OF1010 vs OF1400

[camhabib]

Trying to decide between these two models. OF1010 seems more maneuverable, but lacks 1/2” collet support. OF1400 has more power, but I’ve heard some real issues with bushings being off center. Just need one for general use, not looking to do any heavy material removal, planning on a router table with decent sized motor for that. Thoughts?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

It's a tougher choice than it might appear. "It just depends" Do you already have a small trim router?
The OF1010 is pretty much a do-it-all mid-range unit. The limitation is the shank size. 8mm is big enough for most of what the average guy does. Finding bits is the issue, and it is getting easier. It can do tiny inlay work, clear up to that big rabbeting bit, plus the edge routing adaptor and template bushing centering.
So, the question is; Can you do everything that needs a 1/2" shank bit, with the router table? If so, OF1010 will do everything.
If not, OF1400 can handle it. At that point, the question becomes; Do you really use bushings? The way they come from the factory, many of them are off center, slightly, with no way to adjust it. However, that is a somewhat relative thing. If you are just following simple patterns, it may not matter. It's the precision inlays that might. There is a work around for it though. A simple sub-base can handle the adjustment part.
You might also get by with doing template work with the trim router? (if you do indeed have one)
Not so bad, after a few questions.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Let me put it this way. I have both, use both and love both. I wouldn't want to be without either one, BUT if I were forced to give up one, it would be the 1400. The 1010 (or in my case an ancient 1000) is the most nimble, easy to use router for hand-held work I've ever owned...and that is a long list.

 

[Cheese]

Like others have mentioned, the 1010 is an absolute dream to use, the 1400 is real nice but the 1010 hits the sweet spot. And with the recent availability of 8mm router bits, it can handle just about anything. As an example, here's a rabbiting head for the 1010 compared to a standard 1/2" router bit.

Also consider that the new 1010 REBQ router has an LED light module available.

 

[rmhinden]

I have the OF1010, a router table w/ 3hp router motor, and a Shaper Origin. My usage is the reverse of the order I listed.

While I have considered an OF1400 from time to time, I have not run into any projects that I do that really need it. As @Crazyraceguy said, 8mm bits do make a big difference.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I agree 100% with Jeff, but I have answered the questions, and more routers than any sane person should.
I specifically avoided the "both" answer. It's not usually right, for a person who would actually ask the question.
I did it as a pro, and will keep them as a retiree, but only because I don't have to feed them. I'd make do with an OF1010 and router table, if I didn't already have a 1/2" hand-held.

The OF1400's party trick is the snap-in feature, which is also the source of the bushing centering thing.
It is super easy to pop the chip catcher on and off.

 

[camhabib]

Thank you all for your replies. I’m early on in my woodworking career so it’s difficult to say with certainty what I will and won’t need, but I primarily see myself using this for dados, rabbets, and the like. As mentioned, for any significant profiling, my plan was to do that on a router table. My biggest concern is honestly availability of 8mm bits as I’ve read they’re quite a bit more rigid than the 1/4”. Is Festool the main supplier of those right now or are there other high quality sources in the US?

 

[rmhinden]

Woodpeckers has several 8mm shank bits. I have some of the Clearing & Pattern bits, bowl bits, and just ordered some of the Variable Helix uncut bits.

Bob

 

[camhabib]

One more related question: Woodcraft (and a few others) have 578307 which they’re saying comes with the imperial accessories, not the metric, and ships now. Is that an error?

Festool - OF 1010 REBQ - Router and Accessory Set | Woodcraft

Buy the Festool - OF 1010 REBQ - Router and Accessory Set for sale online from Woodcraft. Visit us to order online or find your local Woodcraft store today!

www.woodcraft.com

 

[Hipplewm]

One more related question: Woodcraft (and a few others) have 578307 which they’re saying comes with the imperial accessories, not the metric, and ships now. Is that an error?

Festool - OF 1010 REBQ - Router and Accessory Set | Woodcraft

Buy the Festool - OF 1010 REBQ - Router and Accessory Set for sale online from Woodcraft. Visit us to order online or find your local Woodcraft store today!

www.woodcraft.com

They added a second accessory kit in Imperial about 2 weeks ago

 

[onocoffee]

How about a twist for you guys? OF1010, OF1400 OR the 20v Cordless DeWalt DCW620?

The DeWalt seems to be strong performer with cordless operation, lighting, solid feature set and built-in dust collection that's compatible with the Festool D27 hose. It seems to have all the modern amenities that Festool has been slow to bring up to date - and even at the full price of $369, it's still 42% cheaper than the OF1010. And it think it will probably accept an 8mm collet (presuming the Whiteside 8mm will fit).

