OF1400 for solid surface worktops

[andyman]

I still haven't bought 1 after asking advice on it a month or so ago,  but I will find out tomorrow whether I have a solid surface worktop job which require a long corner mitre joint on 1 corner, my big makita has a bit of movement on the columns so won't risk using it.With the of I can use the rail to get hopefully a great joint.
The question is,  is the OF1400 man enough for 45mm thick  worktops,  or do I need to go for another large router.
I certainly can't justify a 2200 I would have to go for another makita or similar.

 

[ccarrolladams]

When routing all forms of solid surface material is minimum vibration of the bit.

This is where the Festool OF2200 differs from all other routers, including the OF1400. The design of the OF2200's bearings is unique. In the case of solid surface, the basic raw material is typically about 12mm thick. To teach 45mm fabricators make a build-up on the edges, but when you took your solid surface fabrication qualification course you learned all that.

The 1400 watts of power from an OF1400 is more than enough to handle solid surface. The router choice boils down to minimum vibration.

On the other hand, Festool does not make a device to directly use an OF2200 and a guide rail.

Festool has offered a Solid Surface Fabrication Class trained by Steve Bace twice, first in early 2011 and again in mid 2012, both times in Henderson, NV.

I participated in the Feb 2011 SS class. We used OF2200 as our primary router.

 

[rrmccabe]

I built a solid surface Corian countertop using a 1400. It worked like a dream.

As mentioned its more stability than power. 

 

[SeanO]

I still haven't bought 1 after asking advice on it a month or so ago,  but I will find out tomorrow whether I have a solid surface worktop job which require a long corner mitre joint on 1 corner, my big makita has a bit of movement on the columns so won't risk using it.With the of I can use the rail to get hopefully a great joint.
The question is,  is the OF1400 man enough for 45mm thick  worktops,  or do I need to go for another large router.
I certainly can't justify a 2200 I would have to go for another makita or similar.

Was wondering the same a untill i stumbled upon this forum, done a search here and found that many users say it's more than capable for worktops. I now own a OF1400.

If you already have a vac, its a no brainer

 

[semenza]

Hi Sean,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

I have never done solid surface, but I think the 1400 has more power than many who have not used it realize. Before the 1400 I had a PC7539, the 1400 is equal to or better than it in performance.

Seth