router rocks with guide stop and table widener

[Rick Christopherson]

Neither base is specifically intended for this usage. Only the OF2200 has a base specifically for this purpose. Given the two incorrect options for the OF1400, the small bore base is the better of the two for the reasons listed above.

 

[paulhtremblay]

I'm thoroughly confused. I have three contradictory options:

1. Use the small bore base, as the video advocates: "for increased support, small bore base can be used with the guide stop in place of router support."

2. Use the table widener, because the small bore base will not allow you to route perpendicular.

3. Neither option will work with the or 1400.

 

[MaineShop]

I use my OF 1400 with the rail for dado cuts  all the time, I started out using the little foot that came with the rail guide. While I didn't experience the problem that RL mentioned about the little foot getting caught on old cut kerfs since it is usually riding on the material I am working and not the mft, I did run into times when I wanted a little more beef to the foot. For that reason I made my own foot out of some 1/4" ply that is a good 6" long, I worked great. I know it is not cool abs plastic but these tools really do shine even more when you combine them with some good shop jigs.

I will see if I can find that bigfoot and snap a photo with my phone.

Adam

 

[waho6o9]

That's why I use a MicroFence interface.

YMMV.

[attachimg=1]

 

[MaineShop]

That micro fence looks sweet. Is the base plate aluminum or a plastic? Also is it drilled for other brands?

 

[waho6o9]

I think it's Delrin, so yes a type of plastic.

One can drill for any router and MicroFence provides
that service at a reasonable price.

http://microfence.com/

 

[grbmds]

Neither base is specifically intended for this usage. Only the OF2200 has a base specifically for this purpose. Given the two incorrect options for the OF1400, the small bore base is the better of the two for the reasons listed above.

I don't understand. Why would it be available if it isn't meant to be used in this way? To be honest I didn't experience what you are saying occurs when dadoing using the guide rail and stops, so I can't imagine what the problem would be.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I don't understand. Why would it be available if it isn't meant to be used in this way?

Each of those bases has a specific purpose of their own. The purpose of the "Table Widener" is to create a larger footprint for the router. The purpose of the "Small Bore Base" is to close up the large opening of the router. Neither of these purposes includes an offset function for the guide rail.

Take a look at the bases available for the OF2200. It too has a Table Widener and Small Bore Base, but it also has an offset base specifically for use with the guide rail.

The OF1400 doesn't have an offset base, but end-users have decided to use one of the other bases for a dual role. As such, neither of the options is perfectly suited, but that doesn't mean they can't be used that way if desired. They just weren't specifically designed for the dual task.

 

[Madrigal Home Improvment]

Maybe Festool should offer an offset base for the OF 1400  ;D

 

[snachlas]

I agree that it's confusing as far as using the small bore base with the guiderail. One reason I bought the small bore base is because the Festool video specifically shows and says that the base can be used instead of the foot for increased support when using the OF1400 with the guiderail.

 

[Jeremiah9675]

Paul, the table widener base is 10mm thick and not made for use with the guide rail. It will be 5mm too thick.

The small bore base or the support foot should be used with the guide rail to offer support. You can see the small bore base in this video around the 7:45 mark and around the 8:00 mark on the guide rail.



Support foot - http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/routers/other-accessories/support-foot-438608

Shane is right. I only use the table widener on the of1400 if I'm doing edging ( round overs, roman ogee, etc) the widener gives u more support so it doesn't tend to dip when your hanging off the end of the work piece.  When using the rail with the router I use the foot or the small bore base. Either one works well.

 

[Corwin]

I agree that it's confusing as far as using the small bore base with the guiderail. One reason I bought the small bore base is because the Festool video specifically shows and says that the base can be used instead of the foot for increased support when using the OF1400 with the guiderail.

As RL mentioned above, this issue about the small-bore base has been discussed many times here before. The small-bore base simply is not the correct thickness to make your router sit perfectly flat when used this way. It does make up much of the difference needed, and it may work well enough for some, but the base would need to be yet a little thicker to make it work sit perfectly flat. If memory serves after all this time, I believe that the small-bore base is only 3mm thick, while it could/should instead be 5mm. RL's photo depicts exactly my experience.