OF 1400 dust collection

[Warrior]

I just purchaced the OF1400. I got this router for its versatility and power/size and weight ratio.
Anyway it is beautiful.
I find the handle configuration a little awkward right now and am hoping I get used to it.
My point is the dust collection.

How to get the dust if I want to use cutters larger than the 28mm dia. max of the shroud opening? Say like a 35mm hinge mortising bit.
or a lrge rebating bit?

Thanks,

Eiji

 

[Loz_S]

Doh! Looks like you have spotted one of the problems with the OF1400. I actually had a conversation with Festool about this and a few other router problems and they damn near admitted it was crap! Simply put, you can't plunge cut with any router bit larger than that plastic extraction shroud. If you need to rout with such large cutter-bits though I would suggest extreme caution!! Anything larger than that really should be used stationary, upside down in a routing table. Bits of that sort of size are dangerous hand-held! With the router depth locked under a table, the shroud can be re-attached underneath the cutter but it is still a complete PITA.... Just as the CMS router module is also not that great, but that's another story... If you are morticing large diameter holes a pillar drill is far safer and more accurate. Although possible, a router really isn't the right tool for large "drilling" operations. Try using a drill

However, the OF1400 is a fantastic hand held router - extremely smooth with a fine plunge action. You should find the handle makes its use very simple. Just hold it and use it as you would a bench plane. You will find it very easy to use. Give it time and you will find it second nature.

Lorenz

 

[Warrior]

So what you are saying is that the 35mm bit sold with the hole drilling kit is designed for use with the OF1010 and not the 1400? That makes no sense to me.
Also a rebating bit for 1/2" rebates has a 1 1/4"+ dia. Why should I not be able to use that bit handheld?

I also looks like you can't use the edge guide with the table widener installed.

How about getting an extra shroud and enlarging the opening?

Thanks,

Eiji

 

[Loz_S]

No, you are right, it makes absolutely no sense at all, but the OF1010 is indeed a better option for the LR32 system. The base design of the OF1010 is far neater and the maximum opening isn't obscured by the extraction thingy. The OF1010 is also far lighter and more manoeuvrable for repeated plunge cuts.

Of course you can try to use any bit you like hand-held, however, I was taught to avoid using cutters hand-held in a router if the cutting face is more than about 30mm diameter. It is just safe working practice.... but then table saws can be bought in the US without crown guards or riving knives, which would also be considered unsafe "over here". So, I guess it's up to you, I would just advise caution that's all.

I don't know the table widener, I'm guessing you mean the extended base/sole plate? That would be odd if you can't use the side fence with it. I presume that is because the sole is thicker than the standard base, and the fence can't pass underneath? Annoying  :

I had also thought about making a new extraction shroud. I don't think it would be worth the expense of buying a replacement and chopping a larger hole in it. For one thing the plastic is brittle and would probably break and also the little hinged "gate" wouldn't work. I think copying the OF1010 base with two short pieces of PVC pipe may be a better option.

Lorenz

 

[Brice Burrell]

  I have used the 35mm hole boring bit with the 1400. You can't let it come up too far and hit the shroud. Not really a problem with all due care being exercised.

 

[vanderpooch]

All right, dude. Give me mine back then...

I'm jealous...

 

[Warrior]

Lorenz,

The dust shroud is 16.00 USD so it is affordable. The gate is removable. My plan to enlarge the shoud hole is:

1. Remove gate from shroud.
2. Install shroud.
3. Plunge through (carefully)the plastic shroud with large diameter bit.
4. Cut gate piece removing slide portion.
5. glue on gate to shroud.
6. place order for replacement shroud for use with smaller bits.

What do you think?

Eiji

 

[vanderpooch]

Eiji,

Which part is too small, the pivoting "cup" that's underneath, or the hole in the insert that goes in the base?

-Kit

 

[Warrior]

The insert.

