Reviews of the OF2200 anyone?

[Dave Ronyak]

Jesus,

Almost all of the people (myself included) who attended the Festool Fantasy Camp in Henderson NV in April 2008 asked that question when the OF 2200 was introduced to us.  We did not get any answers then, but the Festool personnel certainly listened to our remarks.  I haven't heard any "noise" about a revised OF 1400.  Maybe others have.

Personally, I'd be much more excited if Festool would update the 1010 router along the 2200 design concepts, including addition of 1/2 shank capability.  Many times I find myself having to use my OF 1400 because I have a relatively small 1/2 inch shank bit that fits the job, and the greater weight and height of the OF 1400 makes it difficult to balance and control.

Dave R.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Just get a shaper for doing doors and raised panels....easier, faster, safer and smarter.

And if you get a feeder you can do climb cutting which is the ultimate...

One thing I never liked about using big bits in big routers was the bits slipping out of the collets.
Now I know that the collets have gotten a lot better in the last 20 years...my big Elu was the first big
router that didn't have trouble with bits coming loose...I still like the cutters locked down with a big old nut
on a 3/4 or 1 1/4" solid spindle....not a 1/2" shaft in a collet.

Best,
Todd

 

[PeterK]

I have not seen or used the 2200 but am sure it is awesome - and I crave one!! From what you said, if it was me I would purchase the 1400 and also something like the PC 7518 for router table use. This would approximately equal the price of a 2200 and give you 2 setups with more capabilities. I can't imagine trying to work with only one router. The time benefits of having multiple routers even in hobby use is tremendous. I have used my 7518 handheld with huge bits while it was still hanging in my router lift. The additional mass of the lift allowed very comfortable usage with a roundover bit that was about 3 1/4" diameter.
Pete

 

[nickao]

The OF 2200 IS designed to run in a router table - as are the other two Festool routers - but it's the Festool router table insert (I know everyone will say its NAINA...)  I only have the old model table, but I believe the new one can be height adjusted from above.  They are expensive though and maybe Festool feel there is too much router table competition in the US.  I don't know how the OF2200 attaches, but my 1010 Festool router takes a couple of minutes to fit to the table.  If someone could get a drawing of the Festool setup it should be easy to see how.  Having said that, those of you who know more than I do on this thread are saying it's a waste to put it in a table.  I want to get one to do just that as my small Festool router is a bit TOO small to be in a table in my view.  I've "ogled" the 2200, but as I'm in the process of spending a fortune on a horizontal slot mortiser (a sort of giant horizontal router in a way?) it will have to wait.

Well I disagree, becasue there is an adapter or special insert needed means they adapted it. It was designed from the ground up to work free hand. There are loads of things that could have and would have been designed into the model if it were designed for a table.

It is clearly designed to be a hand held unit that takes big bits like no other router can. Using it in a table is an after thought and a WASTE of money and time.

Lastly, if it were DESIGNED for a table it would have been marketed as a table router, like the big Milwaukee unit or Triton are. I do not think I have ever seen an ad mentioning  it for a table(okay find one now guys), let alone marketing it as a unit for a table. Why would they design it for something and then not show ads for that use? In short the ads say HUGE bits in a hand held unit.

I think this is semantics here, just because it can be used in a table does not mean it was designed for a table.

 

[Jesus Aleman]

Hey guys, let's get back to the original question.  Has anyone used the OF2200 and would be willing to share their thoughts with us.  I appreciate everyone's opinions and experience.  I realize that a shaper, multiple routers, other routers, etc offer greater flexibility, but I'm pretty set on my ways and have very little space.  I want one hand held router that can be mounted under a table in rare occasions when I want to spin panel and door bits.  This is a hobby for me.  I don't need a production machine or setup, and I only like buying tools that will be used frequently.  I don't think I will be using a router table and a hand held frequently.  Hence, I only need one optimized for hand held use, but with the flexibility to sit under a table.  After many weeks of research I'm looking at the OF2200 or OF1400.    I will rephrase my question.  Has anyone done used door or cabinet panel bits (1 1/2"-2" range) with the OF-1400 and done this safely, perhaps at the expense of additional passes to get the profile?

BTW, both the OF1400 and OF2200 can be used under a table.  Festool has a router table attachment currently not available in NA.  I don't believe that this qualifies these router to be designed for table use, but capable of it with optimized features for hand held us.

Cheers,

JGA.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Lastly, if it were DESIGNED for a table it would have been marketed as a table router, like the big Milwaukee unit or Triton are. I do not think I have ever seen an ad mentioning  it for a table(okay find one now guys), let alone marketing it as a unit for a table. Why would they design it for something and then not show ads for that use? In short the ads say HUGE bits in a hand held unit.

I think this is semantics here, just because it can be used in a table does not mean it was designed for a table.

Well, since you asked, here is the 8-page brochure for the TF2200 and TF1400 table routers.

The TF2200 comes with an above-the-table  crank for adjusting the height, routing guard and dual dust ports, whilst optional extras include a sliding table and extension table.

 

In addition to its own brochure, the TF2200 also gets a whole page in the 16-page OF2200 brochure:

Also see the page devoted to the TF2200 athttp://www.festool.co.uk/artikel/artikel_weiterleiten.cfm?id=854

Forrest

 

[Chris Hughes]

  How the hell much is that table?!?  LOve it, get me two please.                C Hughes

 

[nickao]

I knew you would do that Forrest you are the man     Cheater.

I still say it designed for above table work, I'll stick to that. I bet my Milwaukee or PC or  are just as good in the table.

Strike that, they are better for sure if no other reason becasue of cost. I would get an OF and you would never see it in my table, ever. What a waste.   

