Should I upgrade my router?

[presidentsdad]

Hey all, I realize I'm asking this on the Festool owners forum, but I have a few $$ burning a hole in my pocket and I'm trying to decide whether or not to upgrade my router (or should I upgrade to another tool).  I have a Milwaukee 5616-24 2.25HP plunge and fixed base router and it seems to work fine, but I'm thinking about upgrading to an OF1400 and wonder if that is a good idea or if I should save my $$ for another upgrade for something else.  I like the idea of using this on my existing Festool guide rails and the ease of centering on a mark.  Also, I like the ergonomics and dust collection as well.  But...there is really nothing wrong with my current router other than the centering task is not as slick, dust collection leaves a bit to be desired and I'd have to purchase a Micro Fence to be able to use it on my rails. 

Thoughts on moving from the Milwaukee 2.25HP router to the OF1400?  Thanks in advance. 

Added later after the original question asked:

I should have mentioned that I already have a DF700.  Also I have a Milwaukee 5625 in my router table with Incra lift and a 1/4" DeWalt cordless palm router.  As far as the benefits of the OF 1400 would bring over the Milwaukee 5616...Mainly looking for ease of setup and use, but the generous amount of accessories available for the Festool certainly would not hurt.  The 5616 I have is not bad, just looking to see if I can get something that would work better for me.  Given the expense, I wanted to get some opinions before I took the plunge (or not).  I got the 5616 as a birthday present, so I could sell it and upgrade to the Festool OF1400 if y'all that that will be a better option for me.

 

[Birdhunter]

Buy a Domino. Big game changer. All routers route. Dominos join in a new way.

 

[rst]

I have at least 15 routers if I could only have one it would be the 1400.  However, if you do not have a Domino...get one.

 

[mkasdin]

Buy a Domino. Big game changer. All routers route. Dominos join in a new way.

it’s nice to have a small router that you can leave the bit in until the job is over for sure. I have a small 1/4” Dewalt. I would either get Dewalt or Bosch colt with a fixed base only. I bought the of1010 then returned it 2 days later. I got a Bosch 1617evs router to mount in a table. I then exchanged the router for a domino df-500.  I was planning on using the Festool OF1010 router to do joinery -rabbet and dados. The two are similar but different enough. There are plenty of routers, but one domino. It’s an expensive price of admission, but should last for years.

 

[aloysius]

What's wrong with your existing router, & why would you think a new Festool router would be better?

 

[peter halle]

You will end up with multiple routers - that is just a fact.

What does the 1400 bring to the table?  Accuracy.  When I bought mine a decade ago is was all about the accessories that completed it.  A router is a router.  Some have more features than others.  Some plunge better.

The 1400 has variable speed.  It has the ability to ride a guiderail.  The guiderail can use stops for stopped dadoes.  There is an edge trimming attachment.  It collects dust in most situations really well.  Attachments can be used in multiple ways ( guide rail adaptor as an outrigger handle.

When I bought mine these things weren't available from other manufacturers.  I have been so happy with mine that I have not kept up with what is offered by others now.

I never have regretted my purchase.

Peter

 

[presidentsdad]

Added additional info to the OP above.

 

[xedos]

What does the 1400 bring to the table?  Accuracy

Afraid I have to disagree.  How or why is it more accurate ?  With the problems some units have with centering a guide bushing , I'd say it's more inaccurate. 

The other features you mention are all available from other makers, and are sometimes better executed.  A guide rail adapter can be made quickly for pretty much any router.

pres' dad - I would steer you away from the 1400 given what you have already.  If you really want a festool router I think the 1010 makes more sense to compliment what you have.    Or even the 2200.  Ergonomics are the only real differentiator for the OF1010 & 1400.  And that's if you like the handle.  Unless your primary goal is a collection, you should think about what a new router is going to accomplish for you that you don't already have capability for. 

I'll will tell you I wished I had bought a palm router sooner.  Use my DW611 a lot more than expected.

Domino can be extremely handy , but it's not a game changer for me in any stretch of the imagination.  I love using it, but I just don't make things requiring mortises to justify its expense for time savings.  But I knew that going in.  It's a nice addition to my "collection" and it's purchase didn't keep me from getting something else I may have used more.

