Question on OF1010

[MrToolJunkie]

Hi everyone,

I was at a dealer today checking out all the routers -- boy the OF2200 sure did feel nice.  I also thought that the weight and balance of the OF1010 was excellent and I could see myself adding one of these to my collection.  I did have a question, though.  On the display the plunge mechanism on the OF1010 seemed to stick and it did not have much rebound -- in fact, I could plunge it down and it would stay in the down position as if it were locked (and I made sure that the plunge lever was released) -- I had to help it up at times.  I was curious is there is a prescribed maintenance for the plunge mechanism to keep it moving freely.  Granted this was a display unit and probably plunged up and down who knows how many countless times...but, it does give me pause to question the reliability of the plunge action over the long haul.  Curious to hear your opinions.

Thanks,

Scot

 

[nclemmons]

You might try some beoshield lubricant on the columns.  Wipe on and let it dry.  Mine moves freely - No issues with sticking.

neil

 

[ccarrolladams]

I have never had any problem with my OF1010s

One of mine has been centered on the guide rail plate since an hour after I brought it home from my dealer. The only time I clamp the plunge function is when changing drill bits, since that OF1010 is only used to drill shelf holes, hundreds of times a week.

My other OF1010 is used like any other smaller plunge router, normally with a 1/4" collet. It does sometimes have its plunge lock set. Still I have had no problem with the return spring failing to lift the motor.

Did you call the problem with that demo OF1010 to the attention of a sales assistant? Although I have never purchased any Festools from the dealer in Santa Ana, they do supply me with a lot of exotic hardwoods. My experience has been the people at that dealer know their tools and woodworking. Your experience is not typical of OF1010 routers.

 

[fatroman]

I had the opposite occur when I went to demo the 1010 & 1400.

The 1010 was much easier to plunge one-handed and that's what I ordered first (whereas the 1400 demo seemed to stick a bit). Mine has been smooth as can be for 3 years now.

 

[ccarrolladams]

I had the opposite occur when I went to demo the 1010 & 1400.

The 1010 was much easier to plunge one-handed and that's what I ordered first (whereas the 1400 demo seemed to stick a bit). Mine has been smooth as can be for 3 years now.

I have had no problems with my OF1400 or OF2200. Sure, neither of those gets plunged as often each week as the OF1010 used for drilling adjustable holes.

However, I bought the OF1400 and the OF2200 for use as plunge routers. I had tried demo units at trade shows as well as at my dealer, but when I bought each of those on separate occasions I did not remove them from their SYS to inspect them at the dealership. Both have performed marvelously since I put them to use with only common sense maintenance. Nothing fancy. I have not needed to lubricate the posts.

 

[tiralie]

When I first got my 1010 it did "stick" or slow down on the up stroke vs. the down stroke.
I use it primarily in my LR32 guide rail plate so I had to take care to make sure the bit was high enough away from the top of the material I was drilling before I moved it to the next slot.
I did ask the dealer if there was anything I should put on it and was advised a light lubricant (3in1) would help. I haven't put anything on it but the more I have used the 1010 the less I noticed the sticking.
It's a great machine, easy to handle and cuts extremely smoothly.
Tim

 

[hwambacq]

I had similar problems after a while with my OF1010. The solution appears to be some lubrication on the columns [yellow parts in the picture] (silicone based). If this doesn't help (or also when your router doesn't come down all the way) it could be that some dust has pilled up in the red part of the picture. But I guess this is not relevant for a new router. To solve this, you have to remove one screw [green in the picture] and the top then slides from the bottom part. Simply clean the columns, inside and outside, lubricate and put back together.

[attachthumb=#]

Hans

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

If you choose to lubricate your plunge columns, we recommend a light oil. Generally, I don't believe that this is necessary but in some climates, it may be more necessary.

Refrain from using WD40 or table saw top coat because it tends to become gummy or wax-like when it dries.

 

[tiralie]

... in some climates, it may be more necessary.

Thanks Shane.
I noticed some oxidization on the steel columns from my "sweaty little" hands after using my 1010 on some very humid days...I put some 3in1 light machine oil on it last night and it's operating as good as new.

 

[Julian Tracy]

I bought my OF1010 used (Stealth gloat - $200).

When I first got it I had the same sticky/sluggish issues, to the point that I thought maybe the spring was worn.

But the entire assembly comes apart VERY easily and once you get it apart and get it cleaned and lightly lubed, it works smooth as silk.

JT

 

[nickao]

Yeah my OF1010 shafts have oxidized and stick once in a while, a squirt of Boeshield and all is well. For some reason never happened on my OF1400 though.

 

[greg mann]

Constant usage is probably a good thing, assuming reasonably decent care in keeping the post clean. It's when we let tools sit too long that the get sluggish. Make some chips.  ;D

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just a follow up on this... I contacted our rep in the area and he went by to check out the dealer's 1010 demo unit. According to his feedback, there was dust and grime build up on the plunge column. A quick cleaning and a drop or two of oil and it's good to go.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Thanks, Shane...I just stopped by that dealer to pick up my new toy...ertool (review forthcoming) and while there I checked the 1010 and it worked perfectly.  I know the rep in my area very well and I talked to him today and he had explained just what you said -- that grime and dirt had built up and a simple cleaning resolved the issue.

Scot