What would be your next purchase??? 106" rail, OF1400, or Parallel set?
- Thread starter Pdevore
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ccarrolladams
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Without knowing your work needs, how can any of us say?
The OF1400 is a marvelous plunge router and I did not see another router in your collection. Personally I prefer an OF2200 for jobs beyond the capacity of an OF1010, but that could be me. I bought an OF1400 when it came to the USA. It is a versatile router. Still, my suggestion would be to spend a little more money and buy the OF2200.
Because you ask about both the 106" (2700mm) rail and the Parallel Guide set, I assume you break down sheet goods. I also see you already own 2 55" (1400mm) rails. One approach would be to buy either another 55" rail or a 75" rail. This way you could leave the 2 55" rails connected, using the 75" rail to ensure the connected set was straight. For years before I have a large enough vehicle I did that, since it was not practical for me to transport a long rail.
Using the Parallel system, a single 55" rail is not efficient making 48" cuts, so for cross-cutting full 48" or 49" sheets the 75" rail would be a big help. With care and practice, plus Festool clamps, it is possible to make 96" cuts with a TS55 using a 106" rail. However, it is much easier using either the 118" (3000mm) rail or the coupled 55" totaling 110" Currently there is not a lot of price difference between the 106" and 118" rail.
Something else to consider for the future would be the purchase of an LR-32 drilled 55" rail for just slightly more than the price of an un-drilled 55" rail. With the LR-32 rail the appropriate LR-32 Guide Plate to attach a router and either an OF1010 or OF1400 you would be set to effectively drill adjustable shelf holes.
The OF1400 is a marvelous plunge router and I did not see another router in your collection. Personally I prefer an OF2200 for jobs beyond the capacity of an OF1010, but that could be me. I bought an OF1400 when it came to the USA. It is a versatile router. Still, my suggestion would be to spend a little more money and buy the OF2200.
Because you ask about both the 106" (2700mm) rail and the Parallel Guide set, I assume you break down sheet goods. I also see you already own 2 55" (1400mm) rails. One approach would be to buy either another 55" rail or a 75" rail. This way you could leave the 2 55" rails connected, using the 75" rail to ensure the connected set was straight. For years before I have a large enough vehicle I did that, since it was not practical for me to transport a long rail.
Using the Parallel system, a single 55" rail is not efficient making 48" cuts, so for cross-cutting full 48" or 49" sheets the 75" rail would be a big help. With care and practice, plus Festool clamps, it is possible to make 96" cuts with a TS55 using a 106" rail. However, it is much easier using either the 118" (3000mm) rail or the coupled 55" totaling 110" Currently there is not a lot of price difference between the 106" and 118" rail.
Something else to consider for the future would be the purchase of an LR-32 drilled 55" rail for just slightly more than the price of an un-drilled 55" rail. With the LR-32 rail the appropriate LR-32 Guide Plate to attach a router and either an OF1010 or OF1400 you would be set to effectively drill adjustable shelf holes.
That is a valid point. I am a general contractor that does more as a hobbiest. I am a jack of all but no where near a master of any. I have been known to build everything from entry doors to shelves to counters to cabinets.
I had not thought of buying another 55" rail, I was looking at the ease of not assembling rails to break down my sheets. I do now think that may be the better way to go as I drive a Tundra crew max with a 5.5' bed. If I were to go with a LR rail for $100 I could then swing an OF1400 demo. I would then effectively be get g 2 items off my list by using the other 2 rails as a full length.
Any other suggestions?
I do think I may be stopping at Rockler Sunday.
Thanks.
I had not thought of buying another 55" rail, I was looking at the ease of not assembling rails to break down my sheets. I do now think that may be the better way to go as I drive a Tundra crew max with a 5.5' bed. If I were to go with a LR rail for $100 I could then swing an OF1400 demo. I would then effectively be get g 2 items off my list by using the other 2 rails as a full length.
Any other suggestions?
I do think I may be stopping at Rockler Sunday.
Thanks.
Hi,
Looks like you have a plan already. If you go with just one item from your list I would make it the OF1400. It seems that would give you the most out of the three when added to what you already have.
Seth
Looks like you have a plan already. If you go with just one item from your list I would make it the OF1400. It seems that would give you the most out of the three when added to what you already have.
Seth
Yeah, I want the Kapex but can not justify it as I bought the Makita 1016ls abit over a year ago.
I wold like to find an extension for the MFT/3, it can be a bit challenging cutting down full length sheet goods by anything less than 25". Oh and I already have A RO90. Love it.
Thanks.
I wold like to find an extension for the MFT/3, it can be a bit challenging cutting down full length sheet goods by anything less than 25". Oh and I already have A RO90. Love it.
