Should I get an OF2200?

[sgryd]

Hi all.
I'm a hobbyist. I like precision work.

The router table is my preferred way to route. But I often end up with the MFS or other templates and route with my OF1010.

The 1010 is a great little thing, but there are things that I keep getting annoyed with:

1. Manually centering the template rings (guide bushing) with the centering cone is a PITA. There is to little room to fasten the centering tool properly. And I often change bushing size between routes but like to keep the bit inserted. This is not posible when I have to fit the centering tool between each plate change.

2. Routing depth is often to shallow for me. I keep thinking that "I'll manage this time". But the next time I get annoyed again.

3. The 1010 does some squeek and squeel in many situations. I don't know if it's caused by vibrations in the not-so-massive body or if the motor doesn't have enough force.

Now..
The 2200 seems to be the perfect upgrade due to the above, But it is a pricey beast, so I need to know some more before I go for it.

1. Is this router to big a power consumer to be fed by the CTL26? This would be a major drawback. Is there a solution for this problem?

2. I remember reading a thread about the guide bushings having a litle slop in the fitting. Can someone verify that this is not the case?

3. Anyone else had the 1010 and then bought the 2200? Which router do you use most and why?

4. PC guide bushings seems great. But we don't have them in Europe as far as I know. Do they come in metric sizes? How are they compared to the regular Festool guide plates? It seems like a better idea to use turned/milled bushings than the prssed ones from Festool, precision wise.

5. Should I consider the 1400 as well? The 2200 seems to have superior dust control, but the price...

//Michael

 

[sgryd]

Hi again.

I just looked at the specs for CTL26. It states that it can deliver 2400W from the power outlet. It should work to connect the 2200 then, I suspect. The CTL itself draws 1200W maximum.

I'm not comfortable with A/C math. But roughly I suppose I'll just manage. (2400W + 1200W) / 230V = 15,6A. My shop is fitted with 230V, 16A. Do you think this will work, or do I have to put the router on a separate fuse?

//Michael

 

[AlexThePalex]

You don't have to worry about the wattage, you can use your CT26 and OF2200 together.

 

[Stone Message]

Alex is right - I always use my OF2200 through my CTL26.

I cannot really answer the rest of your query as I do not (yet) have either of the smaller routers. My OF2200 is my router of choice (I have a Dewalt 625, CMT - same as the Dewalt, a baby one made under the Axminster name and a very old but beautifully made Stanley).

I use the 2200 quite a bit and find it easy to use, even for quite fine work. I hope to get the CMS Insert so that I can mount it in my CMS unit. I use my CMT in my home made router table at the moment. the Festool copying rings work well - I have the accessory kit and so have quite a few different sizes. I have made up tramell jigs - even for an exact hole about 49mm in diameter for a clock case.

From my knowledge of the models and some of the posts in other threads I suspect that quite a few people will recommend that you get the OF1400. My next router of choice will be the 1400 and I suspect that I will not bother with the small one at all.

Peter

 

[windmill man]

Peter,

IMO the best router combo is the 2200 with the 1010. 1010 is a much under rated little router that is light , powerful and a joy to use on delicate tasks. Its easy to use with the LR32 jig and there is a really good edge trimming attachment. You can use the 1400 with both but its a bit numb. I have the 2200, 1400 and 2x 1010`s that 22 and 10 are the go to routers the 1400 only gets an outing if i have need for 2 , 1/2 bits going on the same job. the 1400 is the way to go if you are only going to have 1 router in your shop. I have 9 routers in the shop now [embarassed] I must get out more [smile]

John

 

[Stone Message]

Hi John

That is very interesting - perhaps the 1010 should be my next router. Many thanks.

Peter

 

[Kev]

I started in the middle with the OF1400. Decided what I should have got was the OF1010 and OF2200 as a combo. But since, I've got the OF1010 and plan to get the OF2200, but pretty much dedicate it to a CMS unit. I've got a bit of organising to do, so I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I have however used the OF2200 freehand and couldn't believe how mild is was compared to my old 2000W Hitachi ...

OF1010 and OF2200 + CMS would be a great set of kit.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Hi all.
I'm a hobbyist. I like precision work.

The router table is my preferred way to route. But I often end up with the MFS or other templates and route with my OF1010.

The 1010 is a great little thing, but there are things that I keep getting annoyed with:

1. Manually centering the template rings (guide bushing) with the centering cone is a PITA. There is to little room to fasten the centering tool properly. And I often change bushing size between routes but like to keep the bit inserted. This is not posible when I have to fit the centering tool between each plate change.

2. Routing depth is often to shallow for me. I keep thinking that "I'll manage this time". But the next time I get annoyed again.

3. The 1010 does some squeek and squeel in many situations. I don't know if it's caused by vibrations in the not-so-massive body or if the motor doesn't have enough force.

Now..
The 2200 seems to be the perfect upgrade due to the above, But it is a pricey beast, so I need to know some more before I go for it.

