OF 1400 what do I need?

[PreferrablyWood]

Well I'm warming up to make my next purchase, and I have to admit although I find the idea of getting the C15 with set exciting, I do have a servicaable drill/screwing setup, nothing fancy or showy but it's workable. On the other hand I've never really been well fitted in the Router department. So I think I'll go for the OF 1400 the set I'm looking at includes the following: poorly translated from the German website.gershwitz.

Scope of delivery
• collet Ø 8 mm
• Collet Ø 12 mm
• side fence with fine adjustment
• Copy ring Ø 30 mm
• extractor hood above
• chip deflector
• Fräserbox
• Tool
• In Systainer SYS 4 T-LOC
OF 1400 EBQ-Plus old No. 574316/574243
OF 1400 EBQ-Plus new No. 574398/574341

The bitbox includes:
Edge trimming cutter HW D12, 7/NL25 KL
Dowel bit HW D5 x 30 Z
Cutter HW D18/30 with plunging
Cutter HW D10/20 with Bohrschneider
Ogee cutter HW D16, KL 7/R2
Ogee cutter HW D25, R6, 5, 3 KL
Ogee cutter HW D31, 7/R9, 5 CL
Chamfer cutter HW D36/45Grad KL
Slotting HW D40 x 4
Zinc cutter HW D14, 3/15 °

Has anyone bought this pakage and can recommend it?

It would be my only router for awhile. and although the OF 2200 can do so much more, I feel it's too heavy for my portable workshop setup, also the wattge would be too much for the typical spec in peoples home as well as using it in combonation with the CT Midi..

My uses would be for edge trimming counter tops, dados,hinges, dovetails and template work.

I'll be using it to clean up some mouldings and repair som window stairmoulding as a first job. Then redoing my own kitchen countertops and shelves is on the list.

I know how to use a router but am no expert, but I feel for my usages I'd rather go for a powerful router/shaper now and then if I feel the need for a fixed based router for edge trimming duties I'll pick up a less high end model at a later point.

Is there some essential accesory I'll be missing from the above list that I should consider getting at the same time. Also I feel the specifications on the bit box are a little unclear as to the shank diameter...

Any thoughts and pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Regards

PW

 

[cliffp]

I would get the edging plate and angle arm that are shown as accessories for the OF1010:

http://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=574334&name=Router-OF-1010-EBQ-Plus-GB-240V

The router makes a lot of mess without a chip guard with the above set-up (you can't use the OF1010 one), but you can improvise your own easily enough - I would recommend doing this at the outset as it is quicker to make the part than to clean up the mess a few minutes of routing makes.

For router cutters, I recommend Wealdon Tool:

http://www.wealdentool.com/

They are top quality and the cheapest I have found.

I also recommend the MFS400 - it has turned out to be much more useful than I could have anticipated.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I would get the edging plate and angle arm that are shown as accessories for the OF1010:

http://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=574334&name=Router-OF-1010-EBQ-Plus-GB-240V

The router makes a lot of mess without a chip guard with the above set-up (you can't use the OF1010 one), but you can improvise your own easily enough - I would recommend doing this at the outset as it is quicker to make the part than to clean up the mess a few minutes of routing makes.

For router cutters, I recommend Wealdon Tool:

http://www.wealdentool.com/

They are top quality and the cheapest I have found.

I also recommend the MFS400 - it has turned out to be much more useful than I could have anticipated.

Thanks very much for the info! So maybe I should not get the version with the bit box set and buy the weldon bits instead?

 

[GarryMartin]

Sounds like you are describing the BOX-OF S8 set of router cutters, in which case the shank diameter is 8mm. I have the OF1400 and the BOX-OF S8 set and would recommend both. The router cutters are excellent quality and the box set is a very cost effective way of obtaining some of the more useful cutters (obviously depending on the price you pay for it!)

You mention "next purchase" but don't say what you have already. If you have some guide rails, I'd also recommend considering the Festool Guide Rail Adapter FS-OF 1400 (P/N 492601).

I'd second the recommendation for Wealden too. Excellent quality, value and service, and one of the few companies to stock a variety of 8mm shank cutters. Not sure whether they'd ship to Denmark though, so you'd need to check that out.

 

[cliffp]

I don't have experience of the Festool router bit set so I can't comment (though every Festool saw blade, drill bit, abrasive etc has been excellent). Another option if you want a cheaper but still excellent starter set is this one from Whiteside:

http://routercutter.co.uk/7-piece-basic-router-bit-set

A lot depends on whether you would find the specific items useful.

