Router for dovetail jig

[bigarm]

I have a Rockler dovetail jig which I have not used but want to soon.  I need to get a router to use with it soon. While the 1010 would probably work good I am leaning towards the 1400 because it can use half inch shaft bits and I have been buying good bits in that size. Can't see duplicating in smaller sizes. Has anyone used the 1400 for such uses and how well did it work for you?  I don't plan on buying more than one Festool router.

 

[jtwood]

I have used both with a dovetail jig, and both work well.  The 1010 is lighter, but if you are going to use 1/2 inch bits, and you will use the router for other uses than the dovetail jig, you'll want the 1400.  If it is for the dovetail jig only, I would go with the 1010 because it is less expensive, lighter, and you won't need the 1/2" bits.

They are both great routers for their own uses.  Great quality and easy to use.

Steve

 

[Sven]

I have a Rockler dovetail jig which I have not used but want to soon.  I need to get a router to use with it soon. While the 1010 would probably work good I am leaning towards the 1400 because it can use half inch shaft bits and I have been buying good bits in that size. Can't see duplicating in smaller sizes. Has anyone used the 1400 for such uses and how well did it work for you?  I don't plan on buying more than one Festool router.

Other thing to keep in mind is the 1010 supports 8mm router bits.  Most dovetail bits are also available in the 8mm shaft size which offers a bit more robustness over the 1/4" versions.  I have been using these with my Leigh Dovetail jig and the 1010 and am very happy with the performance.

-Sven

 

[CrazyLarry]

As has been said before if you're only going to get one router then the 1400 covers the most bases: 8mm 12mm 1/2" collets, works with LR32 sys base and rails, mountable in a table or hand use just doesn't have the top end power of the 2200 or lightweight finesse of a 1010. In my experience it's only flaw is the flimsy dust extraction port which needs kid gloves.

 

[ear3]

Go with the 1400, which is a great all around router, and as you said, gives you the 1/2" option.  I use the 1400 for my Leigh dovetail jig, though there are others on the FOG, like [member=11196]Peter Parfitt[/member] who use the 1010 exclusively with the jig.  One thing to consider about the 1010 is that centering the collet with a guide bushing is not as easy as on the other Festool routers, and you might have to  buy an aftermarket insert, like the one the Leigh makes.