1. Is this router to big a power consumer to be fed by the CTL26? This would be a major drawback. Is there a solution for this problem?
Not a problem

2. I remember reading a thread about the guide bushings having a litle slop in the fitting. Can someone verify that this is not the case?
If you are talking about the "porter cable style" guide bushings, as opposed to the Festool copy rings, yes, there is slip, both in the horizontal location and the vertical.  The nut that screws on to fit the bushings likes to come loose after some use.

3. Anyone else had the 1010 and then bought the 2200? Which router do you use most and why?
Yes.  I make furniture, using a lot of jigs.  The 1010 is great for small, shallow delicate work.  The 2200 is great for swinging big bits and has better dust collection.  I use the 2200 for raising panels, but it is too big and heavy for most jig work.  The 1400 gets 90 percent of my use, the 1010 another 8 percent and the 2200 about 2 percent.  But all this depends hugely on exactly what kind of work you do...

4. PC guide bushings seems great. But we don't have them in Europe as far as I know. Do they come in metric sizes? How are they compared to the regular Festool guide plates? It seems like a better idea to use turned/milled bushings than the prssed ones from Festool, precision wise.

  I haven't been able to find metric guide bushings in the states, but we lack a good selection of metric tools in general.  It would certainly be easy to make metric versions.  The Festool "solution" is a Festool copy ring that will accept PC bushings, so if there is slop in the Festool plates and slop in the PC bushings, your total slop will be the sum of the two.

5. Should I consider the 1400 as well? The 2200 seems to have superior dust control, but the price...
I'm a big fan of the 1400.  I suspect (but have no inside knowledge) that the 1400 will be upgraded someday to have many of the convenience features found in the 2200.

//Michael

 

[jmbfestool]

OF2200 is crap!  Only joking! I love it best router ever!  You won't be disappointed and the dust extraction on it is amazing!
If you was to get only one router it HAS to be the OF2200!

I used my mates Dewalt now that is actually crap! Really it's so bad I felt like throwing it in the skip for him and I'm not joking! 3 times yes 3 times his collect came loose on me and the router bit slide down!

Okay my cutter is very blunt so I really had to push the router and the cutter which caused ALOT of heat which I assume was the cause of the dewalt collect to come loose.  I would be routing and then notice it would get more difficult as I went along I would stop and found the cutter had come out its collect by 12-20mm that's so dangerous. I thought it was me not tigthing it enough so I tried again and tightened it super tight I mean my full body weight and still it came loose for me to use my fingers to remove the cutter.

Now the same cutter I used in my OF2200 I pushed it even harder and not once did it come loose but not only that cutter actually performed better!  I believe 1)because the OF2200 has more power 2) the dust extraction helps clear the channel which makes its easier for the cutter to do its job and not clog up.

Jmb

 

[Deansocial]

OF2200 is crap!  Only joking! I love it best router ever!  You won't be disappointed and the dust extraction on it is amazing!
If you was to get only one router it HAS to be the OF2200!

I used my mates Dewalt now that is actually crap! Really it's so bad I felt like throwing it in the skip for him and I'm not joking! 3 times yes 3 times his collect came loose on me and the router bit slide down!

Okay my cutter is very blunt so I really had to push the router and the cutter which caused ALOT of heat which I assume was the cause of the dewalt collect to come loose.  I would be routing and then notice it would get more difficult as I went along I would stop and found the cutter had come out its collect by 12-20mm that's so dangerous. I thought it was me not tigthing it enough so I tried again and tightened it super tight I mean my full body weight and still it came loose for me to use my fingers to remove the cutter.

Now the same cutter I used in my OF2200 I pushed it even harder and not once did it come loose but not only that cutter actually performed better!  I believe 1)because the OF2200 has more power 2) the dust extraction helps clear the channel which makes its easier for the cutter to do its job and not clog up.

Jmb

To be fair that sounds like a buggered collet. The routers aint that bad jmb

 

[jmbfestool]

OF2200 is crap!  Only joking! I love it best router ever!  You won't be disappointed and the dust extraction on it is amazing!
If you was to get only one router it HAS to be the OF2200!

I used my mates Dewalt now that is actually crap! Really it's so bad I felt like throwing it in the skip for him and I'm not joking! 3 times yes 3 times his collect came loose on me and the router bit slide down!

Okay my cutter is very blunt so I really had to push the router and the cutter which caused ALOT of heat which I assume was the cause of the dewalt collect to come loose.  I would be routing and then notice it would get more difficult as I went along I would stop and found the cutter had come out its collect by 12-20mm that's so dangerous. I thought it was me not tigthing it enough so I tried again and tightened it super tight I mean my full body weight and still it came loose for me to use my fingers to remove the cutter.

Now the same cutter I used in my OF2200 I pushed it even harder and not once did it come loose but not only that cutter actually performed better!  I believe 1)because the OF2200 has more power 2) the dust extraction helps clear the channel which makes its easier for the cutter to do its job and not clog up.

Jmb

To be fair that sounds like a buggered collet. The routers aint that bad jmb

Yeah might well be but my other point is  same cutter performed better in my OF2200

 

[wubears71]

I never use my OF2200 and I've had it for about 2 years.  I use my 1400 and MFK for everything routed when using a router by hand.  Otherwise I use my router table.  With that being said I would like to use it more but just have the need for it.  Ive thought about selling it but I know once I do I'll need it for something. 