Thanks.
Peter,
Depending on what you plan to work on it is hard to say. For me I would go in the following order.
IMHO I would not buy the 106" rail, I would buy 2 1400 (55"each for a total of 110") LR32 rails as it gives you more options. I have a 1900 rail...(bad advice from Rockler when starting out).. the dang thing is too short for sheet goods and it is one son of gun to transport. Even once on site it can be a bear to get up from room to room. Two 1400 LR32 rails and a pair of connectors would be $250. The 2700 106" rail is $270. The 1400 LR32 rails set you up for moving into the whole 32mm system. If you do travel/site work 2 1400 rail will fit in the tote bag for $92. So for $342 total or $72 more than a 2700 rail that doesn't have a case, you can pack and go and not mess up your rails. Allowing you to do the 48" cuts and the 96" cuts in little space.
After seeing the Parallel Guide Extension Set (PGES) in use at the St. Paul, MN Festool event... got to say they are sweet! and well worth the money. You can rip things easier than using a table saw! What I like is that I can cut down sheet goods in less area. Even with a portable Table Saw I would need 8' on both ends + the saw (what 20') and would need help feeding it. With the PGES I need only 10' and I can do it myself! Only current down side is that FUSA does not have carry bag/case for them yet. I'm told they are testing bags now with the reps.... I hope they come up with something soon. Part of the attraction of Festool for me is the Tools are protected in systainers or bags. $325 not a bad price.....If you have a table saw think about selling it!....Okay we never let go of tools... but you could....
If you add the OF 1400 you can do your dados with that. Faster than changing blades in the Table saw.
I have my eye on the OF1400 also...if you only have one router it is the best choice as it will also do the LR32 system. If you already have a router then you have the bits, if not add a systainer and a few dollars to have the basic bits or the toy is not much fun to play with. So the base price of $485 is just a starting point.
Then the Domino.... comes to mind..... it never ends.
Peter not knowing what type of work you do or...want to do... take everything I said with a grain of salt.
Cheers,
Steve
Depending on what you plan to work on it is hard to say. For me I would go in the following order.
IMHO I would not buy the 106" rail, I would buy 2 1400 (55"each for a total of 110") LR32 rails as it gives you more options. I have a 1900 rail...(bad advice from Rockler when starting out).. the dang thing is too short for sheet goods and it is one son of gun to transport. Even once on site it can be a bear to get up from room to room. Two 1400 LR32 rails and a pair of connectors would be $250. The 2700 106" rail is $270. The 1400 LR32 rails set you up for moving into the whole 32mm system. If you do travel/site work 2 1400 rail will fit in the tote bag for $92. So for $342 total or $72 more than a 2700 rail that doesn't have a case, you can pack and go and not mess up your rails. Allowing you to do the 48" cuts and the 96" cuts in little space.
After seeing the Parallel Guide Extension Set (PGES) in use at the St. Paul, MN Festool event... got to say they are sweet! and well worth the money. You can rip things easier than using a table saw! What I like is that I can cut down sheet goods in less area. Even with a portable Table Saw I would need 8' on both ends + the saw (what 20') and would need help feeding it. With the PGES I need only 10' and I can do it myself! Only current down side is that FUSA does not have carry bag/case for them yet. I'm told they are testing bags now with the reps.... I hope they come up with something soon. Part of the attraction of Festool for me is the Tools are protected in systainers or bags. $325 not a bad price.....If you have a table saw think about selling it!....Okay we never let go of tools... but you could....
If you add the OF 1400 you can do your dados with that. Faster than changing blades in the Table saw.
I have my eye on the OF1400 also...if you only have one router it is the best choice as it will also do the LR32 system. If you already have a router then you have the bits, if not add a systainer and a few dollars to have the basic bits or the toy is not much fun to play with. So the base price of $485 is just a starting point.
Then the Domino.... comes to mind..... it never ends.
Peter not knowing what type of work you do or...want to do... take everything I said with a grain of salt.
Cheers,
Steve
sancho57
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- 7,089
Pdevore said:
They do make a extension for the MFT. Brice has a review of the MFT extension on his site. I bought a 2nd MFT. I found for me it does the trick. I got te connectors to connect the 2 together. Go to dove tails site and he has a way of placing router in between the 2 MFTs and using the MFTs as infeed and out feed tables. im looking at the Jessum router lift to mount in a small plate and set in between the 2 MFTs. Im creating something like that. Well I will when I get back. Also Im going to mount the plate that is made by Kreg Tool company to set inbetween the 2 MFTs for aking face frames etc.
Im finding with this system you are only limited by your imagination and what you want to do.
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