I'm considering adding a Festool router to my shop mainly because I like that it integrates with my current system well. Also, the quality is tough to beat. I've looked at other brands and am not sure I want to give up the ability to use my rails and accessories. I'm waffling between the 1010 and 1400. The 1010 seems to be a great size for portable use, I have a Triton in my router table. Mainly, I'd be using it to make dadoes and rabbits where the table isn't practical. I'd also like to use it for mortising -- I'm prepping for a Wood Whisperer Guild project -- and some edge trimming. I've also considered adding the CRB7 to it. I guess my main concern is if it will have enough power and if using 1/4" bits will be doable. I understand the 8mm bits are tough to find in the US.
Router choice
- Thread starter jplemons
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I'd recommend the OF1400. It's just a little larger and easy to handle, But gives you the extra added power and the option to use 1/2" shank bits. I have never had trouble handing the OF 1400. Think if you want it for dados you may need the extra power.
Holmz
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jplemons said:
The Eu ship from the Eu to the US easily, and 8-mm are an ideal size.
It is only a real problem on a Sunday in a panic... but if one plans ahead then the 8-mm bits are not a great problem.
If you are in SoCal Anderson ply in Santa Monica is friendly and has the routers.
Or perhaps there is a Woodcraft near you?
I found that the Qf1400 feels nice in the paws.
I have both just because i could [cool] 9the OF1400 was a present to be fair)
They have a lot of similarities in how the handle but the 1400 is obviously more top heavy.
Up until i got the 1400 for xmas just gone i had never had any real issues or worries on the 1010 when used with an 8mm bit. Only thing i would say is for deeper cuts you will need to make more shallow passes to get there but its no hardship outside of a production shop environment.
the direct comparison between the 2 is less to do with power and shank size (if you can get the 8mm bits) and more to do with teh refinements on the 1400. The tooless change base and wider opening at the bottom make adding porter cable style guide bushes way way easier than on the 1010. The ratchet mechanism makes changing bits a lost faster and easier than the traditional push button collect lock on the 1010. I also find the 1400 is easier to get in and out of the systainer and start using when compared to the 1010 which if you get the full kit has a lot of "stuff" packed into the systainer.
both are great routers so you wont go to far wrong with either. The 1010 is very capable when partnered with 8mm shank bits and probs would be easier if you ever wanted to use it for edge banding trimming and the like.
If you just want one router i would say the 1400 is the better option for teh wider bit selection it gives you and the small refinements that make it easier in set up.
They have a lot of similarities in how the handle but the 1400 is obviously more top heavy.
Up until i got the 1400 for xmas just gone i had never had any real issues or worries on the 1010 when used with an 8mm bit. Only thing i would say is for deeper cuts you will need to make more shallow passes to get there but its no hardship outside of a production shop environment.
the direct comparison between the 2 is less to do with power and shank size (if you can get the 8mm bits) and more to do with teh refinements on the 1400. The tooless change base and wider opening at the bottom make adding porter cable style guide bushes way way easier than on the 1010. The ratchet mechanism makes changing bits a lost faster and easier than the traditional push button collect lock on the 1010. I also find the 1400 is easier to get in and out of the systainer and start using when compared to the 1010 which if you get the full kit has a lot of "stuff" packed into the systainer.
both are great routers so you wont go to far wrong with either. The 1010 is very capable when partnered with 8mm shank bits and probs would be easier if you ever wanted to use it for edge banding trimming and the like.
If you just want one router i would say the 1400 is the better option for teh wider bit selection it gives you and the small refinements that make it easier in set up.
DzordanoBruno
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OF 1400
ear3
Member
Ultimately the choice should be dictated by need and planned usage. If you plan on doing a fair amount of edge trimming or edge profiling of narrow pieces (like face frames), then the 1010 is really hard to beat. Though understand you will have to spend extra to get all of the accessories that turn it into a horizontal trimmer (edging plate, angle arm and dust shroud). I have never found the 1010 to be underpowered for any size 1/4" or 8mm bit. It's also great for flush trimming butt or rabbeted joints on carcasse assembly. Since I got the 1400 first, I haven't used the 1010 for much dadoing work, though as a few people have commented, it will get the job done in multiple passes. My one complaint with the machine is the difficulty of centering guide bushings on the base.
The 1400 is a great all around router, and obviously, the ability to deploy 1/2" bits makes it more versatile.
The 1400 is a great all around router, and obviously, the ability to deploy 1/2" bits makes it more versatile.
+1 for the OF1010. It would have been OF1400 if it wasn't for the fact you want to do edge trimming. I have both (and a Triton in a table) and I bought the 1010 because the 1400 can't edge trim without showering you in chippings.
But in all honesty they're both great routers.
Andrew
But in all honesty they're both great routers.
