What do you like most about Festool routers?

[live4ever]

TS?  Game-changer.
Domino?  Game-changer.
Kapex?  For the right user, game-changer.
Rotex sanders?  Game-changers.

Most of the Festools I own or am considering are ones where the financial outlay is clearly for a tool that is revolutionary, in usually more ways than one (dustlessness, function, versatility, noise/smoothness, etc.).

I'm wondering about the Festool routers.  What do you really find to be the most enjoyable aspects of your Festool routers?  I imagine the dust collection is probably #1 on most users' list (and yes, that's worth quite a bit to me), but is there anything else?  Sell me. 

 

[jmbfestool]

OF2200 - Game changer for any user!  

What I like most about the router?!   POWER!!!!! [jawdrop]

Oh and dust extraction is AMAZING!

 

[peter halle]

For me,  in no particular order,

1. Dust collection
2.  Ratcheting collet
3.  Micro adjust
4.  Availability of accessories and integration into the system.  Rail adaptor, LR 32, MFS

Just a well engineered tool and once again does what you need it to do without a whole lot of fussing around.

Peter

 

[Rembo]

a router, which I took from Festool - 2200 .. but very expensive to get around this Makita RP 2300 FC.
under the table is on the elevator Makita 3612c (a ax!))
in the hands of Makita rp 1110 c.
I can buy another 2 mill to get closer to the price OF 2200  [big grin]

 

[Waka]

I think first and foremost is the dust extraction, followed by the fine adjustment capability and then the bit changes with the ratchet mechanism.

I also like the fact that it becomes more than just a router, its part of a bigger system.

 

[richard.selwyn]

I only have the 1010 and the 1400 and the  old model ofk 700 or whatever its called for edgebanding, but what I like best is that they are excellent examples of the system approach - that and the dust extraction.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I have the 1010, the 1400, and the 2200.  I enjoy them all, especially the dust collection.  The convenience of the ratchet is a joy.  But in my line, furniture making, I can't see any of them as a 'game changer' the way the ts or the domino is.

 

[tiralie]

Dust collection and accuracy i.e. no run out.
When you cut a 18mm dado it's a 18mm,  not 18 at the beginning and 20 in the middle and 19 at the end.
Tim

 

[mouppe]

I have the 1400. It's the only router I use now. I use it as a plunge router, in a CMS table, for inlay, with an edge guide, with the MFT and guide rail. It takes, 1/4" and 1/2" bits. I have all the bases for it. It does everything and it does it well. It's all you'll ever need.

One systainer for the router, and one for the accessories. Neat and tidy. Done and dusted.

The only dust connected with a router in my workshop is the dust being collecting by my PC router in some dark corner somewhere.

 

[semenza]

+1 on the DC. It really works and is not an add on after thought.  Actually all the attachments and adjustments. I  like that everything is made to fit and is easy on / easy off. 

Smooth power.

Seth

 

[mastercabman]

I like the "new festool router smell"

 

[Brice Burrell]

For me,  in no particular order,

1. Dust collection
2.  Ratcheting collet
3.  Micro adjust
4.  Availability of accessories and integration into the system.  Rail adaptor, LR 32, MFS

Just a well engineered tool and once again does what you need it to do without a whole lot of fussing around.

Peter

Their router accessories set Festool apart from the others.  Plexiglass template, LR32, MFS, edging plate just to name a few.

 

[peter halle]

Brice is right!  Again.  And again....

Look at other router manufacturers and their offerings are limited.  Others rely on the aftermarket suppliers.  Festool designs the accessories during the development process of their routers.  Much moire versatile in my opinion.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

I only have the 1010 now. I love it.
1) dust collection
2) weight
3) ease of use and adj
4) all the attachments/ versatility

 

[fshanno]

What I like most about my 1400 is the smooth plunge.  With the 1010 and 1400 you get the smoothest plunge I've seen.  You can easily plunge these routers with one hand.  With one finger really.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Back in 2006 before I knew Festools existed, I owned several routers ranging from 500 watts to 1900 watts. Several could use collets from 1/4" to 1/2" but none could plunge.

Days after I bought my first TS55 and CT22, having studied the 2006 Festool catalog, I bought an OF1010 and the LR32 set in a Systainer along with a 1080mm Holy Rail. All I was expecting was decent plunge action and round holes.

The more I used that OF1010, the better I liked it. Within a couple of months I bought a second OF1010 so I could leave the first one dedicated to the LR32 system. Subsequently I have bought many more OF1010. By the way, the first of those still is used for 5mm hole drilling several days a week without ever needing Festool service.

