Alright folks, confession time. I’ve somehow managed to own every Festool router available in North America. Not all at once, mind you—this was a slow, winding journey fueled by equal parts curiosity, admiration, and a stubborn commitment to keeping a “minimalist” workshop. (Minimalist in theory, not in practice, apparently.)
It all started innocently enough with the OF 1010. Great little machine. Precise, smooth, reliable. But the lack of 1/2-inch bits bugged me, so naturally, I had to get the 1400. The moment I pulled it out of the box, though, I realized my “one router only” rule was about to ruin my day. I told myself I didn’t need two, so the 1010 had to go. Space is tight, I’m a hobbyist, and I only want tools that see 90-95% use. The rest I can work around. So off the 1010 went.
Then came the 1400’s revenge. It’s a great router, but in my hands, a bit top-heavy and wobbly for edge work. One expensive mistake later, I panic-bought the OF 2200. What a machine. Smooth, powerful, feels like you could mill a barn door out of granite. I was in love… so much so that I sold the 1400.
But soon I started missing the smaller, lighter feel of the 1010. So naturally, I bought it again. That’s about when DeWalt dropped the DCW620—cordless, light, shaped like a mini 2200, with a click-in dust hood. It felt like they’d read my mind. I caved and grabbed one almost immediately.
But tired of using a chisel or a file for edge banding, then came the MFK 700. And let me tell you, that thing stole the show. For edge banding, edge profiling, and back panel grooves, it’s perfect—light, comfortable, and dials in like a dream. Before long, the 1010 was back on the chopping block (again). Sold it. This time for good, I swore.
So now the lineup stands: MFK 700 for edge banding and small-bit tasks, DCW620 for cordless convenience and flexibility, and the mighty 2200—permanently attached upside-down to a bench, working as a table router. I love that beast, but here’s the truth: my bit collection doesn’t come close to pushing it to its limits. When I reach for a router, it’s almost always the MFK or the DeWalt. The 2200 mostly sits there, surrounded by its large systainer plus that of its accessories I thought I’d need but, aside from the edge guide, never do.
Which brings me to the conundrum. If the 2200 is going to live under a table forever, is it overkill? Would I be better off selling it (and those accessories no one seems to want -tried to sell them and failed) and investing in a dedicated lift, plate, and motor setup instead of pretending the 2200 is happy living upside down?
I’m torn. The space-conscious side of me says simplify. The tool admirer in me says the 2200 deserves better. The practical side says I should stop overthinking and just build something.
So I’m throwing this one to the group: What would you do? Keep the 2200 and make peace with it as a table router, or sell it and go with a proper lift setup? I’d love to hear your thoughts, wisdom, or even just a good laugh at my router saga.
Thanks in advance—and please, go easy on me. I realize this might be the most “Festool owner” problem ever.
It all started innocently enough with the OF 1010. Great little machine. Precise, smooth, reliable. But the lack of 1/2-inch bits bugged me, so naturally, I had to get the 1400. The moment I pulled it out of the box, though, I realized my “one router only” rule was about to ruin my day. I told myself I didn’t need two, so the 1010 had to go. Space is tight, I’m a hobbyist, and I only want tools that see 90-95% use. The rest I can work around. So off the 1010 went.
Then came the 1400’s revenge. It’s a great router, but in my hands, a bit top-heavy and wobbly for edge work. One expensive mistake later, I panic-bought the OF 2200. What a machine. Smooth, powerful, feels like you could mill a barn door out of granite. I was in love… so much so that I sold the 1400.
But soon I started missing the smaller, lighter feel of the 1010. So naturally, I bought it again. That’s about when DeWalt dropped the DCW620—cordless, light, shaped like a mini 2200, with a click-in dust hood. It felt like they’d read my mind. I caved and grabbed one almost immediately.
But tired of using a chisel or a file for edge banding, then came the MFK 700. And let me tell you, that thing stole the show. For edge banding, edge profiling, and back panel grooves, it’s perfect—light, comfortable, and dials in like a dream. Before long, the 1010 was back on the chopping block (again). Sold it. This time for good, I swore.
So now the lineup stands: MFK 700 for edge banding and small-bit tasks, DCW620 for cordless convenience and flexibility, and the mighty 2200—permanently attached upside-down to a bench, working as a table router. I love that beast, but here’s the truth: my bit collection doesn’t come close to pushing it to its limits. When I reach for a router, it’s almost always the MFK or the DeWalt. The 2200 mostly sits there, surrounded by its large systainer plus that of its accessories I thought I’d need but, aside from the edge guide, never do.
Which brings me to the conundrum. If the 2200 is going to live under a table forever, is it overkill? Would I be better off selling it (and those accessories no one seems to want -tried to sell them and failed) and investing in a dedicated lift, plate, and motor setup instead of pretending the 2200 is happy living upside down?
I’m torn. The space-conscious side of me says simplify. The tool admirer in me says the 2200 deserves better. The practical side says I should stop overthinking and just build something.
So I’m throwing this one to the group: What would you do? Keep the 2200 and make peace with it as a table router, or sell it and go with a proper lift setup? I’d love to hear your thoughts, wisdom, or even just a good laugh at my router saga.
Thanks in advance—and please, go easy on me. I realize this might be the most “Festool owner” problem ever.