 

[Birdhunter]

If you already have a Domino, look at the Mafell DDF40 dowel machine. Amazing tool.extreme precision in a tool that is beautifully made and works perfectly.

 

[blues]

If you already have a Domino, look at the Mafell DDF40 dowel machine. Amazing tool.extreme precision in a tool that is beautifully made and works perfectly.

Fully agree with this suggestion. DDF40 is a fantastic machine. But does not replace the 700 Domino. They compliment each other so well.

 

[Cheese]

I own a Milwaukee 5616-21 BodyGrip® router. I purchased it back in 2003, long before they offered a plunge base for it. When they finally offered a plunge base 5-7 years later I then purchased the base.

I like the router a lot especially for doing round overs. You put your hand around the body and slip the strap around the back of your palm and the router literally becomes an extension of your hand. A really nice router.  [smile]

The 2 things I don't like is the lack of dust collection and the plunge base is horrific...it's absolutely horrible. It's clunky, it doesn't operate smoothly and takes a considerable amount of force to plunge the router.

Because of the horrible ergonomics and plunge action of the Milwaukee plunge base I decided to purchase an OF 1400. That 1400 is a dream to use...it really is. But it gets better...

I also purchased an OF 1010 and I like that router a lot more than the 1400. It's my go-to router for 70% of everything I do. It's my favorite by far. You just have to get beyond that "1/2 inch bit syndrome". That's the reason I purchased the 1400 because I had all of these 1/2" router bits, but once you start to use the 1/4" or 8 mm bits you'll find you enjoy using them more than the 1/2" bits.

If I were you, I'd pony up for a 1010 but still keep the Milwaukee BodyGrip® for the odd 1/2" router bit project.

 

[presidentsdad]

I own a Milwaukee 5616-21 BodyGrip® router. I purchased it back in 2003, long before they offered a plunge base for it. When they finally offered a plunge base 5-7 years later I then purchased the base.

I like the router a lot especially for doing round overs. You put your hand around the body and slip the strap around the back of your palm and the router literally becomes an extension of your hand. A really nice router.  [smile]

The 2 things I don't like is the lack of dust collection and the plunge base is horrific...it's absolutely horrible. It's clunky, it doesn't operate smoothly and takes a considerable amount of force to plunge the router.

Because of the horrible ergonomics and plunge action of the Milwaukee plunge base I decided to purchase an OF 1400. That 1400 is a dream to use...it really is. But it gets better...

I also purchased an OF 1010 and I like that router a lot more than the 1400. It's my go-to router for 70% of everything I do. It's my favorite by far. You just have to get beyond that "1/2 inch bit syndrome". That's the reason I purchased the 1400 because I had all of these 1/2" router bits, but once you start to use the 1/4" or 8 mm bits you'll find you enjoy using them more than the 1/2" bits.

If I were you, I'd pony up for a 1010 but still keep the Milwaukee BodyGrip® for the odd 1/2" router bit project.

Unless Festool is getting ready to come out with a new model, I think the OF 1010 has been discontinued.  It's no longer on their website.  Having said that....the power difference between the 1400 and 1010, is there that big of a difference?

 

[PeterJJames13]

I own a Milwaukee 5616-21 BodyGrip® router. I purchased it back in 2003, long before they offered a plunge base for it. When they finally offered a plunge base 5-7 years later I then purchased the base.

I like the router a lot especially for doing round overs. You put your hand around the body and slip the strap around the back of your palm and the router literally becomes an extension of your hand. A really nice router.  [smile]

The 2 things I don't like is the lack of dust collection and the plunge base is horrific...it's absolutely horrible. It's clunky, it doesn't operate smoothly and takes a considerable amount of force to plunge the router.

Because of the horrible ergonomics and plunge action of the Milwaukee plunge base I decided to purchase an OF 1400. That 1400 is a dream to use...it really is. But it gets better...

I also purchased an OF 1010 and I like that router a lot more than the 1400. It's my go-to router for 70% of everything I do. It's my favorite by far. You just have to get beyond that "1/2 inch bit syndrome". That's the reason I purchased the 1400 because I had all of these 1/2" router bits, but once you start to use the 1/4" or 8 mm bits you'll find you enjoy using them more than the 1/2" bits.