Sometime in early 2006 I bought a more powerful Festool router, which I believe was an OF2200. I now own another OF2200 vintage 2009. Both get a lot of use hand held. What I love about the OF2200 is that it runs so true without vibration and has the soft start, with excellent dust collection. I prefer the mass, which I believe makes those perform best for me.

When the OF1400 came out I bought one, hoping it would take over some duties of the OF1010. Honestly I think if a person only could have one router the OF1400 is a swell choice, but to me it will always be a compromise.

When the MFK700 came out I started buying those for various trim functions. I keep each of mine set up with different bases and associated bits, so we can go from one function to another without delay re-setting a cutter.

Yet, in all of my router tables I use conventional PC 7518 routers, which have made me a lot of money. Funny thing is I never like the 7518 on a base as a hand-held router.

 

[waho6o9]

+1 for dust extraction and I like the fact that they are so well made. Festool precision rocks.  [smile]

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Dust collection, smoothness of operation, ergonomics (the 2200 is the best in this area), smooth plunge, power, the nifty depth stop on the OF2200 with the 2mm offset, acessories galore and this is just to name a few things...

Scot

 

[live4ever]

Back in 2006 before I knew Festools existed, I owned several routers ranging from 500 watts to 1900 watts. Several could use collets from 1/4" to 1/2" but none could plunge.

Days after I bought my first TS55 and CT22, having studied the 2006 Festool catalog, I bought an OF1010 and the LR32 set in a Systainer along with a 1080mm Holy Rail. All I was expecting was decent plunge action and round holes.

The more I used that OF1010, the better I liked it. Within a couple of months I bought a second OF1010 so I could leave the first one dedicated to the LR32 system. Subsequently I have bought many more OF1010. By the way, the first of those still is used for 5mm hole drilling several days a week without ever needing Festool service.

Sometime in early 2006 I bought a more powerful Festool router, which I believe was an OF2200. I now own another OF2200 vintage 2009. Both get a lot of use hand held. What I love about the OF2200 is that it runs so true without vibration and has the soft start, with excellent dust collection. I prefer the mass, which I believe makes those perform best for me.

When the OF1400 came out I bought one, hoping it would take over some duties of the OF1010. Honestly I think if a person only could have one router the OF1400 is a swell choice, but to me it will always be a compromise.

When the MFK700 came out I started buying those for various trim functions. I keep each of mine set up with different bases and associated bits, so we can go from one function to another without delay re-setting a cutter.

Yet, in all of my router tables I use conventional PC 7518 routers, which have made me a lot of money. Funny thing is I never like the 7518 on a base as a hand-held router.

I always enjoy your Festories...I have a mental image of you reading to children (Festool newbies) from the Fesbook.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Back in 2006 before I knew Festools existed, I owned several routers ranging from 500 watts to 1900 watts. Several could use collets from 1/4" to 1/2" but none could plunge.

Days after I bought my first TS55 and CT22, having studied the 2006 Festool catalog, I bought an OF1010 and the LR32 set in a Systainer along with a 1080mm Holy Rail. All I was expecting was decent plunge action and round holes.

The more I used that OF1010, the better I liked it. Within a couple of months I bought a second OF1010 so I could leave the first one dedicated to the LR32 system. Subsequently I have bought many more OF1010. By the way, the first of those still is used for 5mm hole drilling several days a week without ever needing Festool service.

Sometime in early 2006 I bought a more powerful Festool router, which I believe was an OF2200. I now own another OF2200 vintage 2009. Both get a lot of use hand held. What I love about the OF2200 is that it runs so true without vibration and has the soft start, with excellent dust collection. I prefer the mass, which I believe makes those perform best for me.

When the OF1400 came out I bought one, hoping it would take over some duties of the OF1010. Honestly I think if a person only could have one router the OF1400 is a swell choice, but to me it will always be a compromise.

When the MFK700 came out I started buying those for various trim functions. I keep each of mine set up with different bases and associated bits, so we can go from one function to another without delay re-setting a cutter.

Yet, in all of my router tables I use conventional PC 7518 routers, which have made me a lot of money. Funny thing is I never like the 7518 on a base as a hand-held router.

I always enjoy your Festories...I have a mental image of you reading to children (Festool newbies) from the Fesbook.

[big grin]

Carroll, now you know what you'll be doing at FOG FEST 2012, except replace the word children with us.