Their other cutters are generally more expensive and as far as I can tell, no better than Wealdon.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Thanks so much for your inputs, and of course Festool can thank you as well because my list of things to get just got an awful lot longer, so here it is..

OF 1400
with side guide and bit box set.
FS-OF-400 Template guide, seems like a measurement tool and a template in one, little unclear about how you clamp this to the work..
The edge guide adaptor
EdgingPlate and angle guide adaptor, I'm assuming this setup allows you to edge trim with router bits that don't have a guide bushing.. sort of like the MFK 700.

Festool Guide Rail Adapter FS-OF 1400 (P/N 492601)
Festool Guide Rail 1400mm. I don't have the TS55, but do have the Carvex PSC 420 so I will be able to use the Guide Rail with that as well.. Guide rail system isPretty useful for making grooves for the backs of cabinets etc..

Base runner
LA-OF 1400, a base offering a reduced 20mm hole for edge trimming duties, reduces the nuisance of using a larger router for edge trimming duties, should be included in the set version.

Running pad with chip deflector
LAS-OF 1400 this seems like a no brainer but the price is a little high, why is that? I really like the extended support base although it could quickly get in the way when working on smaller workpieces..

I want to make dovetails on my cabinets and wall units so either the Festool offerings in this department or one of the other designs  for this task will be next on my list. In fact I have to think long and hard about this equiptment list to see if I can't rearrange the buying order and for example wait on the FS-OF-400 template guide or the guide railand adaptor, and get a dovetail jig instead.

I've got the funds lined up, because of a cancelled international trip, just couldn't find the time, as I've taken on a little heavier workload this year, so partly as a way to ease the pain of a another year without much of a holiday I'll get geared up instead! Though this is no reason for buying equiptment on its own, taking the overall view for my life cycle it's long overdue that I have some good equipment to realize some of my planned projects. Earlier in my life I have worked for 12 years in woodworking/building, with experience to draw on I'm confident that I can get okay to very good results with my projects..And now have a much better time while I'm at it, having access to such great tools...and with the helpful information available here on the FOG forum

Thanks in advance for any added input on this subject..

Regards

PW

 

[RC]

FS-OF-400? Did you mean MSF400 by any chance? Check out Brice's manual for it MFS Guide for clamping options and general ideas what to do with it.

Also upgrade the guide rail straight away to the 'holy rail' i.e. FS1400/2-LR32 for future use with the LR32 system hole drilling system, since you are getting one specifically for router use.

The 1400 is a good do-it-all router with enough power for most jobs but still having proper micro adjusters and the nicer copy ring mechanics than the 1010 (you'll want to look at the UKJ copy rings that Peter Parfitt has reviewed elsewhere here on FOG), they are nice and very reasonably priced.
There is alot of debate over having one router (OF1400) that is a jack of all trades vs. owning two routers (OF1010 and OF2200) over which is optimal. Probably I would like to have them all and throw in a MFK700 edge router as well  [wink]

I probably would hold off on the LAS-OF base with chip deflector since the standard kit comes with the defector that attaches to the regular copy ring attachment points so you can use that with guided bits. Don't really see the point for this base except for the added width that might bring some stability on edges.

The OF1010 edging plate doesn't list compatibility with the OF1400 so I would double check first if it fits at all - the Angle guide & copier scanner set are listed as compatible thou. I probably wouldn't expect to trim edges without a guided bit on the 1400.

I was looking at the different dovetailing jigs and I'm leaning now towards a CMS-VL + MFT3 + Incra LS Supersystem combination for that... If you prefer a dedicated jig then to my understanding the Leigh D4R is the top dog and people aren't totally fascinated with the Festool VS600 jig.

 

[GarryMartin]

FS-OF-400? Did you mean MSF400 by any chance?

I think he meant the FS-OF 1400 I mentioned above - the guide rail adapter.

 

[cliffp]

The OF1010 edging plate doesn't list compatibility with the OF1400 so I would double check first if it fits at all

The OF1010 edging plate does work with the OF1400 (I've used it). The OF1400 is a bit heavy for trimming edging but it can be done. Its a good idea to practice on something that doesn't matter. If something happens that is a bit unanticipated such as the edging plate being impeded by something (maybe a bit of glue) or if I am going round the corner of a panel and I am therefore rotating the router, my hand eye coordination goes a bit awry and I have allowed the router to dip resulting in a bit of snipe. You soon become wise to these happenings and they stop occurring after a while.

I agree with Reiska that it would be better to use a bearing guided bit for trimming as it makes it a bit safer (as in avoiding messing up the wood rather than your flesh!)

