Of1010 and leigh adapter/UJK guide bushings

[Sanderxpander]

Hi all,

There have been a few threads on using the OF1010 with guide bushings already, which lead to my purchase of the Leigh 704R guide bushing adapter, an UJK metric threaded guide bushing set and the Festool centering mandrel. I've just tried to piece it all together but this is my first time using any guide bushing on any router so I ended up with a question I thought I'd ask here;

I've watched Peter Parfitt's video on how to mount the ring and it seems to be centered quite well. I mounted a bushing with an inside diameter of 12mm and an outside one of 14mm. The bushing basically snaps into the ring and is then tightened from the other side (which isn't too easy tbh). However, when I mount a 12mm cutter, it does seem to slightly touch the insides of the bushing, and turning it into various positions seem to have minutely different results too. Is this normal? Is it ok to turn the router on and plunge through the bushing, probably scoring it here and there? I'd rather not try at 11000rpm without knowing for sure.

 

[Sanderxpander]

As I wrote this I realized I don't have to plunge at all of course... But I'd still like to know if it's normal!

 

[GarryMartin]

If it's a straight bit, you wouldn't normally go that close with inside diameter of the adapter and size of bit.

Obviously when using something "bigger" that maybe has a profile, you might be more restricted and just have to ensure you don't allow the bit to rise into the adapter when completing your cuts and releasing any plunge lock.

 

[Sparktrician]

Be sure that you use a centering mandrel when aligning the 704R plate to the base of the OF 1010.  It WILL make a difference.  The stock bushing plate from Festool fits so tightly that there's no room for adjustment, but the 704R bushing plate has just enough slop to allow for proper bit centering.  Be sure to use flat fillister screws when mounting the 704R not the conical countersunk profile shipped with the Festool plate.  The fillister screws will work with the 704R to allow centering.

 

[Sanderxpander]

GarryMartin, thanks, I considered that perhaps that was the idea. I just don't get why they'd label it a 12mm inside diameter if you can't use it with a 12mm bit. I mean obviously you couldn't if both were exactly 12mm but normally these tolerances are made so you can. I'll probably try a 14mm bushing then. Good that I got the set

Sparktrician, I centered the adapter using the centering mandrel per Peter Parfitt's video. I did use the conical screws that were in there but my local tool shop where I bought the Leigh adapter said that that should work fine and indeed they don't seem to be pushing the ring in any direction; there's enough slop still. I'll still see if I have some flat head machine screws in that specific size. Weird that the Leigh adapter doesn't come with any if they're required - the Festool one does.

To be continued!

 

[Sparktrician]

Sparktrician, I centered the adapter using the centering mandrel per Peter Parfitt's video. I did use the conical screws that were in there but my local tool shop where I bought the Leigh adapter said that that should work fine and indeed they don't seem to be pushing the ring in any direction; there's enough slop still. I'll still see if I have some flat head machine screws in that specific size. Weird that the Leigh adapter doesn't come with any if they're required - the Festool one does.

To be continued!

If you used the conical mandrel, you might find a more accurate centering using a cylindrical mandrel.  Whiteside Machine offers them with certain guide bushings. 

 

[Sanderxpander]

Ok, I can look into getting one but we don't have Whiteside Machine over here. Before I go out of my way to get more stuff I'd like to know if it is actually reasonable to expect to be able to plunge a 12mm straight cutter through a guide bushing listed as 12mm interior diameter.

 

[Sparktrician]

Ok, I can look into getting one but we don't have Whiteside Machine over here. Before I go out of my way to get more stuff I'd like to know if it is actually reasonable to expect to be able to plunge a 12mm straight cutter through a guide bushing listed as 12mm interior diameter.

I would think not, but that said, I would prefer a close relationship, if needed, just not a contact relationship. 

 

[rljatl]

The LR32 kit comes with a cylindrical centering mandrel that looks very much like the Whiteside versions posted above.

 

[Sanderxpander]

Thanks, that's good to know. I think my most reasonable option is to use a ring with a 14mm inside diameter with this ring. I'll have to adapt my jig but that's half the fun
It's all a leaning process.

 

[skids]

I am sure there is something obvious I am missing..But why can't the plastic guide bushing that comes in the OF 1010 box not be used ? Other than being plastic is it limited to only certain size guide bushings being attached?

 

[RustE]

... why can't the plastic guide bushing that comes in the OF 1010 box not be used?...

If it aligns well enough for your needs, then use it.

If the Festool insert does not align well, then the Leigh 704R has more ability for adjustment.

 

[skids]

... why can't the plastic guide bushing that comes in the OF 1010 box not be used?...

If it aligns well enough for your needs, then use it.

If the Festool insert does not align well, then the Leigh 704R has more ability for adjustment.

thank you for the validation Sir! just what i needed to forge ahead, I just wasn't sure based on what i read on the forums if i 'needed' the leigh adapter or not. I am going to grab a wood river guide bushing and go from there.

 

[Sparktrician]

... why can't the plastic guide bushing that comes in the OF 1010 box not be used?...

If it aligns well enough for your needs, then use it.

If the Festool insert does not align well, then the Leigh 704R has more ability for adjustment.

thank you for the validation Sir! just what i needed to forge ahead, I just wasn't sure based on what i read on the forums if i 'needed' the leigh adapter or not. I am going to grab a wood river guide bushing and go from there.

Just be sure to use the 704R adapter with fillister-head screws to get better adjustability. 

 

[skids]

... why can't the plastic guide bushing that comes in the OF 1010 box not be used?...

If it aligns well enough for your needs, then use it.

If the Festool insert does not align well, then the Leigh 704R has more ability for adjustment.

thank you for the validation Sir! just what i needed to forge ahead, I just wasn't sure based on what i read on the forums if i 'needed' the leigh adapter or not. I am going to grab a wood river guide bushing and go from there.

Just be sure to use the 704R adapter with fillister-head screws to get better adjustability.

Doesn't come with it?

 

[Sparktrician]

... why can't the plastic guide bushing that comes in the OF 1010 box not be used?...

If it aligns well enough for your needs, then use it.

If the Festool insert does not align well, then the Leigh 704R has more ability for adjustment.

thank you for the validation Sir! just what i needed to forge ahead, I just wasn't sure based on what i read on the forums if i 'needed' the leigh adapter or not. I am going to grab a wood river guide bushing and go from there.

Just be sure to use the 704R adapter with fillister-head screws to get better adjustability.

Doesn't come with it?

Frankly, I don't remember.  The standard Festool adapter comes with conical, flat-head screws that preclude the ability to shift it for centering, plus it is a very tight fit, again precluding adjustment. 

 

[skids]

worked like a charm. Bought an aftermarket guide bushing set on Amazon and the Festool 5mm shelf pin router bit and it lined up perfectly..From the experience i've had i can't see why anyone would spend the extra money on the Leigh set up and a mandrel. Not knocking it, and maybe I am missing something but the 1010 seems to come with exactly what you need sans guide bushings.