OF1010 versus OF1400?

[joesan]

Hi Guys - some of you were very helpful with guiding me in using a Dewalt router with the Festool guides.

But I've come to the conclusion that I "need" to buy a Festool router for best results.

I'm thinking about going for the 1010 set since I want to use the guiderails and I can get all the kit (ie rail connector, 800mm rail and the 1010 router) for about ?100 less than the 1400 router alone.

I'm mainly routing thin aluminium composite board (Dibond) and edging 50mm laminate doors.  I also rout 18mm Mdf. I do work with thicker boards on occasion but only about 5% of the time.

Do you think I'd regret not getting a 1400? 

 

[justinmcf]

hi joe.
you will never regret not buying the of1400.

because like the rest of us tool addicts.
you will buy it some time in the future too!

its up to you what suits your needs now.

regards, justin.

 

[Chris Hughes]

To me the question is range of use.  I opted for the 1010 because I had several bigger routers for heavier uses.  I wanted a tool for line boring and smaller edge treatments.  I have since aquired a 2200 used mostly for solid surface applications. 

A major factor in range of use is collet size, the 1010 comes with a 1/4" and 8mm collets, so if you run a bunch of 1/2" bits the 1010 is not for you.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

A major factor in range of use is collet size, the 1010 comes with a 1/4" and 8mm collets, so if you run a bunch of 1/2" bits the 1010 is not for you.

This was the deal-sealer for me.  I have a bunch of 1/2" bits already.  So the OF1010 just didn't make sense from a general use standpoint.  Though I still use my DeWalt 618s for table use and dovetail jig work, the OF1400 is at least capable of using the 1/2" bits when I need it for that.

 

[Monder]

I agree with Chris.
I would go with the 1400. The 1010 is too delicate for these type if jobs. I find the 1010 to be the perfect tool to mortise cabinet hinges (just to make my point).

Monder

 

[NVA_WW]

I think the safe bet is to purchase the 1400 first.  You have the capability of using bits with different shank diameters, as already mentioned by others, so that is definitely a plus.  It's a well balanced router and it can conquer a variety of tasks--works with all Leigh jigs and can be used on the guide rail easily with the accessory jig. 

The 1010 is a great already small router.  I have found myself reaching for it now more often than my Bosch Colt.  The fact it is a plunge router has helped significantly.  I was looking at the MicroFence 3 axis base for the Colt, but decided the 1010 was a cheaper alternative.  It can be easily attached to the LR32 system, route laminate using the edge stop, and works great on the Leigh D4R in combination with the 1400.

You'll be happy with either router, but take a look at the 1400 first then upgrade to the 1010 at later time.

 

[Kevin D.]

I may get the 1010 down the road myself, as my 8mm bit collection seems to be increasing over time.  As mentioned, the 1400 takes 1/2 inch bits and the 1010 does not. Aside from a box of 1/4 in. bits that came with a Freud router I bought years ago, I have never used 1/4 inch bits, nor have any other than those still virgin ones that came with the Freud.  As I bought an MFK700 recently, I may just end up using 1/4 that I have, but not even expecting that.

 

[Tinker]

I already had several larger routers when I bought the OF 1000.  The only reason I bought it was that I had a bunch of 1/4" bits that were basically useless in the other routers.  They would not hold with multiple uses and i already had several guide bars.  I found that the 1000 collett held the 1/4" bits without slipping.  Besides, i was already becoming addicted to the "slippery slope".  The 1/4" bits are slowly being replaced with 8mm bits.  The 1000 is my "go To" first router and i am finding more and more uses for the little monster.  I did, eventually go for the 1400.  That is my second most used router, but i still set up the 1000 as my primary toy. 

For whatever the reason, i do not have any problem with slippage of the 1/4 bits as is the case with my PC and Milwaukee routers.  I seem to have a little better dust capture with the 1000 than with the 1400, but I also use shallower cuts with the 1000.  That might be the reason for better DC.  The other routers in my shop get used only upside down in a table.  The two Festoys never get used upside down. 

