OF 1400, deep chip catcher

[ama]

Trying to post again. This forum software doesn't seem to like me, but it is completely mutual. Should this end up as a bunch of posts, apologies.

After getting some proper router bits to replace the cheap sets I have been playing with so far, I note that they will not fit with the OF 1400 rotating chip catcher. Festool could have solved this with a deeper catcher but since they don't have one, I chose to modify the existing one instead.

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Some pvc tube that is just about the right diameter.

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I'll make a cutout in the outer pipe,

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cut away the bottom of the catcher

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and fit two inner pipes to get an adjustable aperture. This way we can route with a very small opening,

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a wider opening,

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and/or a taller opening.

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This is a very rough prototype. If it works well but I find things that could be improved, I might build a nicer one.

 

[Deansocial]

Good idea, i like it

 

[Brice Burrell]

Good idea, i like it

What he said.  Please let us know how it works when you have tested it.

 

[Alan m]

very nice.
could you attach the dc hose to the bottom of that and extract from there

 

[jmbfestool]

very nice.
could you attach the dc hose to the bottom of that and extract from there

I think thats the idea...... well thats what I thought the idea was when I saw the pictures.

I like it!    If you are sticking the extraction on the bottom I recon the dust extraction would be 100% better for that job.

I have cut into mine couple times because its not deep enough. 

Well when I get round to it I might modify mine like that also!

Cheers!

 

[ama]

very nice.
could you attach the dc hose to the bottom of that and extract from there

I was planning on trying it both ways but I fear that attaching the hose at the bottom will interfere with the swiveling of the catcher. I'll let you know.

 

[ama]

Now that I have had a chance to try this thing I can report that it works really, really well. I didn't try mounting the hose at the bottom but it would have been too clumsy for today's routing. Anyway, the dust collection was very good with the hose on top so I see no reason not to run it like that.

The longer chip catcher swiveled just as nimbly as the original.

 

[TomGadwa1]

Well that looks like a great chip catcher for portable use. I came up with a chip catcher that is portable but slightly larger than the OP's design. I call it the MEGACHIP chip catcher. The beauty of this unit is that it will work with ANY router. I repeat it will work with ANY router of any size and make. It collects 100 percent of the chips and the router requires NO hookup to a dust collection system as the MEGACHIP catcher gets all of the chips. This is nice because the router is easier to maneuver with no hose attached to it. I can mill out dados grooves and what have you and there will be no trace on my clothing that I got near a router at all.
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Full view of the MEGACHIP catcher.
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Looking at the collection throat.
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The four inch hose that goes to the 1.5 horse power dust collection unit.
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View showing MEGACHIP catcher before the router guide and support plates are installed.
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View showing the MEGACHIP catcher with the router guide and support plates installed and ready to route. The plates are clamped at the edges to insure that the router will have a stable platform and are made of phenolic coated plywood so the router will glide across for precise workage.