Don't make the mistake I made once when I forgot to turn off the power on the CT (or wall socket if you haven't a CT) before making adjustments to the router. I accidently switched it on while I was adjusting it and only narrowly avoided carving myself up.

I second Reiska's suggestion to swap the rail for the LR32 one.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Check out the CMS ROUTER TABLE ( I was surprised how solid it is)

And...yes, if you plan to build shelving for cabinets, then the LR32 system is brilliant.

 

[hrrb]

Congrats with your choice of router...think you're going to love it. I do!

First you should visit Festool USA's blog and read about some of the accessories here. You will find some very fine articles and links there.

If considering the MFS, I'd go for the MFS 700 instead of the MFS 400. I find the MFS 700 more usefull. Look here.

If you do a lot of routing edges and hinges you should look into the OF-FH plexiglas routing aid - or an extra parallel guide; see this article

And finally you will soon find out that you need a router table...CMS! Look here.

For router cutters I can recommend either Festool's (of course [wink]) or CMT. You can buy CMT cutters at Carl Ras and Dorch & Danola; both companies are danish tool shops with internet shops.

Kind regards
Henrik

 

[cliffp]

If considering the MFS, I'd go for the MFS 700 instead of the MFS 400. I find the MFS 700 more usefull. Look here.

The reason I bought the MFS400 was because I always intended to end up with the 200, 400 and 700 profiles and at the time, it was cheaper to buy the MFS400 and add the 700 profiles than buy the MFS700 and add the 200 profiles.

 

[GarryMartin]

[The reason I bought the MFS400 was because I always intended to end up with the 200, 400 and 700 profiles and at the time, it was cheaper to buy the MFS400 and add the 700 profiles than buy the MFS700 and add the 200 profiles.

I did something similar for almost the same reasons.

Buying the MFS-400 and adding the MFS VP-700 profiles works out cheaper than buying the MFS-700 and adding the MFS VP-200 profiles, but as the MFS VP-1000 profiles are only £20 more expensive than the MFS VP-700 ones, I went for those instead.

So I have the MFS-400 and the MFS VP-1000 profiles (and lots of spare connectors).

 

[hrrb]

Ahh cliffp an GarryMartin...I see the point in saving money if you want to buy all three dimensions.

If only buying one set and no extra profiles I'd still recommend the MFS700. Otherwise you're right!  [smile]

Kind regards
Henrik

 

[RC]

I got the MFS700 as well since my uses required more capacity than was available from the 400.

I got a very reasonable deal at ffx.co.uk for my MFS+LR32 Kit+holy rail.

 

[mouppe]

I'm a big fan of the small bore base for the OF1400. For routing an edge it is very useful and improves safety and ease of use a lot. 

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Sounds like you are describing the BOX-OF S8 set of router cutters, in which case the shank diameter is 8mm. I have the OF1400 and the BOX-OF S8 set and would recommend both. The router cutters are excellent quality and the box set is a very cost effective way of obtaining some of the more useful cutters (obviously depending on the price you pay for it!)

You mention "next purchase" but don't say what you have already. If you have some guide rails, I'd also recommend considering the Festool Guide Rail Adapter FS-OF 1400 (P/N 492601).

I'd second the recommendation for Wealden too. Excellent quality, value and service, and one of the few companies to stock a variety of 8mm shank cutters. Not sure whether they'd ship to Denmark though, so you'd need to check that out.

I think the OF 1400 set works out to be about 125 pounds more than just the basic version, the set version offers the bitbox and the edge guides, I'm especielly interested in:

Edge trimming cutter HW D12, 7/NL25 KL (really a need)
Dowel bit HW D5 x 30 Z (nice to have)
Cutter HW D18/30 with plunging great for dadoing out shelves/edges
Cutter HW D10/20 with Bohrschneider (spiral bit i think)
Ogee cutter HW D16, KL 7/R2 (round grooves)
Ogee cutter HW D25, R6, 5, 3 KL (roundover)
Ogee cutter HW D31, 7/R9, 5 CL (roundover)
Chamfer cutter HW D36/45Grad KL nice for making a 45° on rounded pieces cut with the carvex
Slotting HW D40 x 4 (for template cutout work.)
Zinc cutter HW D14, 3/15 ° (for Dovetails..)

I think it's worth it to get the kit at that price..

The guide rail adaptor is on my list, I'll have to buy the guide rails at a shop here in Denmark..