Tinker

 

[DimTex]

I'm still struggling with this question but I think I am going to place my order for the smaller unit (the 1010).  In the past I have always over bought getting more power and weight than I ever end up needing.  Since I need to lug my tools around every extra pound gets old really fast. 

Yes there is the off chance that one day I will want to build my own cabinets and will regret not building a collection of 1/2 inch bits, but for me the chance is less than 10%.  If that day comes I can always sell my router on eBay for a good price, but until then I can keep the extra $100 or by an extra fence.

 

[PeterK]

I have the 1010, 1400 and 2200. Definitely the 1010 is my primary router. The 1400 just sits there looking pretty. The 1010 has plenty of power for most jobs although you may have to take shallower cuts on occasion. I ended up duplicating many of my 1/2" bits in 1/4". Have had no issues with breaking bits or chatter and am using primarily Freud and CMT bits in the 1/4" shank. You will need a 1/2" router at some point. Yes the 1400 is the all-around router but the 1010 is way more comfortable to use to me. The 1010 is quite a bit more compact, lower center of gravity, easier to balance, lighter, easy to control and just feels right. Nothing wroing with the 1400 but just reach for the 1010 every time!!! The 2200 gets the bigger jobs.

 

[Wonderwino]

I have the 1010 and it is about half the weight of the 1400.  User fatigue is not a factor with the 1010.  I also have a large collection of 1/2" bits that I use with my old DW621.  When I retire the DW, it will be replaced with a 1400.  I also have a number of 8mm bit and these perform every bit as well as 1/2" bits.  I don't have any large diameter 8mms, but I wouldn't want to run those in a lighter router in any case.

I don't think you'll ever regret getting the 1010.  When I have the choice, I always chose the lightest tool that will do the job safely and effectively.

 

[score0matic]

I agree with Chris.
I would go with the 1400. The 1010 is too delicate for these type if jobs. I find the 1010 to be the perfect tool to mortise cabinet hinges (just to make my point).

Monder

Are you Kidding me???? Too delicate??  Do you own a 1010?  The 1010 is the PERFECT tool to handle ANY profile that you can get in 1/4' or 8mm.  It will handle any task that you can fit a bit in. It is lighter, handier,  better for edge work than ANY other router.  If you buy Both After trying them for the work you do.  I gar-On-tee the OF1400 will sit on the shelf 95% of the time.  If i am wrong I will buy the 1010 from you at 90% of new for the first year.

Talk to your dealer,  pay the 495? (as a deposit) for the 1400 but take home the shop demo and run it for a few days and come back and switch to the 1010---- then take home the NEW one of your choice ---Both of my local dealers will do this as they dont have to take back a new tool return.

 

[Pyotr]

I would take some pieces of the materials I intend to work with to my dealer, and try both the 1010 and 1400. Chances are the 1010 will do fine. Alternatively, buy the 1010 and return it within 30 days if it doesn't work out. One of the good things about a premium brand like Festool is the (presale) service, so use it!

Also, 8mm bits are easy to come by in (mainland) Europe so that's less of a decision factor IMO.

 

[Monder]

I agree with Chris.
I would go with the 1400. The 1010 is too delicate for these type if jobs. I find the 1010 to be the perfect tool to mortise cabinet hinges (just to make my point).

Monder

Are you Kidding me???? Too delicate??  Do you own a 1010?   The 1010 is the PERFECT tool to handle ANY profile that you can get in 1/4' or 8mm.   It will handle any task that you can fit a bit in. It is lighter, handier,  better for edge work than ANY other router.  If you buy Both After trying them for the work you do.  I gar-On-tee the OF1400 will sit on the shelf 95% of the time.  If i am wrong I will buy the 1010 from you at 90% of new for the first year.

Talk to your dealer,  pay the 495? (as a deposit) for the 1400 but take home the shop demo and run it for a few days and come back and switch to the 1010---- then take home the NEW one of your choice ---Both of my local dealers will do this as they dont have to take back a new tool return.

