tired of getting covered in dust by my PC router, which Festool router ????

[finishlinewood]

after routing recessed panels in MDF the other day,and getting me,and the shop covered in dust,I`m looking at a new router. I have 4 PC routers now[3-1 1/2 hp,and the 3 hp one],plus 3 PC  laminate trimmers. I`m looking for a plunge style router. I have a CT 22 dust extractor that I will use with the new router. What Festool router do you guys recommend for me ?

 

[ScotF]

I think it depends on the work, but all of the Festool routers are capable and have awesome dust collection.  If you need a production router to swing big bits you cannot go wrong with the OF2200.  The OF1010 is an awesome router that is smaller and lightweight and great for many tasks.  I do not own an OF1400 (have used it in Festool classes though) and this would be a good all around router if you are only looking to have one that can handle different bits (1/4, 8MM and 1/2 shank).  My personal favorite combo to handle all of my router needs is the OF2200 and OF1010.

Scot

 

[mlfaber]

What size bits do you have and use most?  The 1010 is fantastic at dust collection and bit sight.  However it cannot be used with half inch bits.  I also have the OF1400 and use that for half inch bits.  However, the DC is not as good as the 1010 in my opinion and you can't really see the bit.  It is also twice the heft of the 1010 if that is a consideration.  If it were me, maybe keep the larger PC and sell the 690's.  You can probably pay for most of the 1010 this way.  Also, the guide stop comes with the OF1010 if you are going to be using these with the guide rails.  With the 1400 you have to buy it separately.  Just my 2 cents.  My vote is for the OF1010.

 

[mlfaber]

after routing recessed panels in MDF the other day,and getting me,and the shop covered in dust,I`m looking at a new router. I have 4 PC routers now[3-1 1/2 hp,and the 3 hp one],plus 3 PC   laminate trimmers. I`m looking for a plunge style router. I have a CT 22 dust extractor that I will use with the new router. What Festool router do you guys recommend for me ?

By the way  [welcome]

 

[Alan m]

welcome to the forum.

the of1010 and of1400  have good dust colection. the 0f2200 has the best. .

 

[finishlinewood]

I use both 1/4" and 1/2" bits. For the larger bits [raised panel,etc] I use my larger PC in a router table. This router would mostly be used for edging solid surface tops,edging 1x material,fluting/recessed panels,etc

btw,thanks for the welcome,been a lurker for a while

 

[ScotF]

In this application I think that the 1010 would be perfect.  It has so many accessories that you can add to it to increase its versatility like the edging plate and angle arm to complete edging and the LR32 for hole boring.  Some of these accessories can also be used with the 1400, but it does weigh more.  The 1010 only takes 8mm and 1/4 shank bits, but for me this is really not a big deal as most profiles are readily available in 1/4 inch shank and can be found in 8mm through sources like Lee Valley or some of the dealers can get them in from makes like CMT.

A belated Welcome to the forum too -- missed it in my original post.

Scot

 

[Brice Burrell]

I use both 1/4" and 1/2" bits. For the larger bits [raised panel,etc] I use my larger PC in a router table. This router would mostly be used for edging solid surface tops,edging 1x material,fluting/recessed panels,etc

btw,thanks for the welcome,been a lurker for a while

If you already have a decent collection of the 1/2" bit I think you'll want to look at the 1400.

 

[Jaybolishes]

I have the 1400 and I went crazy and bought every attachment just about.  The amount of possibilities with this thing is just amazing and dust control is fantastic.  I really like the hand positioning after questioning it at first. Really like the knob to tighten the plunge, it's very handy and the ratcheting bit removal was a real plus after using my portercable for years. Now the PC stays in the router table.  I think the 1400 is the most versatile all around router.    Edging details, datos, hinge resets you name it just about I've done it, and the 1400 may be my favorite tool.  With all the attachments it got pricey, but it revolutionized the way I work with wood, and no dust. Using it with the rails makes datos a breeze. The 1400 comes with three collets too, so all your bits can be used.   Make sure you get the 36mm hose, really helps dust collection.  I think you can't go wrong with any of the routers but I'm very pleased.