 

[Chris Hughes]

  I would agree with that Nick, but I'm looking at the table.  Very nice design.  I have a Jesum Master Lift and I love the vertical control it allows and the top placement of the adjuster tool.  However, this set-up is mounted under my delta unisaw and not a great design for stick and cope applications.  I would not remove my current lift, I would use a better station for a more difficult opperation.  The big plus is that it looks cool.  I might have a job in Scottland this summer, so I'll be putting my grubby little hands if all goes well.                    C Hughes

 

[nickao]

Looks WAY cool, no doubt.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

How the hell much is that table?!? 

A bargain, I'm sure you'll agree, at 1147.70 GBP incl VAT for either the 110V or 230V versions in the UK! However, if you want the Systainer that holds the bases and the parallel fence etc for hand-routing, that would be extra.

To convert into Festool Units (can I patent that term?  ), the complete TF2200 (ie the router plus the table and various bits & bobs) equals 2.0 x plain OF2200 routers, or 1.3 x plain Kapex saws, or 2.9 x Rotex RO150FEQ-Plus sanders.

I might have a job in Scottland this summer, so I'll be putting my grubby little hands if all goes well.

Here is a list of dealers in Scotland in case you come over.

Forrest

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Either the 1400 or the 2200 can likely do what you want power and cutter wise.  Part of the question becomes do you want to do the little jobs with a 20 lb router like the 2200 when the much lighter 1400 would do the job too.  If you really want a big router then I think you are being told that there are other options that can do pretty much the same work at a lot less money.  Of course if money is not an issue....and weight is not an issue then the 2200 may be perfect for you.

Best,
Todd

 

[nickao]

How the hell much is that table?!? 

A bargain, I'm sure you'll agree, at 1147.70 GBP incl VAT for either the 110V or 230V versions in the UK! However, if you want the Systainer that holds the bases and the parallel fence etc for hand-routing, that would be extra.

To convert into Festool Units (can I patent that term?  ), the complete TF2200 (ie the router plus the table and various bits & bobs) equals 2.0 x plain OF2200 routers, or 1.3 x plain Kapex saws, or 2.9 x Rotex RO150FEQ-Plus sanders.

I might have a job in Scottland this summer, so I'll be putting my grubby little hands if all goes well.

Here is a list of dealers in Scotland in case you come over.

Forrest

1650.00 us, Yikes and last year it would have been close to 2000.00. Get it before the exchange rates go back up and sneak it home.

 

[Chris Hughes]

      Can you buy the table set up separate from the router? 
     
      Jesus,
              Here's the bottom line to me.  Unless you are doing solid surface or getting a screeming deal on the OF2200, then I would get the OF1400.  I love my 2200 but it is not my primary router for a reason and I did get a screeming deal.  Thats my two cents.                                                                      C Hughes

 

[Forrest Anderson]

      Can you buy the table set up separate from the router? 

In the UK, yes. The TF2200 seems to be package of three main items - the OF2200 router, a standard CMS-GE table with legs (and with a large hole in the middle for fitting various modules), and the module that fits into the hole and holds the OF2200 router.

The CMS-GE table can be used with other modules and tools, eg belt sander, jigsaw, circular saw. See the CMS brochure athttp://www.festool.co.uk/images/gb_downloads/brochure_CMS.pdf which was written before the OF2200 was introduced.

Forrest

 

[Jesus Aleman]

Thanks Chris.  You answered my question... Thx.  and I'm not made of money, but I'm not scared paying more for something that I will use for the right application.  I hate having tools (and money) sitting idle because I didn't buy right.   Anyways, from what you are telling me the OF1400 will be sufficient. 

Good point Notorious on the weight. I have been thinking about that one.  I can see a 17lb beast being hard to handle in some situations.  Maybe we can try Jerry Work's horizontal router jig with the beast. ;D  That will be a test of endurance.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Weight and the fact that it seemed the TS55 do 98% of what I wanted and needed to do with a track saw was the reasons I picked the TS55 over the TS75.

Besides you have the 30 days....

If after the 30 days you decide you rather have the 2200 I think you will have a better chance of getting your money back with the 1400 in resale rather than the 2200.  IIRC there have been a couple 2200s sell on ebay in the past 6 weeks in the $500 range if you decide you want one later too.

Best,
Todd

 

[Dave Ronyak]

If you have the money for a Festool table mounted 2200 router, and if you have the shop space and don't need portability, why not get a shaper instead?

Dave R.

 

[Bill in seattle]

Lastly, if it were DESIGNED for a table it would have been marketed as a table router, like the big Milwaukee unit or Triton are. I do not think I have ever seen an ad mentioning  it for a table(okay find one now guys), let alone marketing it as a unit for a table. Why would they design it for something and then not show ads for that use? In short the ads say HUGE bits in a hand held unit.

I think this is semantics here, just because it can be used in a table does not mean it was designed for a table.

Well, since you asked, here is the 8-page brochure for the TF2200 and TF1400 table routers.

The TF2200 comes with an above-the-table  crank for adjusting the height, routing guard and dual dust ports, whilst optional extras include a sliding table and extension table.

 

In addition to its own brochure, the TF2200 also gets a whole page in the 16-page OF2200 brochure:

Also see the page devoted to the TF2200 athttp://www.festool.co.uk/artikel/artikel_weiterleiten.cfm?id=854

Forrest

Forrest,
Now you just went and had to spill the beans and thus have created potential mass pandemonium in the U.S. NAINA group Thanks!!!!!!! (And thanks) for now maybe enough people will have enough interest in it to have it brought into the US after UL decides its safe for us.

Bill

 

[tbellemare]

I second that, Bill!

And thanks also, Forrest!

Tom