OF 1010 Router Decision

[Gordon Bombay]

Hey A-Aron,

I just want through the exact same decision as you (and sound like I am at a similar stage in the game). I ended up going with the 1400 after comparing the two of them. I actually just posted a review over in the other section of the FOG:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-1010-vs-1400-beginning-woodworker/

 

[Holmz]

Hey A-Aron,

I just want through the exact same decision as you (and sound like I am at a similar stage in the game). I ended up going with the 1400 after comparing the two of them. I actually just posted a review over in the other section of the FOG:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-1010-vs-1400-beginning-woodworker/

That was a good review.

There are so many people polarized towards one or the other, whereas in reality either router is not a bad choice... However one really needs to run the paws over each unit, which is why I suggested getting the bits first.

95-99% of what the OP is doing is 1/4" or 8-mm territory. It is only if you are making 1-3/4" rail-n-stile doors where the 1/2" (on a table) becomes the required size. (Maybe some other stuff, but not a lot. Amana even makes the 1-1/2" sled bit in 1/4")

[member=48783]Gordon Bombay[/member] 's post adds further insight (or confusion ) that can only be sorted out with some time on the machines. Maybe someone in your area has one or the other or both and you could do some routing?
Also what his post implies implicitly is that neither choice of router is bad.

 

[A-Aron]

So far, I'm impressed with all the great recommendations and considerations.  This website seemed like it was down for a few minutes last night and I was worried that it was gone... After some searching last night for a comment about this, I found that a few years ago this site was down for a while over some dispute between Festool and the Webmaster.  Given the quality of the comments, I'm grateful for this resource and glad that it came back!  This is my first thread and I'm already feeling at home.  Thank you.

Gordon, your review was well thought out and relevant to my situation and concerns.  I understand why you chose the 1400 and now I almost wish I hadn't read your review.  [wink]
Holmz, your recommendation along with Gordon's, and others so far in this thread have me planning a trip to the local WoodCraft to put my hands on the two and try to get a better sense for what they really feel like to me.

Right now, the 1010 (even though I'm in the US and have limited access to 8mm bits) sounds like it would not be a bad choice after reading all the comments here. Especially since those of you who have both, seem to really like and use the 1010.
It's also obvious that the 1400 would not be a bad choice either--Even though that was never really in question.

Time to go and put my hands on them! 

 

[Cheese]

As I mentioned earlier, I'm a big fan of CMT router bits. Interestingly enough, I was at Menards last evening and I noticed they carry CMT router bits and many of them had 8mm shafts.  [eek]

Heres a previous thread on the subject.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/us-import-of-cmt-8mm-shank-router-bits-(cutters)/

 

[sancho57]

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 ....

Me to my brother from another mother, I catch myself with the impulse buy all the time. I held back today and still spent $200

 

[Staniam]

"Un-Systaining" the 1010 right now [emoji4]
Just picked it up and it is gorgeous. My DIY MFT top will be getting another round over pass momentarily haha.

 

[GhostFist]

I seriously love my 1010. It's actually the only router I own at the moment. it is surprisingly capable for it's size, Super ergonomic , and lee valley has high quality 8mm bits you won't be disappointed with

 

[mark60]

The only thing left is second guessing your choice for a while but I'd be surprised if you were displeased. The way I see it is we'll both probably wind up adding the 1400 in the future "just because".

 

[SoonerFan]

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

I looked at the 2200 / 1010 combo when I first decided to get a Festool router.  In the end I opted for the 1400 instead.  For me the 1400 does everything I need and getting just one allowed me to but the other funds toward a DF500.  That was a couple years ago and the 1400 is still my only Festool router.  In fact its now my only router which for a hobbyist like me is just fine.

 

[tiralie]

I looked at the 2200 / 1010 combo when I first decided to get a Festool router.

The 2200/1010 is not a good combination for most people.
Unless you are doing some very heavy duty work frequently the 2200 is too much machine and won't get used that much. The 1010/1400 combination is better and the 1400 is a good compliment to the 1010.
Tim

 

[sancho57]

It depends, thought I don't use my 2200 free hand much, I don't mount it in my CMS as its not allowed to used in it.

Even though the CMS comes with the stuff to mount the 2200 in the CMS and I can take full passes with it.

 

[yetihunter]

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

Ghostfist, are you vouching for the Lee Valley bits?
I'm generally apprehensive about buying the imported ones.

 

[sw130p]

Having used routers for twenty years as a cabinet maker, I would say match the size of the router to the size of the the work being worked on and bit size. As with a lot of tools, one tool can't be good for all jobs.
I wouldn't be too concerned about 8mm Bits 1/4" shank bit are fine and readily available.
I use all three sizes of router. No point struggling with a medium sized router with a small bit in. Also to consider is base plate size . Trying to balance large router on a narrow work piece isn't fun or safe.

 

[shed9]

This is a very moot discussion. We all know the OP will end up with the 1010 AND the 1400 within a relatively short time frame [smile]

 

[joiner1970]

This is a very moot discussion. We all know the OP will end up with the 1010 AND the 1400 within a relatively short time frame [smile]

Lol you're right there

 

[Holmz]

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

I looked at the 2200 / 1010 combo when I first decided to get a Festool router.  In the end I opted for the 1400 instead. 
...

I was at Andersen ply wood today.
That 1010 has the oval shaped vacuum port like the DX93, which I have not learned  to appreciate yet.
My 8-mm router is more of the size of the 1400 and the dust collection is similar.

That 1400 looks good unless one needs a lot of power (i.e. > 2kW).

I doubt there is a bad choice.

 

[woodvkk]

I just got the OF 1010 a few days ago from my local woodcraft store. It's brilliant. A disclaimer - I'm a just a hobbyist with a few serious classes under my belt. I had a Bosch 1617 which I really didn't like for edging and straight line routing and figured I needed something that worked with my Rails. It was a great decision. The OF1010 works so beautifully and it's so precise with the rail guides.  I feel a lot safer using it than my heavier Bosch which will remain inside the router table.  I was confused looking at the dust port after I brought it home. I have a Ridgid shop vac to which I've connected all my tools via a dust deputy ( including the TS 55) using PVC adapters. I found a grey colored small adapter at home depot that works with the OF1010 and plugs into the 1.25 inch PVC adapter. Attached a photo, in case it's helpful to someone. The dust collection is brilliant on this too!  I can't overstate how much the size and portability of this is a pleasure to use in comparison to my earlier router.
[attachimg=1]

 

[jlcichocki]

It depends, thought I don't use my 2200 free hand much, I don't mount it in my CMS as its not allowed to used in it.

Even though the CMS comes with the stuff to mount the 2200 in the CMS and I can take full passes with it.

Jobworth, I realize its no joke, but everytime you write about "not" using the OF2200 in the CMS it gives me a chuckle.  One of your posts actually gave me a full belly laugh because it went on for a couple paragraphs.  I think it was actually right after a Moderator warning too.

I do agree, using it would be very bad

 

[Green Mojo]

Big +1 on the 1010 for hand routing and the Bosch 1617 in the router table. Great setup IMHO. I will say also that the 1010 is one of those unique Festool products - great design and functionality.

 

[mike_aa]

[member=59827]woodvkk[/member]

Glad you're liking your new 1010!  Thanks for posting the picture.

And,  [welcome] to the FOG!