Some Direction Needed

[Joemac]

Well I just got on to the slippery slope of Festool and am in deep doo-doo.  I just started "chippin" with an ETS 150/5 and of course I needed some dust collection so I had "Uncle Bob" include a CT22.  Well, before I could even unpack those, I came across a used Domino which was reasonably priced.  Then I came upon a guy with a used TS55 for a very good price.  Did I mention he had a MFT 1080 for a decent price that followed me home as well?

Now to the conundrum.  I really like the 1400 EQ and was thinking of getting it for SWMBO as a Christmas present figuring it would beat the fire extinguisher and vice I got her for her birthday last year.  Did I mention that she isn't in to tools so I had to mount the fire extinguisher and vice in my shop just so it wouldn't go to seed?  Anyway, I am going far afield, to the point:

The fellow that sold me the used tools has a 1010 EQ in excellent condition that he will sell to me for $225 but as I said, I like the 1400 EQ.  If I get the 1010, will I be disappointed?  Since my tool budget broke the bank and spent the kid's college fund I can't get both.

Should I get the 1010 or wait & get the 1400 in a few months?

 

[Corwin]

Welcome, and when I was growing up my mom also often received tools for Christmas.  But somehow she seemed to understand.

On the routers; you will most likely get replies both ways as each can have its own advantages.  Mainly, the smaller router is just that -- smaller, lighter and easier to handle, or so I hear...  But the larger one has some nice(r) features and accepts 1/2" bits.

Corwin

 

[bluehaze013]

Just went through this, essentially the 1400 has nicer features than the 1010, ratcheting spindle, better guide stop, takes 1/2 inch bits, has more power. The only drawbacks are it is bigger, heavier and doesn't have the builtin dust collection like the 1010. I ended up going with the 1400 because I am primarily using it with the rails and all my bits currently are 1/2 inch. If I already had a collection of 1/4 inch bits and was going to be doing alot of freehand routing I would have went with the 1010. I will probably be adding the 1010 to the collection sometime in the future but if I could only have one it would definitely be the 1400.

 

[Eli]

bigger and heavier of course is relative. I generally use the 1400 one handed.

 

[Brice Burrell]

  Joe that is a good price for the 1010, buy it, because you know you're going to end up with both routers at some point.  ;D

  No really, without knowing what your needs are it is hard to recommend the correct tool. I own both the 1010 and the 1400, here are some of my thoughts. I really like the small size of the 1010. I would use the 1010 even more if it had the tooless chip catcher/copying ring removal. I consider both the 1010 and 1400 to be handheld routers. So the extra power of the 1400 really isn't needed for hand routing, you aren't likely to be using large bits that require the power of the 1400. Another big plus of the 1010, it comes with the guide rail adapter and the edge guide, they are not included with the 1400. But as others have noted the 1010 doesn't accept 1/2" bits, this may be an issue for you.

  So why buy the 1400 other than it takes 1/2" bits, one word: refinement! The 1400 is simply the most refind router I've ever owned. The ratcheting spindle lock, tooless chip catcher/copying ring removal and the 1400's accessories are more refined as well, like the guide rail adapter and edge guide.

My 2 cents. Good luck with your decision and welcome to the slope.

 

[PeterK]

Routers are like clamps - you can never have too many!!!
You will find usage for it as well as the 1400.
Pete

 

[Amateur]

Hi Joe,
I have never owned a router, and really don't know how much I will use a router, so I purchased the 1010. For the price and condition I say buy the 1010.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Get the 1100 unless you already have a whole bunch of 1/2' shank bits.

 

[Joemac]

Get the 1100 unless you already have a whole bunch of 1/2' shank bits.

About 2/3 of my bits are 1/2" however I have some unique 1/4" bits.  I guess that I'll have to start walking the alleys looking for aluminum cans to raise the tariff  and get both.  But then again, how do I sneak yet another tool past the eagle eye of LOML?  Perhaps I can do it on the 31st of this month when she will be out flying around on her broom! :

 

[Eli]

Maybe you can convince her she needs a CT22 to fly around on.

 

[neoshed]

seems like you've been getting overly lucky with bargain festool purchases mate.......do me a favour and let me have this one  ;D

 

[Joemac]

seems like you've been getting overly lucky with bargain festool purchases mate.......do me a favour and let me have this one  ;D

I thought I put you on to the TS75 at a decent price.  No?

 

[neoshed]

ah......yes you did mate.....but no reply from the bloke

I did score a mft today though......now all I need is a saw to cut on it

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  I have the 1400.  I think the 1400 is  a better choice for all around versatility. That extra power is nice when routing dadoes and grooves. It is also more refined and I feel has better features. Everything that goes in or on it is quick and easy to change making it hassle free to go from one type of set up to another. Also I use it for edging and lighter duty stuff all the time. The design is so good that it does not seem like it is as heavy as it is. It wil run your 1/4" and 1/2' bits as well.
I am sure they are both great routers  , but if you are going to have just one then in my opinion the OF1400 is the way to go.

Seth