Router OF 1010 choice

[Loren Hedahl]

I want to replace an old Craftsman that I use with my 1/4" shaft bits.  I have a larger Makita and a much larger Porter Cable in a router table.  But for fluting, edge working, etc., I always use the smaller router, and it isn't a very good one.

The OF 1010 appears to be one of the best choices, since it will also integrate with my other Festool guides, etc.

One thing that concerns me is a Pat Warner review of an earlier model, the OF 1000 E, in which he notes that it works well within its accessory package, but not well with specialized jigs and fixtures that might be used for furniture making.

I was wondering if anyone here might know what limitations a person might expect to encounter in this regard.

 

[Brice Burrell]

  Loren, the limitations are the availability of after market jigs and fixtures by other (non-Festool) manufactures, such as the stuff Pat sells.

 

[Jim Becker]

Even though I already had the OF1400, I bought an OF1010 for "smaller jobs" and have been very pleased with it. For 1/4" and 8mm shank work, it's a very handy tool. I agree with the previous poster....Pat's comments may have been slightly clouded by his, umm...business concerns.

 

[John Stevens]

  Loren, the limitations are the availability of after market jigs and fixtures by other (non-Festool) manufactures, such as the stuff Pat sells.

Agreed.  I own the OF1010.  It comes with an edge guide and an attachment to use with the guide rail, and Festool sells a bunch of other accessories.  In fact, the router was designed for use with the LR32 hole drilling system and VS600 dovetailing system  If you want to use "aftermarket" accessories designed for PC-standard bushings, Leigh Industries sells an adapter for it.  There's a thread on here that discusses how you can make your own offset bases.  It can be a little frustrating to be limited to 1/4" and 8mm router bits, but on the other hand, if you're already satisfied with your 1/2" collet router (assuming you have one), then I guess that's not a problem.

Regards,

John

 

[Brad Evans]

Am very happy with my OF1000, the almost identical pre-curser to the OF1010 - it's actually a Festo OF1000.  I like it so much that if it were to get stolen I'd immediately run out and get the OF1010.

 

[Bob Marino]

Loren,

I agree with the others here. I like my 1010 very much, it's just so well balnced, it's a pleasure to use.

Bob

 

[Tinker]

I have several routers in my shop.  The two I like best are: #1 the OF 1000; and #2 the OF 1400.  When I bought the 1400, I had thought I would use the OF1000 less and less and would no longer be looking at 8mm bits.  I could make more use of my 1/2" bits and not bother building up my supply of 8mm bits (I never buy 1/4" bits any more) 

Wrong    The first router I reach for is the 1000.  I am still replacing old 1/4" bits with 8mm's so I can make even better use of the 1000.  It is the router i simply could not "survive" without.  Even tho it does not have nearly the power of the 1400, it amazes me at how high its actual limitations.

My next router acquasition will be that ??? 700 I have recently seen mentioned here on the FOG.  I have looked at it (Festool web site) only once and have avoided looking again.  For now, I have been controling my bloodpressure with careful diet and exercise.  If i keep looking at that little gem, my entire system will become discombobulated from nervous anticipation.  I don't even dare read any posts that even come close to speculation as to when that will become AINA :-X

Tinker

 

[Eli]

There's definitely limitations to the OF1010.

The thickness of your wallet and the willingness of your spouse to let you have a continuous collection of catalog numbers come to mind as the two main ones.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

Thanks for the info. and advice. 

I also have found that I go to the smallest tool that will do the job most times.  I wasn't sure if Pat Warner's concerns about the OF 1010 were due to its small size and high power, use of only 1/4 inch & 8mm bits, or as you stated, of a design that doesn't lend itself to using standard router accessories.

I haven't completely decided yet  --  a DeWalt with both fixed and plunge bases is available at the local Lowe's for $200.  It has a vacuum connection for collecting chips, but the way it's set up I can't believe it would come close to the performance of the OF 1010 in chip pickup.  It also doesn't integrate directly with the Festool rails unless I cobbled up something and doesn't come in a Systainer.

Noting the above, the initial extra cost of the OF 1010 doesn't concern me terribly.  Perhaps if I drag my feet for a while longer it might come in a package deal!

