OF 1400 Baseplate

[Michael1960]

I am about to use my OF 1400 to form a rebate on a table I am making.  Before commencing I did a test run on some scrap timber.  The rebate was fine, but it proved a challenge to keep router balanced.  I notice there is an accessory - Baseplate with chip deflector (Part no 493233).  I'd appreciate any feedback and in particular it's usefulness in controlling the OF 1400.  Thanks - Michael

 

[jonny round boy]

Are you using a rabbetting bit, with a bearing? Or using the fence?

If you are using the fence, or have the guide rods (463147), you can push the rods right through to the stock side, and use the guide stop (492601, I think) as an additional handle.

 

[semenza]

I haven't used the base plate but I have often wondered about it myself.

Are you using a rabbet bit with a guide bearing?

I generally get good balance / stability with the OF1400 for edge routing by positioning the long handle at the four to five 'O' clock position and keeping a good amount of force on the knob handle.  In this position  pushing on the knob handle keeps the base down firmly on the work piece, helps move the router along , and helps keep the bearing tight to the work piece. Using the long handle to mostly control, steer and,  keep the bearing tight to the work piece.

Starting at the five 'O' clock position also allows for slightly and slowly rotating the router (swinging the long handle towards the four 'O' clock) as you move along the work piece. That will help keep the chip deflector against the work piece at the leading edge and improves dust collection.

Seth

 

[BUTTER]

I've made several of my own auxiliary bases for my routers out of 1/4" plexiglass (you could also use Baltic Birch or such) that are around 12-14" long, with the router at one end.  It's quite easy to figure out where connecting screws go and replace them with longer ones to hold the whole thing together.
I find it immensely helpful when doing any sort of edge-shaping operations with a router to have some outboard support.

 

[Michael1960]

Thanks for such quick replies!
I should have said I am using a rabbeting bit with a bearing.
Jonny - I have tried your idea of the rods and the Guide stop and it certainly provides a useful extra handle - thanks.
Seth - I will follow your suggestion regarding holding the handle at 'four to five o'clock' and see how my technique improves!
Joseph - the shop made plexiglas base is worth investigating.  The list price for the extra base plate is approx $AU180

 

[mouppe]

I have the table widener base and I like it very much. It also raises the router to the same height as the guide rail so you can dispense with the wobbly foot accessory.

It's cost came down in the last set of price changes so I think it is better value now than it was. A useful accessory but not essential.

 

[Stephen B]

I am about to use my OF 1400 to form a rebate on a table I am making.  Before commencing I did a test run on some scrap timber.  The rebate was fine, but it proved a challenge to keep router balanced.  I notice there is an accessory - Baseplate with chip deflector (Part no 493233).  I'd appreciate any feedback and in particular it's usefulness in controlling the OF 1400.  Thanks - Michael

Hi Michael,

There was a related post on this topic earlier this week under "Festool How to . . . "

  [smile]

 

[vrasilla]

Can the dust catcher be removed on the table widener base?

 

[mouppe]

yes

 

[Michael1960]

Thanks RL for the feedback.  Do you always keep your Table Widener baseplate on your OF 1400? Is there any reason to refit the standard baseplate?  Thanks - Michael

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks RL for the feedback.  Do you always keep your Table Widener baseplate on your OF 1400? Is there any reason to refit the standard baseplate?  Thanks - Michael

With table widener being extra thick, you may want to remove it if you need to full depth plunge of the router. 

 

[mouppe]

Also, sometimes you don't want the wider aperture that comes with the table widener, or you may be using copy rings which work with the normal base. I use the normal base with the LR32 base plate and the CMS too. There are several situations when the normal base is more suitable.

 

[jallen03]

I have them.  It is nice when you have a lot of edge routing to do.  I bought it after watching Paul Marcel's video showing it being used with the guide rail and guide (on the "back" side of the rail) for dadoes.  I was worried about the foot for guide rail assisted routing.

Now, its a nice to have, but not sure if I would purchase again. the guide rail attachment can be used as replacement (see Paul's videos) for a widener, and it's nice not having to remove the base each time you want to use the edge guide or put back in the systainer.  But when the 1400 is out all day doing egdes, its pretty darn nice

***edit...forgot to say that using the foot with the guide rail does actually work really well

 

[Michael1960]

It seems the table widener baseplate is a 'nice to have' accessory.  For me, the effort in switching baseplates would limit its use (lazy aren't I)
Thanks for all the responses - this has been very helpful.  The willingness of FOG members to share expertise is outstanding