Routers

[joiner1970]

I am thinking of getting a Festool router and the LR 32 system.

What one do you reckon is worth buying ? I see there is the 1010 or for just a bit more money the 1400 I already have an Elu96e,Trend T5 and Dewalt 626.

Is the 1400 much better than the 1010 ?

 

[Goerge]

Hey Joiner,

I just decided I do want the of1400 - that is, owning no other router, and wanting the option of a 12mm routerbit. The 1400 is noticeably heavier, but due to a perfect balance it does absolutely not feel cumbersome. I noticed that using it to do some on-workpiece-stuff feels more precise than with the 1010, maybe only because the base is larger and easier to balance.
To me the 1400 is the best compromise while wanting Festo and being unable to afford more than one. But:

The 1010 on the other hand is way better suited for the lr system and the VS600 system (Dovetail stuff and such). It's lighter, closer to the rail / lower center of gravity, which simply makes it faster to use and maybe even more accurate.
Having intensively used a 1010, I can say it's a fine tool and easy to handle, precise - everything you want.

I wouldn't say either one is better  - check what you want to do. I don't know the specs of your other routers - Is one of them in the same range of power? Buy the 1010. All of them are smaller routers? Buy the 1400, and upgrade your router arsenal's power.

By the way, you could always sell the non green-and-black  buy a 1400 and live happily ever after...

 

[Lou Miller]

I personally think the 1400 is a good bit better than the 1010. I don't really care for the way the 1010 feels in my hands. The biggest difference between the two is the 1400 can take 1/2" bits, the 1010 can not. IMO, that's a huge drawback to the 1010. I use Whiteside (very limited amount of 8mm bits) bits almost exclusively and have no desire to switch over to Festool's 8mm bits, nor do I want to use 1/4" bits. I don't think anyone can beat Whiteside in terms of quality and they are substantially cheaper than Festool's bits (some are 1/3 the cost). I also think the 1400 works better with the LR32 system (no need to center the bit and slightly better dust collection). The extra power from the 1400 comes in handy once in a while too, but its not really that big of a deal.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I got the OF1400 about a year ago.  I had six other routers.  I haven't turned any of the others on for a year.  Sold five of them.  Its just like when I retired I tossed all my ties but one (for weddings and funerals), I keep a Bosch around just in case.  The OF1400 is so good, the adjustments are so easy, that there just wasn't any need for any of the others.  The first time I used the ratcheting collet nut I was hooked.

I'll be watching closely when Festool introduces the new smaller router - that would be cool.  The OF1400 is kinda overkill for mortising out a hinge.....

 

[joiner1970]

Well the Elu 96E (best router ever made) is around 850 watts the T5 is about the same and the Dewalt is 2400 watts thats used for big stuff like worktop joints etc.

I might sell the T5 as I have never really used it as it doesn't compare to the Elu.

 

[Eli]

......I tossed all my ties but one (for weddings and funerals), I keep a Bosch around just in case.

You're my hero Jesse. I need some tips from you! How did you get your wife to let you wear a router to the other functions?!

I've got the 1400 as well, love it. I think I'd get another 1400 or a 2000 before I'd get a 1010.

 

[eweber]

I have the OF1400 too and I retired my other routers except for one PC with fix base that I use exclusively with my dovetail jig.
I use the OF1400 with the LR 32 system and I don't see what the OF1010 would improve. (actually the guide plate of the drilling system seems faster to put on the OF1400 as it doesn't require to put the centering mandrel).

Update: actually I just realized that the OF1010 would not need the two screws to be mounted on the guide plate so it might be as easy to install.

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

I have never owned another router than the 1400 but I have used it only mounted in a table but it is very easy to use and seems to cut more on one pass than the triton router that I used once before could manage.