OF-1400 Router alternatives

[Jesus Aleman]

Hi,

I been looking for an all-around router to stick under a table and that would work well hand held.  I certainly like the OF1400, but it seems that is not suitable for table use (unless you have Festool's RT module).  The router that I am leaning towards is the 2 1/4 Triton.  It seems to be well regarded and have comparable dust collection to the OF1400 (which is a big bonus for me).  I'm also aware that GMC, the company that currently owns Triton, is going under.  Anyways, to the question.  Does anyone have experience with the Triton router, and would think that it would be suitable for both table and handheld use (if I were to own only one router).  I'm not really interested in buying 2.  If I could make the OF1400 work under the table I would go for it.

JGA.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

If you use a large lift out plate to mount the router does it make the 1400 that hard to pop out and adjust?  I don't really use a router table though so it may be  an issue.  I guess it also depends if you think you will be using it under the table more or handheld more.  If you are like most woodworkers one day you will have a few routers in your collection...

Best,
Todd

 

[Dave Ronyak]

That 2 1/4 HP Triton and its larger brother have received good reviews, overall.  I struggled with the same decision you are now facing.  I bought the OF 1400 and then wanted a router table setup.  I purchased a 13A Freud FT1700VCE and installed it in my table for about $150 including a coupon for a free plunge base.  That Freud router comes with a plastic dust collection shroud that can be used when installed in a table.  The nozzle on the Freud dust hroud is a direct fit to both of Festool's 27mm and 36mm hoses.  You can get by with just one router, such as that Freud and many other makes that come with both a fixed base and a plunge base.  Leave the fixed base attached to your router table insert plate, then you can quickly swap out the motor.  But having two routers is much better and saves a lot of time.  Unfortunately, Festool does not currently offer a router set with both fixed and plunge bases.

Dave R.

 

[mwhafner]

There was a similar thread a few weeks ago -http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=5638.0

If dust collection is key, then I would also look at the Dewalt 618.  You can get the combo kit for the same price as the Triton.  The dust collection on the plunge base is great.  The port is on the top of the router, so it doesn't tend to hang on edges or obscure vision.  I am not crazy about the fixed base, but you could dedicate it to the router table. 

When using the Triton hand-held, the dust port can get in the way and they are a little top-heavy.  When table-mounted, they are awesome.  I use a dust collector on both the fence and the router, and almost nothing escapes.

If dust collection is not a priority, I really like the Bosch two base kit.  The fixed base has the above table adjustment, and I really like the plunge base.

 

[mwhafner]

That 2 1/4 HP Triton and its larger brother have received good reviews, overall.  I struggled with the same decision you are now facing.  I bought the OF 1400 and then wanted a router table setup.  I purchased a 13A Freud FT1700VCE and installed it in my table for about $150 including a coupon for a free plunge base.  That Freud router comes with a plastic dust collection shroud that can be used when installed in a table.  The nozzle on the Freud dust hroud is a direct fit to both of Festool's 27mm and 36mm hoses.  You can get by with just one router, such as that Freud and many other makes that come with both a fixed base and a plunge base.  Leave the fixed base attached to your router table insert plate, then you can quickly swap out the motor.  But having two routers is much better and saves a lot of time.  Unfortunately, Festool does not currently offer a router set with both fixed and plunge bases.

Dave R.

HD had the Freud fixed/plunge kit for $99 a couple weeks ago.  If I had any need for another router, I would have picked one up.

 

[Jesus Aleman]

Yes, I was thinking about the 618 kit.  However, the fixed base has no dust collection capabilities which presents a problem for me.  I want to use a 2 prong dust collection on the table (at the router and on the fence).  I could build a shroud or box for the router, but that would make it difficult to remove.  Any thoughts.

JGA.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Put a sliding door on your router box, preferably of Lexan or Plexiglas so you can see what is going on in there if you want.  I have one of these.  The bottom has a 4 inch diameter dust collection nozzle.  These were recently on sale.

