OF2200 comments

[PeterK]

There has been little written about this router - no real reviews as of yet. I recently sold several of my large collection of routers  ;D and just purchased the OF2200 to give my 1010 and 1400 someone to play with. Thanks Uncle Bob   

I first purchased the 1400 and really just never fell in love with it - no specific reasons just that I had others that performed nearly as well for my needs. No real complaints with it at all, just didn't feel quite right. I then added the OF1010 and WOW!!! That is one truly awesome router and I have been adding many 1/4" router bits to my collection to be able to use it more. So light and comfortable to use. Never a lack of power although never designed to swing the oversized bits of course.

Since I had a Dewalt 625 and a PC7518 sitting fairly idle and I got Jonesing for the OF2200, I sold them and made the purchase. This is the most impressive machine yet from Festool and I own most all of them. It is HEAVY!! Not top heavy though. Has a really nice oversized base that is really well engineered. The interchangeable bases are so easy to swap out. The handles are really comfortable being angled and having the plunge lock on top of the left handle is fantastic. Still getting used to the depth controls but way better than anything else I have used. Even though it is claimed at something like 17#, it is very easy to control. Can't wait to use it on a large project. Yea it is expensive!! This is the nicest feeling tool yet - just reeks of quality. You can easily see the $800 compared to other routers in the machining, the fit and finish. I know it is aimed at the counter top type guys but it will see lots of use for me with wood. They call it a portable shaper and I believe it now. Will see how it goes but have a feeling the OF1400 could get sold due to lack of use.

Sure wish one of the "pros" would get a real review out. If people could handle this and try it out, I think it would sell far better.

You know you are craving one of these!! Bet you bought the Domino so just do it. You will instantly see this is three times the machine for the same price.

Pete

 

[romlee]

Glen Huey at Popular Woodworking magazine recently (I believe it was late 2008 or early 2009) wrote a short review of the 2200.  He said some very positive things about its design, features and operation.  He's not easily impressed.  Most of what he had to say you're probably already aware now that you own one. 

 

[PeterK]

Some more comments - as you can tell I am not a good reviewer!

The dust shroud is really a neat idea. It locks in the up position and releases with a button on the right handle. It then floats with the plunge and it totally seals the bit area for incredible dust collection. Bet this is great for the solid surface users. The 27mm smaller hose doesn't cut it - be sure to use the larger 36mm hose to keep up.
Of course it has some of the features of the 1400 like the ratcheting collet so only one wrench is needed. The top of the router has extended bosses so you can set it upside down on your bench even with the dust collection.
The magnetic brake works well but does take about 4 seconds to totally stop the bit rotation. Nice feature but not sure how useful yet.
The depth stop is different and hard to describe. The final stop position has 2 heights varying by 5/64" so you can do a final finish cut. It uses a swinging tab to position the final stop. Going to take some time to get used to it.
This thing totally fills the Systainer!! Barely fits. Has a molded foam base custom fitted that is far better than some of the other Systainer boxes. It actually holds the tool firmly for shipping - most of my tools came slightly scuffed up as things shifted during shipment.
Put my largest bit in - a 1 1/2" roundover - and fired it up while not holding the handles - speed setting between 2 and 3 - and it was so smooth - no vibration.
Even though this is a large heavy beast, it is really easy to handle and does not feel tippy at all. Maybe due to the heavy castings and thick heavy posts helps keep the center of gravity low. It is built way heavier than the other Festool routers or any other that I have used.

The web site claims this is an 18 amp tool at 120 volts. It has a label and the owners manual agrees that it is a 15 amp tool. Don't know if it is de-rated for the US market as normal outlets are 15 amp rated. Doubt it draws peak power except in extreme use.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Peter,
Thanks for your comments on the OF 2200.

Last year, I had an opportunity to see the OF 2200 in action out in Las Vegas.  Along with the other people in the room, I wondered about handling such a brute.  But in short time, we all saw the advantages of it.

I've been curious to hear about this router -- who is using it, how they are using it, impressions...

I'd be really interested in hearing more details from you and from others about how this router has worked for you.

Thanks again,
Matthew

 

[PeterK]

I was contacted by Shane Holland of Festool and he provided the following link to a nice review of the OF2200 with lots of close-up photos. It is from the Woodworkers Guild of America. Most of the comments mirror my own thoughts.

http://www.wwgoa.com/reviews.cfm/mode/details/id/2486

As to my reason for purchase and usage--
I have been in a reduction mode as I try to make more space in my compact shop and I am trying to be smarter about my tool purchases. I really feel the OF2200 will handle roles that I used to perform with 3 routers. No it will never be installed in my router table. I like to play with building speaker cabinets and laminate mdf up to 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" thick. I routinely use very large bevel and round-over bits and have to do this with a hand-held router as the cabinets are too large and heavy for my router table. A massive heavy router is so much more safe to use with the larger bits. I am working on a electronics cabinet that requires lots of dadoes and will be trying this router out this weekend for that.

I can just see Tim from Home Improvement loving this router!! No need to supercharge it.  ;D
Pete

 

[tap5055]

$800 for a router is just mind boggling to me.  Especially considering I already have 3 plunge routers already.  I will eventually do it, but I just can't swallow it at this time.  Does it take 1/2 and 1/4" bits or is that an available option?

PS - I have still resisted buying a domino.  I did come very very close and wish I had as I could have gotten the Domino and the systainer full of dominoes for $750.  What a mistake.

 

[PeterK]

Yea it is pricey!!! Yes it takes 8mm and 1/4" bits but those two collets are optional. Don't know that I would ever use 1/4" bits in it as being so heavy, I don't know if I would get enough feedback feel to know if I was overpushing the bit. May not be a problem as I have not tried it yet but seems that a light router would be better. I just love my OF1010 for that.

My plunge router collection had just gotten out of hand. Was up to a DW625, DW621, PC7529, multibase DW618, OF1400, OF1010. Sold all the Dewalts so had the money for the OF2200. Still love my PC7529 as the depth adjustment is the best ever designed by anyone. Sure don't understand why others don't incorporate that feature.

I have a tool addiction and the OF2200 I feel is the most satisfying in the hand of any tool I have ever purchased. Going to try it on some really small stuff this week just to see how it handles that. So far, it really shines with any 1/2" bit I have tried.

Pete

 

[Joe Jensen]

What I really want is a 1/3rd smaller version.  As I have a large shaper with power feeder, and I do no solid surface work, I have no need for such a large powerful machine, I a fear it would sit in the systainer most of the time.  I have an Elu 2HP that I really like, but It's very similar to the Festool 2000 which lacks all the new cool features.  Anybody else wish for and 1800 version of the 2200?