OF 2200 Router: Member Feedback

[Matthew Schenker]

Good Morning,
Following up on the success of the MFT3 discussion, I realized it would be a good idea to post an open-ended thread on each new tool release, where we can collect member opinions, questions, and feedback in one place.  This does not have to be the only place we discuss the tool, but it can help bring our thoughts together.  After the tool is released, these discussions can make future searches on the forum more productive.

This discussion is for the OF2200 Router.  View Festool's OF 2200 Micro Website.

So, what are your questions, interests, opinions, and suggestions on the OF 2200?

Festool is listening!

Matthew

 

[Markus K.]

I think the OF 2200 EB is the perfect Router. There are only two questions:
-Release in Germany
-German Price for the Set

I hope, they will come on April 2. with a TADAAA :http://www.holz-handwerk.de/main/d3zq5qud/page.html

 

[gemorris]

I was considering getting an OF 1400, now I think I will get an OF 1010 and an OF 2200

The 2200 just looks like it can handle anything, and the 1010 is sweet on light work.

 

[Dan Clark]

This is a rather interesting idea.  There's a nice gap between the routers.  Obviously the OF2200 has enough "oomph" to handle almost anything

I have an OF1400, which I like.  When I bought the OF1400, I thought the OF1010 was a nice router, but it has one significant drawback - 1/4" & 8mm bit shanks only.  It won't accept 1/2" shanks. 

8mm would probably be fine IF you could find enough of them in the US.    The problem is that, outside of Festool bits, 8mm router bits are they are rather difficult to find. 

For me, the MFK700 + OF1400 combo will handle most of my needs.  (But that OF2200 does look nice!)

Dan.

 

[Ned]

Markus' recent post caught my eye.  OF 2200 EB, he says.  Yes, the image on the microsite shows an OF 2200 EB

Will the North Americans finally get a Festool router with a Brake?

Ned

 

[Dan Clark]

Ned,

I believe the answer is yes.  Look at the microsite video.  You'll notice one shot with the 2000 and 2200 side by side showing what appears to be the spin-down rate.

Dan.

 

[JayStPeter]

I have no desire or need for a large handheld router.  But the OF2200 has some great features.  I hope they trickle down to a replacement for the 1400 sometime.
When the videos came out, I almost didn't even bother with the 2200 since I have never had a situation where I need that much power in a router that isn't upside down in my table.  I expected to desire the MFK, but really wasn't that psyched by it.  OTOH, I was blown away by the 2200.  Really nice features with the base, DC design, and the addition of the plunge locking/micro-adjust to make it act like a fixed base.  The depth stop turret looks suspect though.  Hopefully it's improved over the one on the 1400 functionally.  The accessory prices are also ridiculous.  The edge guide and template guides cost more than I paid for my OF1400 with those things included.
Overall, I really hope they bring some of the features down to the midsized router.  I was in line waiting for the relase of the 1400 and if the next gen of that has these features I may be in line waiting for the release of it.

- Jay

 

[Markus K.]

I think the OF 2200 EB is the perfect Router. There are only two questions:
-Release in Germany
-German Price for the Set

I hope, they will come on April 2. with a TADAAA :http://www.holz-handwerk.de/main/d3zq5qud/page.html

Here's the 1. answer:
If there are more Germans on this Board, I've got an email today from Festool Germany, the release-date for the MFT3 and the new Router is the starting day of the holz-handwerk!

Markus

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Markus' recent post caught my eye.  OF 2200 EB, he says.  Yes, the image on the microsite shows an OF 2200 EB

Will the North Americans finally get a Festool router with a Brake?

Ned

Dan/Ned,

That's correct.  There is a magnetic brake on the OF2200.  The video on the micro site shows a comparison with the OF 2000 as Dan mentioned.  Definitely a good feature.  Another one that's easy to overlook is the triple bearing design of the spindle to aid with deflection.  Always easy to overlook the features that aren't visible from the outside.

Shane

 

[joraft]

There is a magnetic brake on the OF2200... 

Another one that's easy to overlook is the triple bearing design of the spindle to aid with deflection. 

Please stop, Shane! I have little self control as it is. 

John

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Don't fight it, John.  It will only make it worse... 

 

[Dan Clark]

Yes, John... Stop fighting it!  Feeeel the force!  Let the force be with you!  ;D

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Christian A.]

