said your anticipated projects are, I would recommend the 1010 and then use the savings on a quality starter set of bits.  Then you can decide which profiles you could purchase piecemeal after the fact. 
    A good starter set (10-12 bits) will cover the majority of your routing needs.  I would also recommend an undersized plywood bit set (1/2" ply isn't truly 1/2" etc...) since you listed plywood as a material.  I started with "cheap" Rockler and Woodcraft bits and upgraded the ones that needed it when the time came.  It can be tough to justify $100 for a bit when you are starting out. 

Another thing to remember if you are worried about 1/4" bits is that there is more than one way to skin a cat.  If your after rabbets, grooves, or dados, you could also use hand tools or a table saw.  Even doing a heavy profile on an edge, I have used a table saw to cut away some of what the waste would be in order to reduce the number of passes and the load on the router.  I don't see why a track saw or circ saw on a guide rail could be used in the same fashion.

 

[yetihunter]

I was all about getting the 1400 because: 1/2" bits.

But I got over it and bought the 1010.
It's in the same category as a very popular Dewalt model (an Elu design)
that's advertised as "2hp" (lies).  People do use said Dewalt to do most of their routing....

You give up 300 watts for something that is light enough to double as a laminate trimmer.

30 day return policy, so if it's not powerful enough, you can always trade it in for the 1400. 

I too was hung up on 8mm router bits over 1/4" 

Dieter Schmid has an extensive selection.
http://www.fine-tools.com/fraeser.html

Alas, 1/4" is 4/16" and 8mm is just a click over 5/16"....

Your local Woodcraft either stocks or can order the Whiteside 402 set.

You can't beat this quality and value combination:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/41...Bit-Set.aspx?gclid=CMKQ3KaImcoCFQgGaQodKLQDUw

 

[Holmz]

Staniam, Birdhunter, everyone else,

Thank you for the replies and thank you for making this more difficult. 

If the 8mm bit selection is not an issue due to the viability of the 1/4" shank bits then it sounds like the 1010 is the way to go... for what I'm doing.  As I mentioned before, I'll be building bookshelves and cabinets where most of my router work will be trimming excess edges of plywood off, routing shallow dadoes for shelves or sliding doors, and cutting out templates.  I'll be working with plywood from 1/2" to 1-1/2" in thickness mostly which made the 1010 seem like a great choice.

The 1400 seems like the universal first choice because of its versatility and I could no doubt use it for all or most of my projects but if 99% of my projects could be done with almost half the weight and less cost--I have to consider the 1010.

Maybe Holmz is right. A great combo would be the 2200 and the 1010.

I'm gonna have to wait until morning on this decision now... My brain has started smoking.

Maybe I can attach the CT26 to my ear and cool my brain off.

Do not rush it... try both.

Even if you end up with the 1/2" router You can run 8-mm bits in most of them with an 8-mm collet. Dictum ships worldwide and often for less than you would expect.

I would suggest you get the bits and line up a test drive at the end of the month.
There is a 12 and a 21 bit set.https://www.dictum.com/en/tools/pow...box-shank-o-8-mm-12-pieces?ffRefKey=Rk48xKrMK

 

[donwon]

I have always looked at the OF 1010 in the manner that it is a great router as it feels light, nimble and has plenty of power to do ordinary day to day routing (round over, small grooves, trimming, profiles, etc).  The 1400 is good and has great features, such as the ratcheting bit change (wish that was on the OF 1010) but for out of table use, the OF 1010 feels better.  Personally, I have not experienced any free hand routing where the OF 1010 could not handle it .. simply it has been a great workhorse.  I know that I am a hobbyist so not all scenarios I would encountered as some have been mentioned in this thread.

If a concern is the use of 1/4" bits vs 1/2" bits, normally the larger bits should be used in a router table anyways.  I know people use them out of the table but I do not have enough experience to feel comfortable with big bits out of a table.

My suggestion would be go with the OF 1010 and use 1/4" bits, don't get caught up about the use of 8mm bits as mentioned in several previous posts.  If you feel that the bigger 1/2" bits are still required, buy a used router and table to compliment your OF 1010 if budget is a big factor.  Otherwise take a big sip of the green drink and buy two festool routers  [big grin]

I will say at the end, you can never go wrong with either router as they are both amazing tools.

 

[Coliban]

Hello,

my first router project where several lumberyards and shelfs. All the mortises i made with the OF1010, on the picture, you can see the side planks, all laying in mortises i´ve cut with the OF1010 and the lumberyard can hold, as i calculated, about 4 tons of lumber (europe unit). Before i bought the OF1010 i had doubts about the power of the OF1010, but working with it, i didnt missed the extra power. I like the OF1010 because it is rather lightweight and "small", the handling outside where just comfortable, i think, some tasks would be not as easy with the 1400.

The proposal from holmz, i think, is acceptable: if i need more power, i would purchase the OF2200, to have the chance of easier handling because i already have the OF1010. For me, until now, maybe 96% of the work i need to accomplish, is better done with the OF1010, a heavier router would be more cumbersome for my work.

(There are some mortises, i cut into the beams, some are about more than 2m long:http://festoolownersgroup.com/membe...helf-for-gardening-tools/msg436030/#msg436030)

 

[sancho57]

I highly recommend the ten ten. I own it , it does almost all the free hand routing I need a free hand router to do. Any thing large I use the 2200 for.

I have both.

But 90% of the time the 1010 is my go to router. When you use it with the LR32 system and the accessories for horizontal routing, cleaning up edge banding etc. Its light and does a great job.

It's does it all, sure the 1400 can be used with the LR 32 and has accessories for horizontal rating but the weight comes into play there.

The 1010 and 2200 are like words and music

 

[Roseland]

I have both an OF1010 and an OF1400.  It's true that the OF1400 has better depth control, easier fitting of guide bushes and more power, but it's no good for edging.

If, as you say, you are doing plywood cabinets it's likely you'll want to edge them with some hardwood.  There are accessories for the OF1010 that make trimming this back easy.  Whilst most of them (OK, all except the chip deflector) can fit the OF1400, that router is just to big and heavy to use on its side.

Check out:

Andrew

 

[Kev]

Just a little "warning" if you're obsessive ... I would have somewhere on the wrong side of 200 router bits. I'm not talking "junk bargains", I'm talking quality expensive bits!

If I see a "bargain" panel set or the like that's half price I can't say no! [embarassed]

Get yourself CLEARLY focused on the really useful bits you believe you need or you'll end up with six Systainers full or router bits ....

 

[GhostFist]

The 1010 is a great router. My local  lee valley always has 8mm shank cutters in stock. I vote  1010/2200 combo