 

[semenza]

Hi,

      If you are replacing a small router- RUN don't Walk to buy the OF1010 or even the 1400!  Forget the DW set. You will know you made the right choice the first time you use the Festool.  Smooth running, incredible DC, and that "weird" handle design is a pleasure to use.

Seth

 

[Brad Evans]

>>>  Smooth running, incredible DC, and that "weird" handle design is a pleasure to use.

And it runs in a rail...

 

[semenza]

>>>   Smooth running, incredible DC, and that "weird" handle design is a pleasure to use.

And it runs in a rail...

      Yeah, that too. Plus a whole bunch of other stuff.

Seth

 

[James Watriss]

I love the 1010... it really does feel downright sporty compared to the 1400.. which is a serious workhorse in its own right.

I'm actually glad they decided NOT to set up the 1010 with a 1/2" shank. I've seen and met so many people who try to wedge oversized cutters into undersized routers. Used to work at a woodworking supply store, and I actually had one guy who came in looking for a router bit to cut bannisters (which is basically a shaper job, due to the size o the cuts involved)... and he wanted it in 1/4 shank, so he could use it in a smaller router... freehand. He laughed at me when I said it didn't sound like the safest thing to do.

The 1010 is great for most of the small and mid-sized work that one would normally do with a small to mid size router and it does it all exceedingly well. I think I would invest the time and energy into hunting down some 8mm flush trimming bits, and basic profiles. I know Festool makes a few, and whiteside does make an 8mm/ 5/16" spiral bit. I don't remember if they make a spiral flush trim. I'll have to pursue this further...

 

[nickao]

Thanks for the info. and advice. 

I also have found that I go to the smallest tool that will do the job most times.  I wasn't sure if Pat Warner's concerns about the OF 1010 were due to its small size and high power, use of only 1/4 inch & 8mm bits, or as you stated, of a design that doesn't lend itself to using standard router accessories.

I haven't completely decided yet  --  a DeWalt with both fixed and plunge bases is available at the local Lowe's for $200.  It has a vacuum connection for collecting chips, but the way it's set up I can't believe it would come close to the performance of the OF 1010 in chip pickup.  It also doesn't integrate directly with the Festool rails unless I cobbled up something and doesn't come in a Systainer.

Noting the above, the initial extra cost of the OF 1010 doesn't concern me terribly.  Perhaps if I drag my feet for a while longer it might come in a package deal!

I don't know- I have used the DeWalt 618 with a fein vac and it does collect 90% of the dust. The difference is mostly going to be in the sweet feel of the Festool. The DeWalt is  little sloppy in use, but has plenty of power. I have 4 of them and 8 different plunge bases so I can leave the bases connected to each jig I use most. A little expensive if I used all Festools! I get the DeWalts on eBay for great deals and its 2 Dewalt for every one Festool, sometimes 3 if the Dewalts are refurbs. I use the DeWalts for my jigs and the Festool only with the Festool system. You can not compare them - the Festool is nicer to me, so if cost is not an issue go for it.

 

[semenza]

I want to replace an old Craftsman that I use with my 1/4" shaft bits.  I have a larger Makita and a much larger Porter Cable in a router table.  But for fluting, edge working, etc., I always use the smaller router, and it isn't a very good one.

The OF 1010 appears to be one of the best choices, since it will also integrate with my other Festool guides, etc.

One thing that concerns me is a Pat Warner review of an earlier model, the OF 1000 E, in which he notes that it works well within its accessory package, but not well with specialized jigs and fixtures that might be used for furniture making.

I was wondering if anyone here might know what limitations a person might expect to encounter in this regard.

Hi,

        Based on your original description of the work you want the router to do- get the OF1010.  Unless you really want the fixed base for something.  I don't have the 1010 but have checked it out. The feel of the handle set up is like the 1400 (which I do have). The OF1400 is great for edge profiles, and the 1010 being lighter should be even better. I find the 1400 to be MUCH better at control and stability than a smaller fixed based Craftsmen that I used to have. I have to believe that the OF1010 would be ideal.
        In fact I think I just convinced myself to buy one

Seth

 

[Corwin]

... I think I just convinced myself to buy one

Seth

You too?  Those edge routing accessories will also be on my list.  And another LR32 plate.  Oh no, will also need to get some 8mm bits.  Here we go...    again.   :