Which Festool Router? - Video

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone

A number of people have asked me and posted questions here on the FOG about choosing the right Festool router. So, here is my contribution to the debate:



I will be making a video about the OF 1010 in due course and it will show many of the accessories and how it can be used with the Leigh Dovetail Jig.

Peter

 

[festoolviking]

Thank you Peter for yet another great video!  [thumbs up]

I'm pretty sure this will help a lot of people on their decision of which router to get.

The only thing i missed getting covered was the LR-32 application, (pros/cons 1010/1400) but I'm pretty sure it will get mentioned in the upcoming OF-1010 video, right?  [poke]

Festoolviking

 

[mr-gobby]

Really useful and comprehensive review highlighting the various detail differences and capabilities of these routers, thanks.
Mark

 

[SMJoinery]

Hi Peter

Just watched and as usual (we expect nothing less!) a great overall review of the Festool Router range.
I already own 2 of the range and as you describe it's a case of finding the best options for each business case.
My business is smaller production, more intricate work, eg. replacing damaged or missing mouldings etc.
I would only install maybe one or two kitchens throughout the year and don't have a great deal of heavy routing or mass production work.
My choices were therefore the OF1400 and OF1010.
I have just ordered the CMS and intend to "park" the OF1400 there as it can be easily removed if required, leaving the "1010" to do all the trims, beads and templating on the bench that it does so well.
My only caveat as you also mentioned would be panel raising bits. I can see a OF2200 on the horizon if the bits suitable for fitting to the OF1400 aren't large enough for small unit doors on a library room project early this year.
I look forward to viewing the OF1010 specific video you have planned. Out of the box the router was good but lacked several accessories to make it even better.
Thanks again and a Happy New Year.
Scott

 

[DB10]

You have mentioned this video a few times and It's been worth the wait.  I purchased the OF1400 last week and found your previous video on the router of great use.

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the video Peter.  Was hoping that -- when you do the 1010 video -- you could cover centering non-Festool template guide bushings.  The supplied guide bushing adapter is very difficult to center on the machine, as it fits so snugly in the sub-base.

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks for the video Peter.  Was hoping that -- when you do the 1010 video -- you could cover centering non-Festool template guide bushings.  The supplied guide bushing adapter is very difficult to center on the machine, as it fits so snugly in the sub-base.

Yes, I will be doing exactly that - I have the Festool mandrel ready to go.

Peter

 

[FinishingCanuck]

I am looking forward to the 1010 video as it is the router I'm most interested in and there is very little out there for this tool

 

[Billedis]

Great video Peter.  It was you talking about the 1400 in one of your videos that prompted me to buy it for my first Festool router.  I have a PC 3.5hp in my Sommerfeld router table for the heavy lifting as you put it.  Looking forward to the OF1010 review.  Thanks again, Bill

 

[fritter63]

+1 to Peter's comment about NOT using panel raising bits in a handheld router.

I once built an armoir with 3 1/2" panel bits in a Porter Cable 7518. It came out good, but of that experience, I will comment that it is "The only time I've broken a sweat using a power tool"

 

[Dan Clark]

Peter,

Excellent video!  It's a great source of info for people making a router decision.

I own the OF1400 and love it.  That said...

I was fortunate to be one of the (in)famous Festool 7 - seven Foggers who attended the first Festool training.  During that training, we got a chance to try out the new Kapex, MFK700, and OF2200 before they were available for sale.  I wanted the MFK700, was interested in the Kapex, and had NO interest in the OF2200.  It's amazing how hands-on experience changes things...

The MFK700 was nice, but too specialized for me.  I LOVED the Kapex and decided right then to buy one.  But the OF2200 was AWESOME!  As big and powerful as it was, the engineering and handling was so good that I wanted one badly.  Sadly, I did not NEED one.  If a person needs a tool that can use a huge bit for free-handed work, IMO the OF2200 is the single best router available. 

A quick story... While at the training, Steve Bace demonstrated using the OF2200 swinging a huge bit (first pic below) to edge solid surface material. With the dust collection hose attached, there was virtually no dust or chips flying (second pic below).  With the hose removed, it was snow city!  (Third pic below.)    The dust collection was amazing.  Essentially perfect.

