OF 2200 accessories

[electricald]

Hey guys,

I am looking at getting the OF 2200 form Lee Valley. They have the accessory kit that goes with this:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/Festool/page.aspx?p=68492&cat=5,105,68341
Is this something I should get with it or are there things in that kit that might be gimmicky and a waste of time.
LV is probably the only resource I have for getting this unit. Or can you guys put it in a way like get this and this instead.
Again, I am new to woodworking, so I am totally relying on you. This is my first router too btw.

Regards,
Dan

 

[ScotF]

To get the most out of this wonderful machine I would absolutely recommend one of the accessory kits -- one is Imperial and the other is in Metric -- the only difference is the template guides.  They both have the guide rods, edge guide, guide-rail stop and the different bases that are extremely useful in different routing scenarios.  It is a great value compared to buying all of the pieces separately too.  I would also consider adding an additional edge guide (which you can store under the router in its Systainer, so that you can easily route the center of boards and "capture" the edge between the two guides -- this is very useful when routing grooves, for example, or different mortises.

This is an awesome machine...

Scot 

 

[electricald]

Thanks Scot,
I am relying totally on what this poll says here. Now I have worked in industry for the past 25 so I am not totally dumb but the finer things like this router I am pretty much at the mercy of the advice from you guys. I have noted what you said here about buying an additional edge guide but I am not understanding the application totally of using. Would you be referring (and excuse my ignorance here) to say using a guide on opposite sides of the router to route grooves, for example. Do you know of something on video showing this?. I know one thing I have some of this festool gear and it is addictive. I am becoming a festool junkie!!!!

Thanks alot Scot,
Dan

To get the most out of this wonderful machine I would absolutely recommend one of the accessory kits -- one is Imperial and the other is in Metric -- the only difference is the template guides.  They both have the guide rods, edge guide, guide-rail stop and the different bases that are extremely useful in different routing scenarios.  It is a great value compared to buying all of the pieces separately too.  I would also consider adding an additional edge guide (which you can store under the router in its Systainer, so that you can easily route the center of boards and "capture" the edge between the two guides -- this is very useful when routing grooves, for example, or different mortises.

This is an awesome machine...

Scot 

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Dan

I agree with Scott. I have the metric accessory kit and find it very useful. I have not used everything yet but I like the conficence of having the kit just in case of a new challenge. I am sure it is the case everywhere but it does make sense to buy the kit at the same time as the router.

Peter

 

[electricald]

Thank-you Peter,

I am of the same mindset as yourself. I believe that having good tools just in case you need them. My only concern is the ignorance to know what, at this point, is actually practicable or just nonsense. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Regards,
Dan

Hi Dan

I agree with Scott. I have the metric accessory kit and find it very useful. I have not used everything yet but I like the conficence of having the kit just in case of a new challenge. I am sure it is the case everywhere but it does make sense to buy the kit at the same time as the router.

Peter

 

[Timtool]

To get the most out of the router you really need the set, your gonna need the edge guide, some copy rings, collets, the rail guide and baseplate eventually.
The set contains it all at a lower price than getting most of it separately.

 

[Sparktrician]

I've added a 30mm copy ring to work with the MFS, and plan on adding a second edge guide in the near future as Peter mentioned. 

 

[electricald]

Tim tool and Sparktrician,

I plan on buying an extra edge guide. I had a look at all the accessories and I do not understand what these copy rings are for. Spark, you mentioned the 30 mm copy ring. The set has 4 of the imperial size. I am at a loss as to what these do. IS there videos where I can see this?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[electricald]

Gentleman,
If I get the extra edge guide then will I need the guide rods to go with it or is the set that comes with the kit be enough?
Also what about this centering mandrel. Should I get it?  [smile]

 

[peter halle]

Here is a link that contains an image of what I believe the suggestion for an extra edge guide will help accomplish.  Click on the image to enlarge.  There are other ways of doing this and Festool does sell a spefic accessory for this, but this is a less expensive alternative.

Randy and 2 edge guides

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

I think if you end up with the 2200 as your only router then the accessory kit is a good deal.  However, are you really sure you need the 2200?  Some people assume getting the biggest bad boy on the block is the best value. I'd disagree with that logic if a smaller tool fits your needs better.  Both the OF1010 and OF1400 routers are fabulous.  They are certainly worth strongly considering, if they will fit your intended usage.

 

[builderbob]

I purchased the metric set when I got mine. Its definitely the best bang for your buck!

Bob

 

[Julian Tracy]

Yea, it'd seem the 1400 would be the best choice for one router if you were planning on only owning one.  That 1400 will spin any bit you can chuck into is as well as being able to do smaller stuff like 1/4" edge trimming bits with relative ease.

