OF 1400 or Bosch Bosch GOF 1600 CE (MRC23EVSK)?

[dave_in_gva]

I am buying a new router and had decided on the OF 1400 but just to assure myself it's the right move I have been giving a good look at other comparable models. 

The Festool gets near universal praise, although some have criticised the depth turret adjustment which can have some slop it seems. I'm not particularly Festool-centric. I have the Domino, but otherwise am running a wide range of other tool makes. Dust collection is a Starmix ISP iPulse L-1635 and a Hammer 120mm system for my Hammer combi-machine.

Any comments from users here who have worked with both of these routers? I'm particularly interested in the depth adjustment and other usability aspects. Also concerned with reliability issues of course - I have seen some threads suggesting the Bosch units were affected by poor quality control and electronic failures - although that may have been only a few years ago and resolved now.

Thanks for comments - all input very welcome.

Dave M

 

[blaszcsj]

I have the 1400 and 1010. I love both. The big difference for me is getting used to the pistol grip and learning the balance of the tool. I have had no issues with the depth stop, but that could be a function of how I do things.

On great feature I have found is the flat top. I do allot of onsite narrow work where I hold the router upside down and use it as a mini router table. it is surprisingly stable.

 

[LLesniak]

I have been using several of the Bosch 1617 and 1618 series routers for years in fixed, plunge, and D-handle bases and they've generally worked well for me although they have exhibited a few issues.  The older magnesium-bodied versions tended to oxidize to the extent that they would stop moving smoothly in the base requiring me to clean the body with steel wool and give them a coat of wax.  Later versions featuring an aluminum body eliminated this issue but have had issues over time with the power switch mechanism and speed control.  To be fair, these are the older versions of the Bosch router model you note above which may be further improved over the two generations of tools that I own and use.  As general-purpose routers I've found them to be OK but not exceptional in any way.  From a Festool perspective, I've owned the OF2200 for some time now for heavy work and I feel that it's one of a kind in terms of power and ease of use and I just purchased an OF1010 to use with the LR32 system and am impressed with it in the limited use I've given it so far.  It's very light and easy to use and I like the system integration.  When the time comes to replace the Bosch units I'll most likely stay in the Festool family with the OF1400 as my mid-size, do everything router specifically for the system integration aspect.  I'm sure the Bosch is a good, serviceable unit but it won't provide the level of system integration that you will have with a Festool router, if that is an important consideration for you.  Just my thoughts as a Bosch owner who is converting to Festool over time.

 

[ScotF]

All the units are good. Bosch has lights and the ability for plunge and fixed base. DC is clunky with attachments. No center marks on base.

Festool has much better dc, center marks on base which are key for accurate router set up. No lights.

I have all FT now. Had the MR23, but much prefer the FT. Center marks are key to me and a deal breaker for other brands. Just my opinion and use, though, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[eeeesh]

I have 3 Bosch Routers, and no experience with the Festool. ($600 for a router - no thanks)

Never had any problems with any of my Bosch tools.  The one thing I really like about the MRC23 is the plunge base has an 'afterlock' depth adjustment.  Just like it sounds, you can move the bit up or down in very small, precise increments after everyt.

For example, when I cut a mortise with my Leigh FMT Pro when it comes time to cut the tenon, I just reduce the cutting depth by a 1/16th or so by the turn of a knob

You can buy two of the Bosch's for the price of the Festool and the Bosch comes with a fixed and a plunge base.https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-MRC23E...&ie=UTF8&qid=1519980548&sr=1-1&keywords=bosch+mrc23evsk

I recently came across a video from eRock (Eric) who was a very strong supporter of Festool - things have changed, looks like he likes Bosch now

some of the comments are also very interesting

 

[Mario Turcot]

Side note: The reasons Eric took a different path in his new videos have little if anything to do with the tools. It is with the company and I totally understand his position.

I am sure in the back scene that Eric is still using his Festool tools. He will simply not give that FREE advertising to Festool anymore.

However, we never know what tomorrow can bring in our life  [big grin]

 

[RKA]

Eric's points are not about the differences between these two tools.  The woodwhisperer (Marc) did a comparison last year(?) between that Bosch router and his OF1400.  Hopefully that is available somewhere on his website.  If not it might have been inside the guild.  Long and short was he preferred the Festool ergonomics and dust collection and found the Bosch a little clumsy at times but perfectly servicable.  He reason for using the Bosch was to be more relateable to his audience and to show them that anything they want to accomplish can be accomplished with the Bosch, they don't have to spend $600 on a router. 

 

[GoingMyWay]

I have the Bosch 1617EVSPK plunge and fixed base router kit.  I bought it 2 years ago.  It's the first and only router that I've ever owned, but I must say I'm quite disappointed with it.

Since dust collection is an afterthought on my Bosch, I had to buy the Bosch RA1175 dust extraction hood, but I was unable to find the correct or suitable set of holes to use to screw it to the base.  I gave up trying and never got to use it.

I find it extremely hard to either insert or remove the motor from either base.  It really got stuck when I was using it with the fixed base in my Bosch router table.  It seemed like it was never going to come out, but I was eventually able to work it free.  Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I feel like it should be much easier to take the motor in and out.

I in fact so dread having to either insert or remove the motor to the base that I had seriously considered buying a reconditioned Festool router when they have come up for sale.  I just wasn't sure which Festool router would be best, but I'm now thinking the OF1400 is probably the best bet.

 

[dave_in_gva]

Thanks everyone.

I really looked at this very hard today and ran all the numbers. Although I was initially leaning to the OF 1400 I'm now fairly certain of going with the Bosch.

I priced the following systems:

Bosch
GMF 1600 CE, with L-BOXX
Bosch FSN OFA 32 KIT 800 (800mm rail guide, rail clamps, router base sled etc)
Guide rail 1600mm FSN RA32 1600
Bosch connecting piece for guide rail FSN VEL
A pair of kickback stops for the FSN rail guides
A set of 80 cm long guide rods

Festool
OF 1400 EBQ-Plus
Guide rail adapter FS-OF 1400
Guide rail FS 800/2
Guide rail FS 1400/2
Connecting piece FSV (pair) for connecting guide rails
Lever clamp FS-HZ 160 pair for guide rails
Kickback stop FS-RSP (pair)
Festool outsole LA-OF 1400 (levels base when routing off guide rails)

Even though price is not the main factor influencing me the Festool setup is 140 Swiss francs higher and objectively the Bosch setup is a good deal better equipped - both plunge and fixed bases, a bit more combined guide rail length, 32mm system, and longer guide rods. On top of that I get the plunge lever, worklight and positive fine depth adjustment features which all - from the looks of them - appear preferable to the Festool. Not sure how much use I will make of the fixed base but the marginal cost was low and I think if the changeovers are really fast be a better solution for edge routing.

Thanks again for the assorted comments on this. Very helpful.

Best,

Dave M

 

[Steven Owen]

I’ll probably stick with the OF 1400 for my freehand Router purchase.  The Bosch guide rails are too hard to get in Canada.  The OF 1400 is still a superior router for all of it’s shortcomings.