what next: (or which router?)

mavrick1903

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Joined
Jan 22, 2007
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141
Considering a festool router. I have a DW618 in a table, and dont care to move it. I've got a DW616 for light work, dovetail jig, etc. I'd like to use a router with the rail, even more so for LR32. likely one of the biggest is for edge trimming.

SO: 1010
cons: no 1/2" bits; no ratcheting collet

1400
cons: 9+ lbs in weight.

or the big PM drill press.
 
I am looking at a 1400.  I have used the 1010 but IMHO it is more of a trim router.  I have also used the 2200 and its overkill.
Makes the 1400 unanimous.
 
The 1400 can do a whole lot more a whole lot faster.

Copy rings are spot-on, tool-free attached as opposed to endless screwing around with a centering mandrel.

The 1400 also has more power, can use larger bits, has more travel vertically and offers a superior way for quickly changing bits.

I have the 1010, already bought it before the 1400 existed. I would buy the 1400 now if I had to start over. But the lower weight of the 1010 is still an advantage over the 1400 and comes in handy when working above your head with only a small edge to guide the router.
 
Every Festool router has a reason for being. I own all four. In fact I own 2 each of the OF1010 and the MFK 700.

The only reason I did not start with an OF1400 was that I already had a plunge router. I bought my first OF1010 especially to drill LR32 holes, then found so many other uses I bought the second one to leave it attached to the guide plate system.

Certainly I always suggest the OF1400 as a first Festool router. The OF2200 is marvelous when you need the weight and power, but generally the OF1400 is powerful enough and is well balanced.
 
I now have a router for my table (sorry Festool its Milwaukee) and am planing on getting a 1400 for use with the rails.  I would not worry about the weight, it actually helps stabilize the router in use.  I will say the 1400.  I have used a friends a couple of times and love it.  The other day he asked me to stop by a house he is restoring and when I walked in he was using the 1400 over head [scared]  But he is in his mid 20s, 6'4" and big for his size.
 
I have the OF1400 and it is great for mortising and dados, smooth, good dc, and great plunge balance. To me nothing is worse in a plunge router than overly strong plunge springs, and the OF1400 is just about perfect. Ialso have a DW618 in a router lift.

But I can't wait to get the 1010 - every time I go to the tool store I pick it up and am amazed at the size and weight!

I would get the 1010.
No ratcheting collet? so what, 2 wrenches have worked fine for 50 years.
No 1/2" shank? unless you are using 22mm diameter or larger profile or pattern bits, the 8mm shank is fine.
The 1010 feels like a feather compared to the 1400, which weighs as much as a circular saw!

One pro that 1400 may have over the 1010 is plunge depth, if that matters to you.

good luck!
 
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