 

[Mike_Chrest]

  I have a better plan. Wait until you accidentally raise the router with an oversize bit spinning away. It will happen soon enough! Get a couple plastic inserts.
 
  Also, I hope you got the 35mm hose or you will be unclogging the hose a lot.

 

[Loz_S]

Lorenz,

The dust shroud is 16.00 USD so it is affordable. The gate is removable. My plan to enlarge the shoud hole is:

1. Remove gate from shroud.
2. Install shroud.
3. Plunge through (carefully)the plastic shroud with large diameter bit.
4. Cut gate piece removing slide portion.
5. glue on gate to shroud.
6. place order for replacement shroud for use with smaller bits.

What do you think?

Eiji

Wow, $16! That's almost reasonable for Festool! Although, if you think about how much it is actually worth, it still is a little ridiculous.

If you desperately want dust extraction  for those few plunge cuts with larger bits then I would say have a go at cutting the shroud. It sounds do-able. However, if you look carefully at the plastic thingy, you can't enlarge the hole much more than 5mm before you start cutting into the horizontal tube part. May, or may not, be a problem, looks like you will be the first to find out if it works.

I've cut through the CMS table inserts in a similar way, to create zero clearance holes, which worked quite well. But then they are made out of a nylon type plastic and the shroud looks like an extruded PS which is brittle. Anyway, I think you should try it. Good luck and let us know if it successful!

 

[Warrior]

Kit,
Don't tell my wife.er about the uhmm new purchace.

yer OF1000 edge guide doesnt fit the OF1400. So you can have it back now. ;D

Anyway  I'll be rebating some on monday so I'll alter the shroud and if all goes well I'll post some pics.

Eiji

 

[vanderpooch]

Yeah,

I think I might need it anyway. A friend wants me to build them a screen door to match their existing arch top door from the 1920's. Gotta mortise those stiles and rails...

Could you bring it to the job tomorrow? I'll pick it up.

Sorry for the personal hijack.

-Kit

 

[Warrior]

Didn't take any pics but the operation was a complete success. I'll try and post some pics tomorrow.

Eiji

 

[Loz_S]

Good job! I'm glad it worked, I might just have to buy a spare shroud and have a go myself now. Is the dust extraction much less or does it make no difference?

 

[Warrior]

I don't know about a reduction in efficiency of the shroud since this was my first routing operation with the router. I can imagine that it did slightly since the openning is now about 37 mm vs 30mm. I dont think I will need a new shroud I'll just deal with the fixed gate. It hasnt bothered me yet. If I find it does reduce my efficiency ill have to reconsider.

 

[Finleyville]

Can you post a picture?  This poor design is stopping me from buying a 1400 in the first place.  I'll be using a 1/2" roundover bit on MDF.  So DC is important.  Thanks!

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Can you post a picture?  This poor design is stopping me from buying a 1400 in the first place.  I'll be using a 1/2" roundover bit on MDF.  So DC is important.  Thanks!

Do you need to use the plunge feature of the router?  Much of the time I simply lock the router at the depth of cut I want, affix the dust collection and route away.  I have had success using bits with a much larger radius than will pass through the upper DC attachment, which can be installed and removed with the 1/2 bit shaft extending through the router base.  Of course, I also use the chip deflector when routing an edge.  The biggest problem I have encountered is clogging of the 27 mm hose when routing an edge with such a large bit.

Dave R.

 

[Finleyville]

Do you need to use the plunge feature of the router?  Much of the time I simply lock the router at the depth of cut I want, affix the dust collection and route away.  I have had success using bits with a much larger radius than will pass through the upper DC attachment, which can be installed and removed with the 1/2 bit shaft extending through the router base.  Of course, I also use the chip deflector when routing an edge.  The biggest problem I have encountered is clogging of the 27 mm hose when routing an edge with such a large bit.

Dave R.

I totally missed that you can lock the router to the specific depth you want essentially creating a fixed base.  The OF1400 has gone to the top of my list again.  I better start saving now......