OF 1010 vs 1400 for 20mm boring

[elfick]

I've been away from the FOG for a few years but I've recently bought a house and I'm gearing up for projects.

I know this question has been asked many times, but I haven't seen a specific reference to boring 20mm holes...

I need a router but can only afford one and I'm having trouble deciding between the 1010 and the 1400. Primary use will be with the LR32 but I also want to build a MFT-style top for a workbench with 20mm holes using the LR32 and I'm concerned about the 1010 being able to handle that. I'm not concerned with the weight difference so much but the cost difference could mean more funds applied elsewhere.

If it matters, the only other routers I have are an OF2000 (not a 2200) and an old Craftsman fixed base.

I'm currently leaning towards the 1400 but I'm interested in your thoughts.

Thanks,
Lee

 

[grobkuschelig]

Hi Lee,

Welcome back.

I only own two routers:
OF1010
MFK700 (recent addition)

The OF1010 has handled everything I have thrown at it so far. Sometimes it growls a little in dislike to the task at hand, but finishes non the less (solid wood kitchen worktops, loudspeakers, etc.)

But to what I‘ve read, the 1400 is easier to use on some tasks, due to the base.
The 1010 requires adjustments/centering for copy rings and the LR32... Less depth to plunge available
But the 1010 is lighter.

I hope this input does not lead to more confusion. [emoji41]

Uli

 

[RussellS]

I was thinking 20mm diameter would be too big for 1/4" or even 8mm shank.  But I did a search on Google and there are lots of 20mm bits with 1/4" shank.  Freud and CMT being two of them.  So apparently manufacturers don't think 1/4" shaft is too weak for a 20mm (3/4") bit.  Still, the 1400 router has more power than the 1010 router.  So it would be easier cutting with the more powerful 1400 router.

Personally, for me, when I get up to drilling/routing large diameter holes, I only use the 1/2" shank router bits.  And 3 HP router.  I use the 1/4" bits for light work.

 

[Sanderxpander]

FWIW, one of the most popular jigs for MFT style tops is the Parf Guide which you may consider, and it uses a regular cordless drill.

 

[DynaGlide]

I'd lean toward the 1400. It's just more versatile all around than the 1010. I liked the lightweight of the 1010 when I got to use it in class but that's about it. The oval dust port makes putting a hose on it annoying. The attachments don't go on easy for the 1010 like they do on the 1400. The ratcheting collet isn't on the 1010 and I found it harder to get the wrench and my hands in the 1010 for bit changing. If I were to ever get a 1010 it'd be to dedicate to LR32 use but that'd kind of be a waste of money. Doesn't mean I won't someday 

 

[travisj]

I have a 1010 and a 1400.  The 1010 is perfect for use with the LR32 set.  I use the 1400 for most other handheld tasks.  I purchased the 1400 first.  Had I done more research I should’ve done the 2200 first then the 1010 (and skipped the 1400).  If I recall correctly, that is the combination I have heard the most favorable reviews of and will cover almost all of your handheld routing tasks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cheese]

I own the 1010 & the 1400, I use the 1010 probably 80% of the time because of it's nice size. I made an MFT from 18mm Baltic birch using the 1010 and the Festool 20 mm router bit, 491072. It worked fine. Matter of fact, I'm slotting some 5 mm aluminum angle today using the 1010 and an Amana aluminum bit.

 

[JFelchlin]

I have both the 1010 and the 1400.
The 1010 is lighter - Ergo, a little bit easier to handle.
It’s terrific for trim work.
The 1400 just seems to have a better build quality -
And takes a variety of shank sizes - Including 1/2” shanks -
Which I prefer to use 90+% of the time.

Previously... A great discussion on the subject (2 great video reviews):
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/help-1010-or-1400/

 

[elfick]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Let me ask two follow-up questions...

1) Is there any functionality that either the 1010 or 1400 that the other doesn’t have or are the differences just power, weight, and collet size?

2) If a future MFK 700 purchase was planned, how would that affect decisions/recommendations?

I just watched Brent Shively’s new cabinet videos on Festool’s YouTube channel and he made great use of the MFK 700.

 

[Coen]

1) Is there any functionality that either the 1010 or 1400 that the other doesn’t have or are the differences just power, weight, and collet size?

Dust extraction differs. I hate the plastic thingy that attaches to the 1400 versus the integrated part on the 1010.

That and weight. Everything else is easier with the 1400.

 

[tallgrass]

I have both and have used both to make 20mm hole patterns for work benches. The 1010 will do it easily. however the 1400 is a better all around router. In the sense it has more power, therefore more versatile. Remember the 1400 can use the smaller shaft sizes as well as the larger ones. The 1010 can't. I love them both. If I am only to have 1 than it is the 1400.