 

[Rembo]

OF 2200 a good router, but it stops me money! is the price of four Makita rp 2300 fc.

 

[sgryd]

Thank you for your insight. FOG is a really nice place!

As I have managed for about 6 years with the 1010 I figure I can do it a little more. Hopefully there will soon be a new 1400 with all the bells and whistles from the 2200. This router (1410?) seems like the perfect one for me.

August seems like a nice month for releasing a new router. Please Festool..  [tongue]

 

[Yeti fan 19]

2200 is awesome. Don't have the other routers, only a little 1\4 inch makita for smaller work, but the design features on this router are really something. Being able to use it with the guide rail is a bonus to so get the accessories box if you can.

 

[tiralie]

IMO the best router combo is the 2200 with the 1010. 1010 is a much under rated little router that is light , powerful and a joy to use on delicate tasks. Its easy to use with the LR32 jig and there is a really good edge trimming attachment. You can use the 1400 with both but its a bit numb. I have the 2200, 1400 and 2x 1010`s that 22 and 10 are the go to routers the 1400 only gets an outing if i have need for 2 , 1/2 bits going on the same job. the 1400 is the way to go if you are only going to have 1 router in your shop. I have 9 routers in the shop now [embarassed] I must get out more [smile]

+1  [thumbs up] although I only have 6 routers...I must be getting out more.
Tim

 

[ScotF]

The OF2200 is my favorite Festool.  I own it and the 1010, which is also a gem.  I only bought the 1010 to get into a small space to cut some slots where the 2200 was too big.  It is an engineering marvel and a perfect combination paired with the 1010.

Scot 

 

[Deansocial]

OF2200 is crap!  Only joking! I love it best router ever!  You won't be disappointed and the dust extraction on it is amazing!
If you was to get only one router it HAS to be the OF2200!

I used my mates Dewalt now that is actually crap! Really it's so bad I felt like throwing it in the skip for him and I'm not joking! 3 times yes 3 times his collect came loose on me and the router bit slide down!

Okay my cutter is very blunt so I really had to push the router and the cutter which caused ALOT of heat which I assume was the cause of the dewalt collect to come loose.  I would be routing and then notice it would get more difficult as I went along I would stop and found the cutter had come out its collect by 12-20mm that's so dangerous. I thought it was me not tigthing it enough so I tried again and tightened it super tight I mean my full body weight and still it came loose for me to use my fingers to remove the cutter.

Now the same cutter I used in my OF2200 I pushed it even harder and not once did it come loose but not only that cutter actually performed better!  I believe 1)because the OF2200 has more power 2) the dust extraction helps clear the channel which makes its easier for the cutter to do its job and not clog up.

Jmb

To be fair that sounds like a buggered collet. The routers aint that bad jmb

Yeah might well be but my other point is  same cutter performed better in my OF2200

Well its going to preform better if its held tight isnt it. If the dewalt router is at full speed under load the bit might be running at 75% of that because its slipping. Im not saying the dewalts an awesome router but it certainly aint a bad 1. Yeah the of2200 is an awesome router but the price is astronomical compard to others.

 

[hhh]

I have about a dozen routers (don’t ask) including one (or more) of each FT.  The 2200 is a great router – probably my favorite --- BUT (didn’t you know there was a but)… It doesn’t get as much use as some others in my stable…  You mention you like to route in a table… The PC Speedmatic is the champ… For light edge routing, something smaller is the order of the day…  The point is that the choice of router depends on your application.  The 2200 is a beast (both power and $$), and I use it when hogging-out a deep trench or large profile, but not for ‘quick and dirty’ edge chamfers, inlays, etc…  So what is your ‘typical’ application… The 2200 will ‘do-it-all’, but may not be the best for your need.  You could spend the $1200[edit] (router + almost mandatory accessory kit) and get yourself a bunch of other kit (amazon was selling 890s for $89 last month), so make sure your spend around your needs…

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have about a dozen routers (don’t ask) including one (or more) of each FT.  The 2200 is a great router – probably my favorite --- BUT (didn’t you know there was a but)… It doesn’t get as much use as some others in my stable…  You mention you like to route in a table… The PC Speedmatic is the champ… For light edge routing, something smaller is the order of the day…  The point is that the choice of router depends on your application.  The 2200 is a beast (both power and $$), and I use it when hogging-out a deep trench or large profile, but not for ‘quick and dirty’ edge chamfers, inlays, etc…  So what is your ‘typical’ application… The 2200 will ‘do-it-all’, but may not be the best for your need.  You could spend the $2000US++ (router + almost mandatory accessory kit) and get yourself a bunch of other kit, so make sure your spend around your needs…

I don't like when people throw out bogus prices on the tools, it happens far too often on other site.  The problem is some people will believe that off the cuff pricing.  For the record the OF2200 is $825 USD and the accessory kit are $325-$340 USD.  So we're talking as much as $1165 USD for a router and kit, not two grand plus.