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I would get the edging plate and angle arm that are shown as accessories for the OF1010:

http://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?pid=574334&name=Router-OF-1010-EBQ-Plus-GB-240V

The router makes a lot of mess without a chip guard with the above set-up (you can't use the OF1010 one), but you can improvise your own easily enough - I would recommend doing this at the outset as it is quicker to make the part than to clean up the mess a few minutes of routing makes.

For router cutters, I recommend Wealdon Tool:

http://www.wealdentool.com/

They are top quality and the cheapest I have found.

I also recommend the MFS400 - it has turned out to be much more useful than I could have anticipated.

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm a little in doubt about the angle guide and edging plate just yet, as the total package cost inches upwards.. But it's definitely worth keeping in mind..

Thanks for the tips!

 

[PreferrablyWood]

[quote author=Reiska]
FS-OF-400? Did you mean MSF400 by any chance? Check out Brice's manual for it MFS Guide for clamping options and general ideas what to do with it.

[/quote]

Thanks I'll have a look, it seems like a really nice and straightforward workflow improvemnet from making your own..

[quote author=Reiska]

Also upgrade the guide rail straight away to the 'holy rail' i.e. FS1400/2-LR32 for future use with the LR32 system hole drilling system, since you are getting one specifically for router use.

[/quote]

I'm a little doubtful if I'll ever be getting into the LR32 way of working as I'm not going to be a full on cabinet maker, so might just make up a template as I go, but perhaps I can combine a DIY jig with the FS1400/2-L432 for the situations for I need it..

[quote author=Reiska]

The 1400 is a good do-it-all router with enough power for most jobs but still having proper micro adjusters and the nicer copy ring mechanics than the 1010 (you'll want to look at the UKJ copy rings that Peter Parfitt has reviewed elsewhere here on FOG), they are nice and very reasonably priced.
There is alot of debate over having one router (OF1400) that is a jack of all trades vs. owning two routers (OF1010 and OF2200) over which is optimal. Probably I would like to have them all and throw in a MFK700 edge router as well  [wink]

[/quote]

My thoughts are inline with yours on the specs of the OF 1400 over the OF 1010 . The OF 1400 seems not at all too unwieldy in size.

[quote author=Reiska]

I was looking at the different dovetailing jigs and I'm leaning now towards a CMS-VL + MFT3 + Incra LS Supersystem combination for that... If you prefer a dedicated jig then to my understanding the Leigh D4R is the top dog and people aren't totally fascinated with the Festool VS600 jig.
[/quote]

I love the look of the Festool VS600 setup but I must admit the Leigh seems easier and more flexible to use, I've spent some time studying the two offerings and the working methods, in a way it dawns on me that dovetailing wil be afterall too slow a working method for most of my work situations, great for advanced users doing fine cabinetry with exsclusive wood species, I'm not there yet, so I think rather I'll wait on this bit of kit until I get to grips with the other aspects of woodworking with a router..

Thanks for the help!

 

[GarryMartin]

Edge trimming cutter HW D12, 7/NL25 KL (really a need)
Dowel bit HW D5 x 30 Z (nice to have)
Cutter HW D18/30 with plunging great for dadoing out shelves/edges
Cutter HW D10/20 with Bohrschneider (spiral bit i think)
Ogee cutter HW D16, KL 7/R2 (round grooves)
Ogee cutter HW D25, R6, 5, 3 KL (roundover)
Ogee cutter HW D31, 7/R9, 5 CL (roundover)
Chamfer cutter HW D36/45Grad KL nice for making a 45° on rounded pieces cut with the carvex
Slotting HW D40 x 4 (for template cutout work.)
Zinc cutter HW D14, 3/15 ° (for Dovetails..)

I found it really difficult to figure out which cutters were included when I was looking to buy it. I hope the below part numbers help as you'll be able to locate the individual cutters, their descriptions and prices. Sounds like a good deal.

Edge trimming cutter HW D12, 7/NL25 KL (491027) (bearing guided)
Dowel bit HW D5 x 30 Z (491066)
Groove Cutter with drill point HW D18/30 (490969)
Groove Cutter with drill point HW D10/20 (490959) (NOT a spiral bit)
Ogee cutter HW D16, KL 7/R2 (491009) (bearing guided)
Ogee cutter HW D25, R6, 5, 3 KL (491013) (bearing guided)
Ogee cutter HW D31, 7/R9, 5 CL (491015) (bearing guided)
Chamfer cutter HW D36/45Grad KL (491025) (bearing guided)
Slotting HW D40 x 4 (496054) (bearing guided)
Dovetail Cutter HW D14, 3/15 ° (490992)