Rockler dovetail jig - update with new question

[bigarm]

Has anyone used the Festool 1400 router with this jig?  I already have the jig so need a router to use with it.  I really would like to get the 1400 so I could also use it with the lr32 system also.  Thanks

I sent a message to Rockler and received this response:
The Festool 1400 is an excellent router, however to use it with this dovetail jig you'll need to be sure that you have a sub-base on it that will accept Porter Cable style guide bushings.

So now my question is this: Does the 1400 have a sub base to do this?  If not, what handheld router do you recommend for this jig?

 

[bigarm]

Let's bring this up to the top so others can view it.

 

[tjskinny]

I have not used the 1400 with the Rockler dovetail jig, but plan to with the Leigh jig as the 1400 did come with a universal adaptor.  You can see it here on page 23 of the supplemental manual.

http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/OF1400_manual_usa.pdf.

 

[grbmds]

[member=57407]bigarm[/member] I have a set of Rockler Porter Cable style  template guide bushings. The set comes with a lock nut (actually 2 lock nuts for some reason). The OF 1400 came with an adapter which snaps into the bottom of the plate (at least mine came with it). Once that is in place the guide bushing of your choice fits in the adapter and is secured from the top of the router plate with the lock nut. Any other brand PC style guide bushing set should work also.

 

[stillwaterBR]

[member=57407]bigarm[/member] I have a set of Rockler Porter Cable style  template guide bushings. The set comes with a lock nut (actually 2 lock nuts for some reason). The OF 1400 came with an adapter which snaps into the bottom of the plate (at least mine came with it). Once that is in place the guide bushing of your choice fits in the adapter and is secured from the top of the router plate with the lock nut. Any other brand PC style guide bushing set should work also.

I haven't used the rocker jig personally but all you should need to do is snap the 493566 Guide Bushing Adapter into the OF 1400 and install the guide bushing.  The adapter is included with the OF 1400.

 

[bigarm]

Thanks for the help!  Now to buy the router!  Got to save a few more bucks.  What accessories should I buy?

 

[grbmds]

[member=57407]bigarm[/member] As for accessories, I found the Guide Stop very useful. It permitted me to use the Guide Rail on my MFT and I was able to create perfect grooves around the bottom of a drawer box for the drawer bottom. With stops on the rail it is easy to cut stopped dadoes. My experience is with using the Guide Stop with the Rail attached to the fence on the MFT, but I assume that it could be very easily used with the Rail clamped to a board for a dado somewhere in the middle of a large board that wouldn't fit on the MFT. Anyway I think that accessory is very useful. I assume the Edge Guide would also be useful but have not used that accessory.

 

[RDMuller]

All of  the dovetail jigs are very "finicky" regarding the depth adjustment.  The OF1400 is an outstanding router in all regards, but it is overkill for this application.  Taking it "in and out" of this application is a pain in the rear to get it correctly readjusted.  I finally threw up my hands and bought a dedicated cheaper router that has very precise depth adjustment that has absolutely no "slack" in it when adjusting up and and down.  I bought a Dewalt kit Model # DW618PK that has a fixed and plunge base for $197 at Home Depot.  I probably will never use the plunge base, but it was only a few dollars more.  I should have a video out on this next year.

The Rockler jig as a great dust collecting attachment.  It takes a little getting used to, but it is highly effective

 

[grbmds]

All of  the dovetail jigs are very "finicky" regarding the depth adjustment.  The OF1400 is an outstanding router in all regards, but it is overkill for this application.  Taking it "in and out" of this application is a pain in the rear to get it correctly readjusted.  I finally threw up my hands and bought a dedicated cheaper router that has very precise depth adjustment that has absolutely no "slack" in it when adjusting up and and down.  I bought a Dewalt kit Model # DW618PK that has a fixed and plunge base for $197 at Home Depot.  I probably will never use the plunge base, but it was only a few dollars more.  I should have a video out on this next year.

The Rockler jig as a great dust collecting attachment.  It takes a little getting used to, but it is highly effective

Tough decision to make, but there are many other routers and multiple base router kits out there that will  work well with any dovetail jig. The Dewalt 618 is a great router for that purpose. I doubt, however, that the dust collection in the Dewalt plunge base (in the kit) is as good as it would be in the OF1400. If you really want the OF1400 and the Rockler jig truly has great dust collection, I'd say the best route is to buy an additional inexpensive fixed base router for use just on the jig. Dewalt, Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, and even Ryobi make routers that would work (not great dust collection but all should handle the dovetail task in the Rockler jig). Depends on what you can afford and what you are looking for. Routers are one of those tools for which it probably makes sense to have more than one.

 

[bigarm]

I was considering the Festool because it can also be used with the rail system and the lr32 system plus it can use 1/2" shaft bits which my better bits are.  I will have to look at other options also.

 

[grbmds]

I was considering the Festool because it can also be used with the rail system and the lr32 system plus it can use 1/2" shaft bits which my better bits are.  I will have to look at other options also.

The OF1400 is definitely worth it for all those things and certainly, I would imagine, usable on the Rockler jig (don't own that jig). There is no reason why it can't be used. I find that I accept a lot of things that woodworkers or carpenters don't because I am into woodworking for a hobby and have more time, so it doesn't bother me if it takes longer to adjust or set something up. If you really want the OF 1400, it's a great router and will do all those things you want it to. I'd try it and, if you find out it makes it difficult to use the Rockler jig, adding an inexpensive fixed base router is always an option. There are plenty of routers in the $100 - $150 range that I think would work well with the dovetail jig (even a Ryobi for $60 although it might not really be the best choice). Who's to say you can't make the OF1400 work for all of your needs.