OF 1400 Noise level

[Dan Clermont]

This is a silly question but seeing as how my workshop is right below my tenant's suite and I enjoy woodworking more when I know the noise isn't disturbing him too much.

I'd like to know if the OF 1400 Router is any quieter then most standard routers such as the Porter Cable 693PK. I have watched the video but it is really hard to tell.

I understand that once the router is cutting wood it is gonna make allot more noise compared to the time when it isn't

I am looking for more reasons on why I need this Festool router.

Cheers
Dan Clermont

 

[Lou Miller]

I dunno, sounds pretty much the same to me as any other router. Imean it might be a little quieter, but not enough for it to influence my decision either way. I could be wrong though, noise was probably the last thing I considered when I bought my 1400.

I just followed the incredible sage advice from Zinfella over on Woodnet and that was all it took for me. 

 

[Jeff Wright]

I just tried out my new 1400 and C22 this afternoon and was impressed with how quiet both machines were. I use it in my 2-car garage workshop with cement floor and block walls and an open ceiling (low pitch and no insulation). The kitchen is right off the garage and my wife said it wasn't very loud from inside the house. The dog and cat hardly noticed the noise.

 

[Jerry Work]

Night and day difference from a PC 3.5 hp screaming monster.  The 1010 is even quieter if that is critical to you.

Jerry

 

[Dave Ronyak]

"Ditto" to the experience of many others.  I have four routers (Craftsman 6 Aamp, Stanley 10 A, Festool OF 1400, and Freud 13 A.  The OF 1400 is definitely quieter than any of the others.  Keep in mind that the cutting bit in action is going to make noise regardless of what router is turning it, and some bits (generally larger ones) are going to generate more noise than other (smaller) ones, and of course, a sharper bit will cut with less force and hence less noise than one that is less sharp.  (At least this is my experience .... I have definitely abused some straight bits cutting PVC sheeting!)

 

[Dan Clermont]

Thanks Guys

My PC router screams from the moment it is turned on. Really annoying as I hate noise.

I understand the bit cutting the wood will be the main contributor of noise due to bit depth, sharpness and type of cut.

My main issue with the PC is the noise it creates in an idle state and how the tenant above my shop probably doesn't really want to hear that all day. We have a Bosch 1617EVS router at work and the idle noise and startup are much better

Thanks for all the input
Dan CLermont

 

[bigbadpig]

To share my experience, I have a Ryobi (cheapo), Hitachi M12V, Hitachi M12SC (fixed speed), and Festool OF1400 routers.

While I haven't done a technical noise measurement of each of these routers, here is my subjective rating (From quietest to loudest):

1.  Hitachi M12V.  nearly silent at low speed.  Surprisingly quiet at higher speeds. ( I think the heavy weight of this router helps to deaden noise).

2. Hitachi M12SC.  Also quiet, but as this is a fixed speed router, is about the same noise level as the higher HP  M12V.

3. Festool OF1400.  Fairly quiet at low speed.  At top speed I'd say the noise level is only marginally louder than the M12SC. 

4. Ryobi (sorry no model number).  Noisy like hell at any speed.  rattlles and shakes.  lots of runout... that could be the cause.

Obviously to me my reasons for owning the OF1400 router were not mainly the noise levels, but all the other cool features, namely dust collection, quality, precision, and ease of use.

My only suggestions for improvements:

- With the dust shroud on, it is nearly impossible to see what your routing.  I'd like to see if this can be redesigned to improve vision.
- a LED light on the router would be a godsend, and would improve visibility immensely. (maybe even an option for a clear base?)

 

[Les]

My only suggestions for improvements:

- With the dust shroud on, it is nearly impossible to see what your routing.  I'd like to see if this can be redesigned to improve vision.
- a LED light on the router would be a godsend, and would improve visibility immensely. (maybe even an option for a clear base?)

After looking at this LED light   mounted to a plunge base at MicroFence, I did some searching and came up with these TEK LED . I haven't mounted mine yet, but looking at the MicroFence, shouldn't be too hard. These TEK LED's are a little cheaper than the MF.