Router Model 1400. Centering a guide bushing.

[Rick Setina]

I just bought the 1400 today and tried to center the Porter Cable style plate and guide bushing for an inlay project I'm making. Is there a way to center the guide bushing to the router bit? The base plate has tapered screws so loosening and aligning it by moving the. base plate won't work as with other routers.

The bushing and bit I'm using is very precise and I don't have much room for error. It's very close but if I can get it centered I's be much happier.

 

[Gregor]

FESTOOL 492187 Zentrierdorn ZD-OF/D 6,35+8 might help.

 

[Cheese]

There's not a lot you can do. Use the 492187 mandrel that Gregor mentioned and that's it.

Because the guide bushing just snaps into the 1400 and there are no fasteners to hold it in place do NOT apply any side pressure to the router because the guide bushing will move.

That's the reason I prefer using the 1010 because the guide bushing is fastened in place with screws.

Here's the mechanism used to retain the guide bushing, a latch that's held in position with springs.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[Svar]

To summarize:
1) Bushings on Festool routers are not adjustable, move when pushed hard, and hence useless for precision work.
2) Mandrell that Festool sells for their routers is useless for their routers because, well, see #1.
Did I miss anything?

 

[Cheese]

1) Bushings on Festool routers are not adjustable, move when pushed hard, and hence useless for precision work.

Here's a couple of photos to highlight the issue, .008" of movement when pushed from the side.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[Lincoln]

This past weekend I fitted a Trend base plate, that takes copy rings, for this very reason. Also because I've grown to dislike the odd shaped base of the 1400.

 

[Rick Setina]

This past weekend I fitted a Trend base plate, that takes copy rings, for this very reason. Also because I've grown to dislike the odd shaped base of the 1400.

I turned the Festool insert around 180 degrees and it seems it's centered a little more precisely. I'll use it tomorrow and see how the inlays turn out. I'll keep you posted.

 

[grbmds]

There's not a lot you can do. Use the 492187 mandrel that Gregor mentioned and that's it.

Because the guide bushing just snaps into the 1400 and there are no fasteners to hold it in place do NOT apply any side pressure to the router because the guide bushing will move.

That's the reason I prefer using the 1010 because the guide bushing is fastened in place with screws.

Here's the mechanism used to retain the guide bushing, a latch that's held in position with springs.

On my 1010, which was purchased within the last few months, there is no play to adjust the bushing. I used with a Whiteside Template Kit. The kit's centering pin fit perfectly within the bushing and the bowties I routed were a perfect fit. My Festool routers, both 1400 and 1010, have been dead on without any need to worry about whether the bushing is centered.

 

[Bob D.]

Is there a commercially made router base plate that is drilled
for the Festool OF1400 and accepts PC style guide bushings?

 

[waho6o9]

Is there a commercially made router base plate that is drilled
for the Festool OF1400 and accepts PC style guide bushings?

https://microfence.com

12970 Branford Street #M, Arleta, CA 91331

Tel: 818-683-0330

Fax: 818-683-0374

To Order: 1-800-480-6427

E-mail: microfence[member=6021]microfence[/member].com

These folks may have what you're looking for. 

 

[rst]

I've been using template guides for 20+ years.  I had a machinist mill me exact guide post sizes to fit my routers, 1/2" shank to the various guide sizes.