Systainer Label for Dewalt Compact Router Kit

[jbasen]

I've had a Dewalt compact router kit for a while and I finally decided to store it in a systainer.  I really like the built in LED's when you are working freehand and the dust extraction is pretty good with my Festool Mini.  Attached is the label I put together for the Systainer.

Enjoy

Jay

 

[neeleman]

Why do people always use the Festool labels for other brand of tools.
Doesn't look logical to me.

Here is an all DeWalt label.

 

[jbasen]

Why do people always use the Festool labels for other brand of tools.
Doesn't look logical to me.

You bring up a very valid point.  I threw my label together in just a couple of minutes with minimal changes to a Festool label I already had.  Here is a revised version in pdf format that incorporates the Dewalt elements that you used.  This is in PDF format that will automatically print to the proper label size for a Systainer. 

Jay

 

[gkaiseril]

Why do people always use the Festool labels for other brand of tools.
Doesn't look logical to me.

Not everyone has an image editor or knows how to use one.

The UK Festool site has an editable PDF form than can have an image and text added, but it is branded and the bottom with Festool.

That form can be edited if one has Adobe LiveCycle installed on their computer but the Festool branding cannot.

 

[jbasen]

So lets see the Systainer.   This is one of only a few tools I haven't moved into one.

Ask and ye shall receive  [smile]

I just used some Kaizen foam to hold things in place.

Jay

 

[wow]

Which Systainer did you use to allow them to stand upright like that?

 

[jbasen]

It is a Sys 4.  With all the pieces and the dust ports I didn't see a way to fit everything in laying down.  It worked best for me since it sits next to my OF1400; which is also in a Sys 4.

Jay

 

[BUTTER]

What are your thoughts on that Dewalt 611?  I'm particularly interested in your experience of dust collection and plunge settings vs your OF1400.

(I have an OF1010 now, and am considering a 1400, as well as an additional small router for hardware and site work.)

 

[jbasen]

I can't give you a lot of feedback because I bought the 611 for a very specific purpose, to hand cut inlays.  The dust collection with the shrouds is OK and I really like the LED that allows me to better see what I'm doing.  When I looked at small routers for inlay cutting the Dewalt was one of the very few with an LED.  With inlays I'm not pushing the router hard so I can't give you a lot of feedback on what you would experience on a job site.

Hope this helps.

Jay

 

[Brentley]

Are you using the fixed base dust collection?  How well does it really work?  What Festool parts did you use to connect?

 

[jbasen]

I have the dust collector shrouds for both the fixed base and the plunge base.  They are decently designed and work OK.  The issue with using them with a Festool dust extractor is that the hose connection consists of two plastic tubes; one inside the other.  This way different diameter dust collector hoses will fit one tube or the other.  The inner tube's OD is a perfect fit for inside the tool end of a 27mm hose.  The problem is that Festool tool end is too thick to fit between the inner and outer tube of the dewalt dust shroud so it only goes on about 1/4".  I hope this makes sense.  I realize it is tough to visualize.  If you are willing to cut away the outer tube with a hack saw it would work perfectly.

I tend to use the plunge base or the fixed base without the shroud.  This isn't because of the plunge feature but because the dust shroud on the fixed base router, even though it is clear plastic, totally blocks your view of the workpiece. 

Hope this helps

Jay

 

[justinh]

The 611 is an excellent little router.  I have 2 set up for general edge and freehand hardware work on site and 2 of the Porter Cable 450s set up with plunge bases for hardware with templates.  The 450 is the same router without the LED or variable speed.  The DC on a template is decent. No dust really makes it out of the pocket and not enough builds up in the pocket to interfere with either a collar or bearing.  The bases of the 611 and 450 are interchangeable.

To make the dust shroud work with a CT you need to cut off the outer ring on the shroud.  Its easy enough and takes about 5 minutes.  The dust shrouds nearly block the sight lines which is not a big deal on a template but makes it impossible to creep up on a line for free hand mortises so in that application I leave them off.  On the fixed base with the shroud for edges the DC is about the same as a 1010.  Some dust gets out especially if climb cutting.

My only real complaint with the router is the edge guide.  It is a pain to attach and it is very easy to strip either of the 2 attachment screws when doing so.  An edge guide is usually not a big deal with a trim router but I use it to set the hinge back set when I cut them free hand.

 

[jdw101]

I put mine into a systainer 2 but it's not using foam, just basically fitting it in there like a jigsaw puzzle.  I ordered the black and yellow from Lee Valley so it would look like a dewalt box.  Will upload a photo once the new box shows up.  May even try the foam route if I can figure out how to get it all in.  I have all the accessories so it's a tight fit even willy nilly like I have in the sys 2 currently.

 

[don4logo]

Can you tell me how you connected your router to your dust extractor? I have the same dewalt compact unit (both with the fixed base and the plunge), and I also have a Festool extractor with the stock green hose. Thanks for your help!