If I were you, I'd pony up for a 1010 but still keep the Milwaukee BodyGrip® for the odd 1/2" router bit project.

Unless Festool is getting ready to come out with a new model, I think the OF 1010 has been discontinued.  It's no longer on their website.  Having said that....the power difference between the 1400 and 1010, is there that big of a difference?

I don't think the 1010 is being discontinued - they're probably just changing the model number and putting it in the new style systainer. As far as power, I don't find the 1010 underpowered, but one thing to keep in mind is it does not take 1/2" shank router bits. I started with the 1400 for that reason alone, but eventually did buy the 1010 as well. Food for thought.....

 

[peter halle]

The 1010 is not discontinued.  That was reported here last week.  Changeover to new Systainer style caused disappearance from website.  I wouldn't be at all surprised that there are some supply chain and shipping delays - but that aspect is my opinion.

Peter

 

[afish]

Yea, sorry I have to agree with those that dont see the value in Festool routers.  The only festool router I see worth the premium is the MFK but its very specific (in my opinion) and not worth it unless you are trimming 100's of feet of edge banding.  I posted in the other thread (how many routers do you have) but my favorite routers are Dewalt DW621 for plunge router (the trigger takes a little getting used too) but the dust collection was ahead of its time.  For basic edge profiling (roundovers, chamfers, ogees etc.) a D-handle router is by far my favorite. The ergonomics of a D-handle are unmatched (in my opinion) and either a cordless trim router (dewalt or makita) depending on what batteries you already have.  Im tiered of waiting for a D-handle cordless router so I have been thinking about trying to make a d-handle rig for one of my dewalt cordless trimmers as a prototype.  I subscribe to the buy several cheaper routers or something like a domino.  However this depends on what you build or needs are.  Every woodworker has his or her own process and needs based on there primary tasks or builds.  This is one area where one size does not fit all. 

 

[xedos]

These might interest you
https://www.fastcap.com/product/little-lipper
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/12v-max-routers-gkf12v-25n-196784-p/

 

[Stone Message]

I think it has been mentioned above and I would suggest the excellent OF1010 as long as you have or are prepared to get either 1/4" or 8 mm shank cutters. As far as I know there is no 1/2" collet for this router, certainly Festool do not offer one.

The OF1400 will have a 1/2" collet but you would have to buy other size collets if you need them. Thye dust collection arrangements are nowhere near as good as the OF2200 or OF1010.

If you really want a direct replacement for your current router then get the beautiful OF2200. I love it but it is quite big. I will show a picture of a very small carriage clock (about 3" tall) with all routing done freehand with the OF2200.

I have no idea what woodworking you do but, for me, the OF1010 is the handy and efficient little router that I use over 80% of the time. Dust collection is brilliant.

Peter

 

[afish]

These might interest you
https://www.fastcap.com/product/little-lipper
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/12v-max-routers-gkf12v-25n-196784-p/

Thanks, Im familiar with both.  I had passed on the little lipper for a couple reasons.  1. the dust collection, usually i'm not so picky on dust collection for a router but when routing horizontally the chips are flying up right at your face, sure I could have come up with some type of solution but the micro adjust, 1.5 bevel, and general fit and finish of the MFK made it the obvious choice for me.

The Bosch router is interesting but I hate having multiple battery platforms and while the style looks like it might be comfortable. It still looks like it falls short of D-handle for comfort and convenience.  To be fair I haven't ever used one but there is something about the D-handle.  The natural angle of your wrist and arm when using it, the control you have by having a good size handle that you can grab securely instead of a couple knobs, The angle and vertical orientation of the handle also makes it easy to keep the roter flat on the workpiece one handed not sure how to describe it but if you pick up a router with a different type of handle or knob and try and hold it out in front of you and twist the router as if you were trying to keep the base level you will instantly know what I'm saying, and the trigger that just naturally falls into perfect position everytime you pick it up. No reaching or looking around for a on off switch or needing two hands to turn it on.  Its like picking up a gun the trigger is just there.  It all sounds small and insignificant but everything combined it makes a difference in user speed, control and comfort.  All of which I'm a fan of.  However Im sure there are some that dont like it too, everyone is different and I wouldnt only want D-handle router either. Alot depends on the individual and the task.