 

[tvgordon]

After routing MDF was when I finally bought a Festool router (and then another!).

I have the 1010 and the 1400 and you will see a huge difference with either of them. When I first brought them home l used them on some MDF. There was little dust that didn't get sucked into the vac. So much better than the air and everything else covered in a fine dust. Plus they plunge smoother than my Makita, PC, DeWalt or Bosch routers.

I would say to get the 1400. It will handle the 1/2" bits and has more power than the 1010 but doesn't feel real big and heavy. I don't own a 2200 router so can't say how the dust collection would be if you mounted it in a router table like you do your PC routers. The 1400 is what is used in Festool's new router tables, so it should have enough power for what you're doing.

Tom

 

[finishlinewood]

thanks guys !

looks like a 1400 is in my future  [big grin]  BTW,I love both my ro125,and ets125. I,at first could not justify the added cost of the Festool tools,but after borrowing a friends sander and vacuum,I was convinced. I went out and bought a vacuum,and the 2 sanders. There is a difference that was noticeable the first few seconds that I used the tool

 

[zapdafish]

if you have a local dealer that carries them you can probably bring the bits you use and some scrap mdf and try out all 3 routers.

 

[finishlinewood]

my local shop that I buy a lot of tools/supplies from,has a Festool demo on Nov 9th,and 10th. Going to go and try out a few tools

 

[waho6o9]

Welcome to the forum!

The 1400 is a great router and you'll love the way it works.
Maybe check out the other routers as well.

 

[cgmojoco]

I have the 2200 and 1010.

2200 is a FERRARI---so many amazing features.

Until the 1400 is upgraded with those features (which would make the best router for the price if price remained the same)---I'll continue to recommend the 2200.

The weight/mass is actually a great thing (it helps on both ends of the spectrum---small detailed stuff benefits from the mass as does large bit routing... ) and the dust collection are amazing.  The balance on the thing is AMAZING.

You can use a 1/2, 8mm or 1/4 shank though with the 1/4 shank you better know what you are doing as that router has way to much power for 1/4 and you will have to make adjustments to your pressure and/or speed. 

Which is where the 1010 comes in as a better option for such things...and the 1010 can do everything that the 2200 can't (operates vertical)---aside from the one handed trimming the 700 can do (you can still trim 1010 but it is a little more setup).

Get ready for an expensive ride that will give you what you just can't find anywhere else.

All that said, the 2200 might be to much for most people---you can get by with 1400 and save some bucks its a good all around router.

Christopher

 

[ScotF]

I have the 2200 and 1010.

2200 is a FERRARI---so many amazing features.

Until the 1400 is upgraded with those features (which would make the best router for the price if price remained the same)---I'll continue to recommend the 2200.

The weight/mass is actually a great thing (it helps on both ends of the spectrum---small detailed stuff benefits from the mass as does large bit routing... ) and the dust collection are amazing.   The balance on the thing is AMAZING.

You can use a 1/2, 8mm or 1/4 shank though with the 1/4 shank you better know what you are doing as that router has way to much power for 1/4 and you will have to make adjustments to your pressure and/or speed. 

Which is where the 1010 comes in as a better option for such things...and the 1010 can do everything that the 2200 can't (operates vertical)---aside from the one handed trimming the 700 can do (you can still trim 1010 but it is a little more setup).

Get ready for an expensive ride that will give you what you just can't find anywhere else.

All that said, the 2200 might be to much for most people---you can get by with 1400 and save some bucks its a good all around router.

Christopher

+1...I agree 100 percent with Christopher.

Scot

 

[Realnate]

It sounds like the 1400 would be a great fit for you. It will handle the 1/2" bits you already have, without the extreme weight of the 2200. There is definitely a place for the 2200, but most people just don't need it. The 1400 operates better than most other manufacturer's 3hp routers.