Thoughts?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I have both the OF1010 and the OF1400. They both had advantages and disadvantages. The Dewalt DF618 I own has its own role when I prefer a fixed base solution for routing something. I use the venerable old PC7518 in my router table. None of my current routers are battery operated. Of the first three I mentioned, the OF1400 and DW618 get the most action, especially since I have a very limited arsinal of small shank (.25" or 8mm) tooling beyond spirals that I have primarily for CNC work.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

@onocoffee I don't really know what to tell you on that. I have seen/used the compact version, of the DeWalt cordless, and I don't like them. While the height adjustment style is better than the Makita (its main flaw) I can't get along with the body size. It is quite a bit bigger than any other trim router out there. I don't like holding it. That's a me problem, others may be fine. It is also available as a 2 base kit, so there is a fixed base option.
The one you referenced is a full-sized plunge only model, I've never even seen one in person. I would assume it's ok, but if you are not currently in the DeWalt platform, batteries and a charger add to the cost.
You wouldn't get the system integration of Festool, but that's not necessarily important to some people.
It comes with 1/4" and 1/2" collets, though there may be aftermarket support for 8mm. There are guide rail adaptors for the compact, but I don't know if they work with this one.
I had one of the corded units, very similar to this, years ago. I can tell you that the vertical column dust extraction works pretty well, but wrangling the hose is a bit of a pain.

 

[peter halle]

I actually went the opposite of most posters here and got the 1400. I wanted a router that was able to take the 1/2 bits and at the time it was also one of the few routers in its class that had variable speed. Coming from a Porter Cable 690/691 and wanting variable speed without using one of those unreliable plug in controllers it was just the ticket for me.

Peter

 

[pillguy]

I have a bosch 1617 router and just bought an 8mm collet. I was also successful in adding it to the festool LR32 base with minor mods.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I actually went the opposite of most posters here and got the 1400. I wanted a router that was able to take the 1/2 bits and at the time it was also one of the few routers in its class that had variable speed. Coming from a Porter Cable 690/691 and wanting variable speed without using one of those unreliable plug in controllers it was just the ticket for me.

Peter

You answered the questions differently. When 1/2" shank bits are required, OF1400 wins

 

[Coen]

If you need 12mm bits; the OF 1400

Otherwise; the OF 1010 is so much smaller, lighter, etc. etc.

As for possible copy ring inaccuracy with the OF-1400; how much accuracy do you need? If you need to change the rings often, the OF-1400 is a huge time saver. Same with the swiveling dust cap underneath; near zero time to install with the OF-1400, a pain with the OF-1010.

I have both. If I set my my CMS with the OF module; the 1400 goes in there to leave the 1010 available for other use. besides the CMS it's only for some 12mm bits that I use the 1400. Or when there is some repeat work where I need two different bits; then I can leave one in the 1010 and the other in the 1400.

But now that I have a MFK 700 some work of the 1010 is taken over by it.

I am in Europe. We don't do 1/4" and 1/2" bits here. It's 6mm, 8mm, 12mm. Personally I only have 8mm and 12mm. I don't want to own any other sizes because that would mean acquiring other collets too, making it nonsensical. When I looked for an edge router the MFK 700 prevailed because it took 8mm bits where some other edge routers are limited to 6mm.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

If you need 12mm bits; the OF 1400

Otherwise; the OF 1010 is so much smaller, lighter, etc. etc.

As for possible copy ring inaccuracy with the OF-1400; how much accuracy do you need? If you need to change the rings often, the OF-1400 is a huge time saver. Same with the swiveling dust cap underneath; near zero time to install with the OF-1400, a pain with the OF-1010.

I have both. If I set my my CMS with the OF module; the 1400 goes in there to leave the 1010 available for other use. besides the CMS it's only for some 12mm bits that I use the 1400. Or when there is some repeat work where I need two different bits; then I can leave one in the 1010 and the other in the 1400.

But now that I have a MFK 700 some work of the 1010 is taken over by it.

I am in Europe. We don't do 1/4" and 1/2" bits here. It's 6mm, 8mm, 12mm. Personally I only have 8mm and 12mm. I don't want to own any other sizes because that would mean acquiring other collets too, making it nonsensical. When I looked for an edge router the MFK 700 prevailed because it took 8mm bits where some other edge routers are limited to 6mm.

That is my point exactly. I'm a big enough believer, in German engineering, to believe they did this deliberately.
The bigger 1400 for general tasks, since it can take almost any bit, with the quick-change ability. Those who do need more precision, can have it with a 1010, at the cost of some time/fiddly-ness.

I understand the Europe difference, but I think the UK and maybe OZ still get 1/4" and 1/2", because they are so commonly available.
You don't get all 3 with the OF1400? Strangely enough, we do here in the US, even though 8mm are not common at all.
You do get the 6mm with the MFK700 though, right? and one with the OF1010? They do interchange too, so if you only have one, it would work in either.

 

[luvmytoolz]

maybe OZ still get 1/4" and 1/2", because they are so commonly available.

Yep, just 1/2" and 1/4" for OZ.

 

[camhabib]

I thankfully / sadly don’t have any bits, so the lack of 1/2” for the OF1010 isn’t a deal breaker for me. I appreciate that the 8mm is going to be a lot more stable of a bit, albeit harder to find.

Appreciate all the feedback. Went and picked up an OF1010 and accessory kit today. Excited to put it to use, have a few projects I’m going to throw at it and see how it does.