Should I get an OF2200?

[cliffp]

I've got a CMS unit plus OF1400 which I really like but in some ways I would like a smaller router for small tasks including flush trimming when I don't want to set up the CMS to do this. I haven't yet needed a bigger router but I guess I may do in the future. There is a deal on where the OF2200 set can be bought for £800 inc vat and I have a 10% voucher which would reduce the cost to £720. Should I go for it? Is the OF2200 that much better than the OF1400? Should I just buy an OF1010 in the first instance and upgrade the OF1400 later? I am only a hobbyist so can't justify it on the basis of it paying its way.

I would be grateful for any advice!

 

[jonny round boy]

Cliff,

It really all depends what you plan on doing with it. If you have some jobs coming up that will definitely require the power of the 2200, then go for it. If not, since you have the 1400 already (and the CMS module for it) I'd recommend a smaller router for hand-held work.

You mention the OF1010, which is by all accounts a fantastic router (though I must admit I've never used one). Alternatively, have you looked at the MFK700? You mention flush trimming, and that's exactly what this router is designed for. Having said that if you are doing other things with it you may be restricted in the size of bits you can physically fit in the 700.

Hope that helps,

Jonathan

 

[stevep]

Re: Should I get an OF2200?

Why? Because you guess you may do in the future? What about the flush trimming, which you say you do need to do? Get an MFK 700 (or a Llamello Cantex if you have shedloads of money).
If you get an MFK700, you'll be able to afford a 1010 as well. Don't bother with just a 1010 and the flush trimming accessories - just not accurate enough and a complete pain to set up.

 

[Birdhunter]

I've "acquired" all the Festool routers. I am a serious hobbits and sometimes commission woodworker.

My opinion......

700 --- Great for edge trimming. Not sure what else. Cute!

1010 --- Awesome small router. Great ergonomics. Limited to 1/4" bit shafts.

1400 --- Probably the best all around router I've ever used. Lots of power in a relatively light package.

2200 --- A real beast. Heavy! Smoothest router I've ever used. Incredible power. Handles better than its size and weight wowuld indicate. Best design of any of the Festool routers for base exchange.

All have the great dust collection you would expect from Festool. All integrate flawlessly with the Festool track.

If I had to pick one, it would be the 1400. Next choice would be the 1010. Next, the 2200. Last, the 700.

 

[sancho57]

2200 is one awesome router..But If you already got the 1400 and it does all you need. Why spend the money on the 2200. But you could get it and then sell the 1400.

 

[cliffp]

Thanks for all the replies. The thing that has really got me thinking about the OF2200 is the incredible deal - £800 for the set (from FFX). I also have a live demo voucher giving me another 10%. I'm thinking that if it is a mistake I can always sell and lose less because I bought cheap. If I bought the OF2200 I would aim to sell the OF1400 and pick up an OF1010 at the same time. The thing that attracts me to the OF2200 is the thought that it will be easier to change bits in the CMS because of the extra 10mm of plunge, the better dust shroud and the various other improved features.  I love the OF1400 but, though it can be used for hand held flushing with the edging plate (I have got one and used it) it is a bit hit or miss in my hands and as Stevep says, regarding its use with the OF1010, a pain to set up. I am not so keen on the MFK700 because it seems to be a bit of a one trick pony and I intend to mostly flush trim using the CMS - I would just like the option to do it handheld if it suits my work flow on the odd occasion. I may alternatively buy an OF1010 and see how I get on with that before committing myself to a strategy that involves losing the OF1400.

@Birdhunter, you say that the Of1010 is limited to 1/4" bits but I understand it can also handle 8mm - I think you mean it can't handle 1/2" which is a big drawback (all my bits are 1/2")

 

[sgryd]

I have 500, 1010, 1400 and 2200.

Started out with the 1010 and was really satisfied. Then I bought a used 1400 and since then I haven't touched the 1010. I really like the feeling of using 12mm or 1/2" bits. The 8mm or 1/4" feels flimsy to me.

A while ago I stumbled on a 2200 demo ex which I bought at 60% of retail price. It's a beast and feels extremely safe to work with. No vibrations whatsoever. But it is too heavy for daily use (to me). It ended up being permanently mounted in a table. Quite an expensive router to table mount. But the dust collection is actually really excellent for table use.

//Michael

 

[stevep]

The 1010 takes 8mm bits as well as 1/4". So does the MFK700 come to think of it. I use the 700 a fair bit, not just for flush lippings, but with small roundover bits for finishing panels, and straight bits for cutting 6mm rebates for cabinet backs. Depends what sort of work you do of course, but being so small and light it is very controllable and accurate.
By all means get the 2200 if you want, it just sounds to me as though you're more tempted by the fact that you can get a discount rather than by what work it can do for you.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Just buying a tool 'cause you can get it cheaply is totally the wrong to go at it, if you ask me.

Proper way to do it is, first decide what you need and then find a good deal. Not the other way around.

And as you mention you'd like to have a smaller router, I'd say, get that one first.  [2cents]

 

[cliffp]

Thanks for the latest replies, Steve, Michael and Alex. You are making me think that the OF2200 might be overkill for my needs. I'll focus my attention on smaller routers like the Of1010 and MFK700.

 

[cgmojoco]

2200 & 1010 handles everything for me
The MFFK700 WOULD BE BETTER IF IT HAD MORE DEPTH like the colt.

 

[ScotF]

I have the 1010 and 2200 and it is a great combination...have never really wanted a 1400, but if I had the CMS that would change since that is the biggest router I can buy for it in North America.  The MFK700 has always appealed to me for edge trimming and smaller profiles, but the 1010 with the edge trimming accessories works really well.  The 2200 is my favorite Festool -- in my opinion it is the best engineered Festool tool and one in which they got everything right.  It is a dream to use.

Scot

 

[Birdhunter]

@Birdhunter, you say that the Of1010 is limited to 1/4" bits but I understand it can also handle 8mm - I think you mean it can't handle 1/2" which is a big drawback (all my bits are 1/2")

You are correct. That's what I should have written. We in the USA don't see many 8mm shank bits. Don't even think about them as an option.

 

[Sparktrician]

I have no regrets about buying the OF 2200.  It's the absolute best for doing things like raised panels, stiles and rails, and table edges.  It is NOT, however the best all-around, one-size-fits-all router.  Each of the Festool routers has a "better" place of performance.  As an extreme example, I wouldn't consider using the OF 2200 to trim laminates or shelf edging, nor would I use the OF 1010 to do raised panels.  I never thought I'd use the OF 1010, but having found a reconditioned one, it's become my go-to router for dovetails and small projects where I want to do round-overs and the like.