OF 1400 Speed Control

[Ed Surowiec]

Hello Shane , today I pulled the trigger on OF 1400. This evening I plugged it in and moved the speed control from #1 through #6 setting with no load or bit in the router. Moving from position 1 to 4 there is no change in RPM from 4.5 through 6 the RPM increase. Is this performance typical for the 1400 router???
Thanks
Ed

 

[jonny round boy]

I think this is pretty normal. There will be a change in RPM, you just can't tell from the sound. Try it under load & you'll notice it then.

 

[GarryMartin]

Although there are guidelines in the manual for the speed setting, it doesn't actually tell you the speed setting correlation to RPM. It's come up a number of times in the past, and I've always been curious, so a few days ago I purchased a digital laser tachometer to do some measurements.

Just waiting for it to arrive, then I can give some definitive measurements of RPM for each of the speed settings.

 

[Ed Surowiec]

Thanks Garry , I  plan to use a large raised panel bit for cabinet doors and would start the 1400 at the lowest rpm setting for safe operation. However the quality of cut requires some optimization of RPM . The apparent constant RPM form #1- #4 and rapid increase from 4.5  - 6 means that setting the speed will be very sensitive and somewhat difficult with a large diameter bit in the router.
Please post your RPM measurements .
Thanks
Ed

 

[peter halle]

Ed,

I am assuming that you are planning to use a table when you are using the large bits.  What table are you planning to use?

Peter

 

[Ed Surowiec]

Hi Peter , I have a Sommerfeld (sp) table that I have used for the last five years. I has various inserts to accommodate different diameter cutters. This weekend I hope to drill  a new hole pattern for the OF1400 and get it installed. I have used the large raised panel cutter on other projects such as 35 feet of wainscoting paneling. Your concern for safe operation is appreciated but I would like to know if the 1400 speed control has more vernier control or is it typical for it to ramp up from #4.5 to #6 with no noticeable change in RPM from #1-#4 ??
Thanks
ED

 

[Stoli]

so a few days ago I purchased a digital laser tachometer to do some measurements.

Just waiting for it to arrive, then I can give some definitive measurements of RPM for each of the speed settings.

Funny, I am just waiting for my OF1400 to arrive to make the same measurements.  I just got a cheap laser tach from amazon the other day for this purpose.

 

[GarryMartin]

Funny, I am just waiting for my OF1400 to arrive to make the same measurements.  I just got a cheap laser tach from amazon the other day for this purpose.

I'll race you...  [poke]

I bet it's the same model; DT-2234C+ by any chance?

On a serious note, it will be useful to compare the calculations so we can account for any deviation and use an average of the two measurements.

 

[Stoli]

I got the AGPtek Professional Digital Laser Photo Tach, non contact.  Yours looks to be manufactured by "Durable/NEEWER".  Looks like I filtered by amazon prime and didn't see this one. 

Even better to extend the sample of measuring instruments as well as operator.

 

[GarryMartin]

If you look at the picture on Amazon, it's the same model number; DT-2234C+

From looking at them at eBay, I can tell you lots of people sell them under their own brand.

Still, even two devices of the same model may have slight variances, and as you say, the operator adds another level!

Will be interesting to see the results. I have a 1010 too so will do both.

 

[GarryMartin]

So the results are in... at least mine are anyway!

The laser tachometer seems to be most accurate at the higher speeds (when you can eventually get the reflective tape to stick to the router collet!), and when the router speed control is turned as far up as it can go (to 6) it registers a near perfect 22000 RPM. When turned all the way down though (to 1) it registers between 9700-9800 RPM. Let's assume you might be able to dial it a little below it's stated lowest no load speed of 10000 RPM for the purposes of my next comments.

Compensating for what may be a less than accurate positioning of each number between 1 and 6 for the test, it appears that you really can "regulate the speed steplessly between 10000 and 22000" RPM in a *very* linear fashion.

Speed Setting 1  -  10000 RPM
Speed Setting 2  -  12400 RPM
Speed Setting 3  -  14800 RPM
Speed Setting 4  -  17200 RPM
Speed Setting 5  -  19600 RPM
Speed Setting 6  -  22000 RPM

 

[Ed Surowiec]

No word from Festool yet .
I tried my five year old Triton 2 1/4 hp router and moving from position #1 to #2 there is a  noticeable change in RPM. The Triton speed control performs as you would expect . But my New just out of the box OF 1400 has no apparent change in RPM until you get to position #4.5 to#6.
My question it Fetool is  this typical for their router???  

 

[Stoli]

Yes, you beat me -- I just got my OF1400 last night.

To partially address Ed's question: could you hear a difference at settings 1-4?

 

[GarryMartin]

To partially address Ed's question: could you hear a difference at settings 1-4?

Good point. Yes I could "hear" a change in speed in the same linear fashion.

 

[promark747]

To partially address Ed's question: could you hear a difference at settings 1-4?

Good point. Yes I could "hear" a change in speed in the same linear fashion.

That's interesting, because many of us current and previous 1400 owners notice NO audible difference between speeds 1-4 and we've been told that is normal.  Your experience (audible increase all through the range, as well as tachometer proof of actual speed diff throughout the range) seems to conflict with that.

 

[GarryMartin]

That's interesting, because many of us current and previous 1400 owners notice NO audible difference between speeds 1-4 and we've been told that is normal.  Your experience (audible increase all through the range, as well as tachometer proof of actual speed diff throughout the range) seems to conflict with that.

Could it perhaps be something different in the electronics between regions? Stoli is in the US so maybe he can throw some light on it.

Just by way of demonstration, you've made me post my first ever YouTube video. Everything that gets published from now on is all your fault...  [eek]

 

[promark747]

That's interesting, because many of us current and previous 1400 owners notice NO audible difference between speeds 1-4 and we've been told that is normal.  Your experience (audible increase all through the range, as well as tachometer proof of actual speed diff throughout the range) seems to conflict with that.

Could it perhaps be something different in the electronics between regions? Stoli is in the US so maybe he can throw some light on it.

Just by way of demonstration, you've made me post my first ever YouTube video. Everything that gets published from now on is all your fault...  [eek]

Thanks...that looks great -- I wonder if the difference is regional, as you mentioned.

 

[Ed Surowiec]

Thank you Garry, the sound on your video is very similar to the sound that my Triton router makes as I run the speed control up from 1-6.
Ill try my new 1400 out actually routing some wood. If it does not change RPM under load I will return to the dealer and ask to try another unit in the store.  Thanks everyone for your help. I am  disappointed  that no one from FESTOOL addressed my initial question.....perhaps there is a problem with the OF 1400 speed control.

 

[Stephen B]

Thank you Garry, the sound on your video is very similar to the sound that my Triton router makes as I run the speed control up from 1-6.
Ill try my new 1400 out actually routing some wood. If it does not change RPM under load I will return to the dealer and ask to try another unit in the store.  Thanks everyone for your help. I am  disappointed  that no one from FESTOOL addressed my initial question.....perhaps there is a problem with the OF 1400 speed control.

You should call Festool, the US number is under Shane's posts.  [wink]

 

[GarryMartin]

If it does not change RPM under load...

My understanding is that it shouldn't change RPM under load. The OF 1400 manual explains it as "The preselected speed remains constant whether the machine is in operation or in neutral position."

The OF 2200 manual probably puts it slightly better with "The preselected motor speed remain contstant through electronic control. This ensures a uniform cutting speed even when under strain." but either way, you get the idea.

If it's not a regional difference, then I would suggest calling Festool for advice. As noted, the contact number can be found in the signature of Shane's posts, but also below.

Festool Service: 800-554-8741