Andrew
one router = 1400
two router =1010 + 2200
three router = 1010 + 2200 + mfk700
four router = 1010 + 2200 + mfk700 + 1400
This is only my opinion and probably not true for many others, and also not the way I wound up doing it. It is just the way I would have done it knowing what I know now. I am sure someone will point out that to do it 'my way' one needs to start with two routers or my model falls apart. [embarassed]
two router =1010 + 2200
three router = 1010 + 2200 + mfk700
four router = 1010 + 2200 + mfk700 + 1400
This is only my opinion and probably not true for many others, and also not the way I wound up doing it. It is just the way I would have done it knowing what I know now. I am sure someone will point out that to do it 'my way' one needs to start with two routers or my model falls apart. [embarassed]
nickao
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I disagree.
one router = OF 2200
two router = only need one OF 2200
three router = only need one OF 2200 for edge banding(I rarely do it) I use DeWalt 611
four router = only need one OF 2200 for edge banding(I rarely do it) I use DeWalt 611
The OF 2200 handles like an OF1010 in a practiced hand. Once used to it there is little benefit to a smaller router unless a very tight spaced, one handed or vertical operation is needed. And for me the DeWalt 611 is the best one handed router. And a great little micro plunge router too.
After I purchased and practiced with the OF2200 I sold the OF1010 and the OF 1400 right here on the forum. The OF 1010 is a dog, I never understood how anyone could like it in the first place. If a person has an OF 2200 the OF 1400 only need sit on a shelf. The size difference between the two could never lead me to grab the OF 1400 over the OF2200.
My greatest mistake was not just buying the OF 2200 first an using it until I was accustomed to it. If I had to buy another router it would be a second OF 2200, even if I thought I might need something smaller.
As soon as the OF 2200 is upgraded with integral LED's and a 4 point clamp for the accessory rods I will get another. A shallow dust collection cup option would be great as well. I had to buy another and cut it down for 3/4" material that doesn't hang off the edge of the table. Anyone that does this knows what I mean. Making a flat on both sides of the router base would be better too, but not a deal breaker for me. Fix these things and the OF2200 would be the perfect router. It may be the best now, but it's not perfect.
one router = OF 2200
two router = only need one OF 2200
three router = only need one OF 2200 for edge banding(I rarely do it) I use DeWalt 611
four router = only need one OF 2200 for edge banding(I rarely do it) I use DeWalt 611
The OF 2200 handles like an OF1010 in a practiced hand. Once used to it there is little benefit to a smaller router unless a very tight spaced, one handed or vertical operation is needed. And for me the DeWalt 611 is the best one handed router. And a great little micro plunge router too.
After I purchased and practiced with the OF2200 I sold the OF1010 and the OF 1400 right here on the forum. The OF 1010 is a dog, I never understood how anyone could like it in the first place. If a person has an OF 2200 the OF 1400 only need sit on a shelf. The size difference between the two could never lead me to grab the OF 1400 over the OF2200.
My greatest mistake was not just buying the OF 2200 first an using it until I was accustomed to it. If I had to buy another router it would be a second OF 2200, even if I thought I might need something smaller.
As soon as the OF 2200 is upgraded with integral LED's and a 4 point clamp for the accessory rods I will get another. A shallow dust collection cup option would be great as well. I had to buy another and cut it down for 3/4" material that doesn't hang off the edge of the table. Anyone that does this knows what I mean. Making a flat on both sides of the router base would be better too, but not a deal breaker for me. Fix these things and the OF2200 would be the perfect router. It may be the best now, but it's not perfect.
I know exactly where [member=3373]Dovetail65[/member] is coming from...
The OF2200 is one of the three best tools that Festool makes. It is the king of routers but in an unpractised hand it may be just a dash too big.
For a general all rounder the OF 1400 hits the mark as it can do everything from dovetail jig work to raised panels but it will never dislodge the king.
Peter
The OF2200 is one of the three best tools that Festool makes. It is the king of routers but in an unpractised hand it may be just a dash too big.
For a general all rounder the OF 1400 hits the mark as it can do everything from dovetail jig work to raised panels but it will never dislodge the king.
Peter
tony_sheehan
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"The OF2200 is one of the three best tools that Festool makes"
I'm guessing you'd say the other two are the ts55 and domino (tho which one)?
I'm guessing you'd say the other two are the ts55 and domino (tho which one)?
tony_sheehan said:
My top three are the OF 2200, DF 700 Domino and the KA 65 Conturo.
Having said that I cannot live without my TS 55, the exceptional (unsung hero) CT 26, and simply brilliant DF 500 Domino. If my Kapex were stolen it would break my heart and I am trying to gather the courage to tell my wife that I have dreams about the ETS EC 150/3 - she already knows, and thankfully understands, about my very close relationship with the CMS units !
I just wish we could get an impact driver.
Peter
nickao
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tony_sheehan said:
I was just using the OF 2000 with a .125" collet insert and a .0625 bit , hehe.
I bet Festool never dreamed someone would want a stock .125" collet for the OF2200, and use little .0625 bits!
If the OF2200 only had the LED I wouldn't of pulled out my DeWalt 611 that has the nice LED in it. The light ring I put on my OF2200 was getting in the way so I pulled it.
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