Router Enclosure

Seehttp://www.jointech.com/routertops_accessories.htm.

Dave R.

 

[nickao]

Yes, I was thinking about the 618 kit.  However, the fixed base has no dust collection capabilities which presents a problem for me.  I want to use a 2 prong dust collection on the table (at the router and on the fence).  I could build a shroud or box for the router, but that would make it difficult to remove.  Any thoughts.

JGA.

You can collect the dust off the 618 many different ways?

You have an open table, is that correct? If so I do not see how any other router is going to collect much dust in the upside down position very well.

You can also get one of these for any router if you want, it is the best answer if you want no enclosure:

Down under table dust port from Rockler

on sale for 19.99 and free shipping about once a month.

The 618's are my all time favorite routers, I have many of them. The plug it type cord and the straight up 100% dust collection on the plunge is nice.

I collect the dust from my router table like Dave does, not from the router directly. Collecting from the router upside down directly using stock collection is inefficient at best.

I do have the "down under"set from Rockler set up, but do not use it much becasue it gets in the way for what I usually do, but it works really well.

Here are some reviews on the "Down under" :

Reveiw of "Down under"

 

[Jesus Aleman]

I looked at that specific setup at Rockler.  This Rockler dust attachment is essentially a variation of what the OF1400 and the Triton have.  You can argue that the 618 plunge base has essentially the same functionality, but implemented a bit different (on the post as opposed to an attachment).  So what I am hearing from everyone is that dust collection above and under a table will take care of most of the dust in most situation. And the under the table dust collection can be implemented in different ways from building a shroud, buying an attachment, or buying a router that has the dust collection integral to the router.  Anyways, back to the question.  Triton, yes/no? 

 

[mwhafner]

Triton, yes/no?

For table use - yes

For handheld use - not for me, as a rule. 

It has good qualities and bad-

It is top-heavy, but is has a large base to help stabilize it.  This is the biggest drawback in my mind. 

The dust collection is almost as good as the OF1400, but the hose gets in the way, or seems to hang on everything (the placement on both the DW618 plunge and OF1400 is much better). 

The Circle Jig/Edge Guide is a great accessory, and is included. 

Not having a 1/4" collet, just a sleeve, is a downside for me.  I rarely use 1/4" bits, but personally don't trust the sleeves.

Height adjustments are second to none.  The combination of the winding mechanism and fine adjust dial are excellent.

Fit and finish is good, but not great.  It is fine where it matters.

I use guide bushings a lot, and the standard base doesn't support them.  It does have an unusually large opening, so big bits aren't a problem.

It has plenty of power. 

The spring is very easy to remove and re-install.  A big plus if you are moving it in and out of the table frequently. 

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Yes, I was thinking about the 618 kit.  However, the fixed base has no dust collection capabilities which presents a problem for me.  I want to use a 2 prong dust collection on the table (at the router and on the fence).  I could build a shroud or box for the router, but that would make it difficult to remove.  Any thoughts.

JGA.

You can collect the dust off the 618 many different ways? ...
I collect the dust from my router table like Dave does, not from the router directly. Collecting from the router upside down directly using stock collection is inefficient at best.

Jesus and Nick,

I have two routers mounted in tables, a PC 7518 surrounded by the JoinTech DC box, and a Freud FT1700VCE that I use with the DC shroud provided with the router, hooked up to my Fein or CT 22 vacuum machine through a 36mm hose.  I connect another hose to the DC nozzle on the end of the JoinTech fence for additional collection.  Together these hoses catch most of the debris.  I use the Freud more than the PC 7518  because most of the time I don't need the additional power and the Freud came with both 1/2" and 1/4" collets; the PC 7518 only came with a 1/2 " collet.

Dave R. 

 

[lab123]

If $ is a concern Lowes has the Freud Avanti 2-1/4 HP Plunge Corded Router kit for $99 plus free shipping.  I got one last week for my router table.  Looks to be fine, but haven't put it in yet.

Loren