Charimon

Thank you for the offer but I won?t take it. I have the 1010 and am going to order the 1400 this week.
It was funny to know that Tinker call his 1010 a monster (that?s what I call my 1010), I know that it has a lot of power and its very light but I do a lot grooving (say 3" wide by 2" deep in wide ash walnut and hard maple boards) and I don't think the 1010 is designed for this kind of tasks.

Monder

 

[Wim]

In Holland I use an OF1010, with 8 mm bits. Most of the time I use it in a CMS table. I could do everything within the limitations of the 8 mm shaft. In preparation of my move to the USA, I bought an OF1400 for the sole reason of the 1/2" capacity of the router. 1/2" for routers is not popular in Europe and more or less the standard in the USA.
I'm a hobby woodworker and the OF1010 fits my needs. I have no problems with the difference in weight, the handling is almost identical and the quality is typical Festool for both. However the ratchet for the collet of the OF1400 is a big plus for me.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

In Holland I use an OF1010, with 8 mm bits. Most of the time I use it in a CMS table. I could do everything within the limitations of the 8 mm shaft. In preparation of my move to the USA, I bought an OF1400 for the sole reason of the 1/2" capacity of the router. 1/2" for routers is not popular in Europe and more or less the standard in the USA.

It's interesting to note the various collets that Festool make available for their routers. Here, for example, is the list for the OF1400/2000/2200:

6mm - Collet SZ-D 6,0/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494459
8mm - Collet SZ-D 8,0/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494460
10mm - Collet SZ-D 10,0/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494461
12mm - Collet SZ-D 12,0/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494462
6.35mm (1/4") - Collet SZ-D 6,35/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494463
9.53mm (3/8") - Collet SZ-D 9,53/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494464
12.7mm (1/2") - Collet SZ-D 12,7/OF 1400/2200 for the OF 1400, OF 2000, OF 2200, in self-service display pack 494465

So there are seven different sizes of collet available! So which countries use which size? Here's my start...

6mm -
8mm - Standard size for Europe (excluding United Kingdom)
10mm -
12mm -
1/4" - Standard size for United Kingdom and USA
3/8" -
1/2" - Standard size for United Kingdom and USA

Who can add to the list...?

Forrest

 

[GPowers]

The 1/2" collet was the deciding factor for me. Plus the OF 2200 was just too big for every day routing. OF 1400 was a good choice for me. Plus i also have a Porter Cable 7518 bolted into a Kreg router table. Could not wait for the CMS line from Festool.

 

[Chris Hughes]

Just athought on the 2200, it is an awesome tool.  I think that most people look at it based on its size and power which are very strong features, but for me the #1 aspect of the 2200 is the dust collection.  I work with a lot of solid surface and this toll goes a long way to keep my shop clean.

 

[joesan]

Guys - thanks a lot for the very helpful replies.

I'm not doing much with dense hardwoods or enormously wide areas to be removed. As
Mentioned at the start i'm using mainly MDF and aluminium composite board.

i'm pleased to hear a couple of you say that you find the 1010 mostly more than powerful enough. I also don't have any 1/2" router bits so that isn't a consideration.

For a good 100 gbp less than the 1400 I can get the complete 1010 guide rail kit that sounds like it will fit my needs for the vast majority of the time.

Sometimes it's good to have a little discipline and not just buy the next model up automatically! I listened to you guys and bought the ts55 not the ts75. That was definitely the right decision for me as it's lighter and more compact.

I let you know how I get on. 

 

[score0matic]

Thank you for the offer but I won?t take it. I have the 1010 and am going to order the 1400 this week.
It was funny to know that Tinker call his 1010 a monster (that?s what I call my 1010), I know that it has a lot of power and its very light but I do a lot grooving (say 3" wide by 2" deep in wide ash walnut and hard maple boards) and I don't think the 1010 is designed for this kind of tasks.

Monder

Grinning, I AM a wee-bit partial to the 1010