Unless you just like bragging rights, doesn't seem you'd want the 2200 unless you are specifically looking to run some heavy duty work or large bits or are just supplementing a smaller router you already have.

These folks will help you spend your $2000, but is it really the best advice in this case?  Lot's of folks spend their entire woodworking "career" with only a mid-range 2-2 1/4HP router as the only router they own and probably find that they never over-work it.

Like buying a TS75 for cutting up sheets of plywood = overkill.

JT

 

[Sparktrician]

Tim tool and Sparktrician,

I plan on buying an extra edge guide. I had a look at all the accessories and I do not understand what these copy rings are for. Spark, you mentioned the 30 mm copy ring. The set has 4 of the imperial size. I am at a loss as to what these do. IS there videos where I can see this?

Thanks,
Dan

The copy rings are also known as template guide rings.  They're used frequently when copying a template for repeat work.  The metric accessory kit for the OF 2200 comes with 4 copy rings, but not the 30mm one which is used with the MFS template system and fits the circle routing insert seen here to the right of the black plastic tilt protector.  It's an amazingly versatile system that can be configured a whole bunch of ways.  It just depends on your usage.  I've purchased the 30mm copy rings for each of the routers in my shop, so it's easy to choose the best router for the task knowing that all are equipped to be used with the MFS.  You can see one in use with the plexiglas template here.

 

[Stone Message]

In the UK the OF2200 has the 30mm copying ring included with the machine (or it used to).

Peter

 

[Knight Woodworks]

If you get the 2200 definitely get the accessory kit.

However, as Brice said, it's a lot of router, more than one needs for most tasks. As much as i like it, If I was only able to own one router it wouldn't be 2200.

YMMV

John

 

[Timtool]

i admit i didn't completely read the OP's question, as a first and only router the OF2200 is likely overkill.
It's like picking 1 vehicle to do everything with, and choosing an 18 wheeler. Won't be practical going to the mall. Instead go for the car (OF1010) or pickup truck (OF1400) those can do 90% of your work best.
The 2200 is a BEAST and i wouldn't want it as my only router, i could get by much better with just an OF1010.

 

[PeterK]

I am a hobbiest and own the 1010, 1400, 2200 along with several other brand routers. The OF1010 is a tremendous router and is my "go to" tool. It does not take 1/2" shank bits but there are many high quality 1/4" shank bits offered along with Festool and Lee Valley selling 8mm shank bits. The 1010 has easily handled any rabbiting and other larger bits without complaint.

The 1400 is by far my least used router for one reason. I absolutely hate the dust collection system on it. It is such a pain to have to loose fit the dust shroud and then try to tighten the collet all the while trying to have the proper depth. Terrible design.

The 2200 while huge and heavy is just a pleasure to use. I wouldn't want it for dovetails but for any other task that the router is supported by the wood, it is just wonderful. Dust collection works!!!! Really well designed. The size and weight work to your advantage many times as it won't jerk in use. I can easily climb cut without worrying the router will jump.

I could easily be happy with the 2200 as my only hand router but luckily I don't have to make that decision. I always say the OF1010 first and then the OF2200.

 

[ScotF]

Thanks Scot,
I am relying totally on what this poll says here. Now I have worked in industry for the past 25 so I am not totally dumb but the finer things like this router I am pretty much at the mercy of the advice from you guys. I have noted what you said here about buying an additional edge guide but I am not understanding the application totally of using. Would you be referring (and excuse my ignorance here) to say using a guide on opposite sides of the router to route grooves, for example. Do you know of something on video showing this?. I know one thing I have some of this festool gear and it is addictive. I am becoming a festool junkie!!!!

Thanks alot Scot,
Dan

To get the most out of this wonderful machine I would absolutely recommend one of the accessory kits -- one is Imperial and the other is in Metric -- the only difference is the template guides.  They both have the guide rods, edge guide, guide-rail stop and the different bases that are extremely useful in different routing scenarios.  It is a great value compared to buying all of the pieces separately too.  I would also consider adding an additional edge guide (which you can store under the router in its Systainer, so that you can easily route the center of boards and "capture" the edge between the two guides -- this is very useful when routing grooves, for example, or different mortises.

This is an awesome machine...

Scot  

I did a short video of this technique:



I also agree that there might be better all around routers if this is your only router purchase.  I own the 1010 too and feel that it, combined with the 2200, gives me the capability to handle just about any hand-held routing task.  

Scot

 

[electricald]

Thanks Peter,
A picture is worth a thousand words.

Regards,
Dan

Here is a link that contains an image of what I believe the suggestion for an extra edge guide will help accomplish.  Click on the image to enlarge.  There are other ways of doing this and Festool does sell a spefic accessory for this, but this is a less expensive alternative.

Randy and 2 edge guides

Peter