Hi Markus,

I think the OF 2200 EB is the perfect Router. There are only two questions:
-German Price for the Set

According to the brand-new catalogue that I received from an Austrian woodworking store last week, the OF 2200 EB Plus (including an 8 mm and a 12 mm collet, adjustment tools, 30 mm copying ring, dust extraction hood, chip catcher and a SYS 4) costs EUR 661 (without VAT) in Austria.
Apart from the MFT 3 and the OF 2200 the Festool vacuum hold-down jig VAC SYS will also be released in Europe this Spring.

Regards,

Christian

 

[joiner1970]

Have you noticed it doesnt come with a side fence as standard I think you have to buy the base kit in the systainer, not sure

 

[Markus K.]

Hi Markus,

According to the brand-new catalogue that I received from an Austrian woodworking store last week, the OF 2200 EB Plus (including an 8 mm and a 12 mm collet, adjustment tools, 30 mm copying ring, dust extraction hood, chip catcher and a SYS 4) costs EUR 661 (without VAT) in Austria.
Apart from the MFT 3 and the OF 2200 the Festool vacuum hold-down jig VAC SYS will also be released in Europe this Spring.

Regards,

Christian

Hello Christian,

nice to meet you here, it's the first Time I talk English to an Austrian, but we're on an American Board!
Thank you for the Information. Normally Festool have equal Prices (excl. VAT) for Germany and Austria, so I think I can get it for 763 ? incl. VAT and 3% off.
Well, I think I'll buy it...
Do you know, how much Toolpoints are on it? Will you go to the Holz-Handwerk?

servus
Markus

 

[tvgordon]

I watched the OF2200 video and the 2200 looks like one of Festool's best tool designs.  The quick change bases, the dust collection, the brake, ratcheting collet, etc. etc..  BUT, I just can't seem to get past the price of $800 for a router!  That's about what I paid for my tablesaw and it will get more use than the router.  Maybe I'll change my mind after I see one at a store sometime.  Was this router intended mainly for just production shops?

Tom.

 

[Terp]

Tom, the production shop would prefer the OF 2000.  A plunge router rated at 3-1/2 hp is larger than any other plunge router & about the heaviest.  I own the OF 2000 & have worked in professional shops for years.  A shaper is employed for anything it can be in a large shop, plunge routers are used in specific instances.  A fixed base router is better than a plunge router in a router table & for alot of other operations.  A fixed base has a lower center of gravity & unless you need to plunge cut, is often the first choice.  Wear & tear on the more expensive routers is another consideration. 
  That said, I wholeheartedly recommend the OF 2000.  The extra power of the OF 2200 is excessive, really, & the features could be considered bell's & whistles.  The ratchet collet is not so great when the chuck is very tight.  When using a large diameter bit for example, a chuck will tighten further under load.  I would reach for two wrenches alot with a large router.  you get more leverage with two wrenches.  The two in the palm of your hand can be squoze like a pair of pliers.  I find it very difficult to gain increased leverage to "break" the hold of the chuck using the ratchet chuck on my OF 1400 sometimes.  You can use two wrenches on the OF1400, though it only comes with one.  My OF 2000, unfortunately cannot be used with two wrenches at all, but I still love it.
One other thing I don't like about the single wrench chucks is that they seem, to me, as though they are designed for left handed use, but maybe It's only me who's noticed that.
  Also the extra bases don't impress.  I'm sorry but they only provide a quick change copy ring platform.  Not worth it IMO.
  The OF 2000 has not dissappointed me, or left me wanting more power, & i've been using it recently for 3/4" x 7/8" dadoes in white oak.  It's a beast of a router.  I say buy the OF 2000 while you still can, & save the extra cash.
  P.S.  for the price of the OF 2200 & all the accessories, you can purchase a small shaper & a stock feeder.

 

[joiner1970]

Terp,

Its not larger than my 2300 watt Dewalt DW626.

I am sure the OF2200 is much better build and has more gadgets and I would love to own one but it will be around double the price of my Dewalt and its doing fine so far.

 

[Markus K.]

Well, 800 Bucks vs 430, that's a lot! But in Germany we have to pay for the OF 2000 about 722 Eur, for the new Model 763 Eur. So, if you think, the old Model is the right one for your shop, buy it as long as you can get it!

Markus

 

[Terp]

Markus,
  I don't know Euros too well now, but that sounds much more reasonable in relation to the older OF 2000 router.