The funny part was Per Swenson - one of the two professionals there (Brice Burrell was the other).  When he saw the size of the bit, he ran for back of the room!  He didn't want to be anywhere near that router when the body parts started flying! [big grin]  As you can see from the pics, the router did fine and no body-parts were detached.  [smile]

Regards,

Dan.

p.s. Even as an inexperienced amateur, I had no problem controlling the OF2200 when my turn came. 

 

[Tinker]

As usual, Peter, a great review.
I am in the group that has the 1000 and the 1400.  Eventually, i will probably "upgrade" to the 1010 as the 1000 does not have the plug-it.  There are some jobs (all of my work is small) where i could use two, the 1000 and the 1010 where I would not have to change bits with the two.  My 1400 is residing admirably and indefinitely in the CMS table.

The 1400 seems to have better dust collection than the 1000.  I understand the 2200 is superior to both in the DC department.
Tinker

 

[Stone Message]

Many thanks to all above.

One of the clips that I edited out of the video was there to show how gentle the OF 2200 is. I put it on the top of my MFT3 with the power switch on. Without holding the router I switched it on at the wall socket. The router gently turned through 45 degrees and then stopped with the motor running flat out. I cut it out just in case anyone might be dumb enough to try it - please do not try this even though I did. But it really did illustrate the point.

I have used the OF 2200 with my largest panel raising cutter to do some freehand work on Maple ! I took a video of it which I think was not part of my (very old) original OF 2200 video. I no longer have the source video clips for some of my really early work and have been unable to find the clip. It was a nerve racking experience and not something I will ever try again.

I have just been told that there are some 1/2" only Leigh cutters and so there will be some larger dovetails that the OF 1010 will not be able to do with the Leigh jig. I do not have (and never have had) those cutters. All of mine are 8 mm shafted. I still think that the OF 1010 and the Leigh jig are made for each other. For the odd time when one is making huge dovetails then the OF 1400 can be used.

Peter

 

[ear3]

Just an offhand router observation, since I'm currently doing a project where I'm switching back between the 1010 and the 1400.  The 1400 seems to run quieter than the 1010.  I haven't tested this scientifically running through all the same bits and speeds, but I find it pretty amazing.

 

[Tinker]

Just an offhand router observation, since I'm currently doing a project where I'm switching back between the 1010 and the 1400.  The 1400 seems to run quieter than the 1010.  I haven't tested this scientifically running through all the same bits and speeds, but I find it pretty amazing.

At top speed, the 1010 is 1500 rpm's faster than the 1400 if that has anything to do with the noise.

I have a PC 600 and a Milwaukee the same size, both are a lot noisier than the OF 1000.  also, a lot older by at least 10 years.  I have only used the PC a couple of times since i got my 1000.  The Milwaukee does get used a little more.  The PC will allow bits to move up or down in the colletts if I don't really rare on the wrenches.  The Milwaukee colletts hold a little better.  I have yet to have a bit slip in any of the colletts of the 1010 or 1400.  Neither the PC or Milwaukee have any dust collection, another major reason they are gathering dust in a corner shelf. 

Tinker

 

[Stone Message]

I am now in the process of making the OF 1010 video and am using it quite a bit....

I did not expect the dust collection to be as good as the OF 1400 but it seems to be at least as good. It is really easy to handle and that means more accurate work. The only minor criticism at the moment is the angle of the dust connector on the router. It is horizontal and that means that the 27 mm hose does catch on things a bit. If that dust connector were angled upwards, perhaps even vertical then the problem would go away.

I am having a great time. It will be about another 10 days of work to produce the video.

Peter

 

[ear3]

Yeah, I found when using the edging plate for the first time the other day I had to fit the hose off at an angle so that it didn't catch as I was moving the router.

I am now in the process of making the OF 1010 video and am using it quite a bit....

I did not expect the dust collection to be as good as the OF 1400 but it seems to be at least as good. It is really easy to handle and that means more accurate work. The only minor criticism at the moment is the angle of the dust connector on the router. It is horizontal and that means that the 27 mm hose does catch on things a bit. If that dust connector were angled upwards, perhaps even vertical then the problem would go away.

I am having a great time. It will be about another 10 days of work to produce the video.

Peter

 

[nickao]

I have had all the Festool routers.  I do  mostly inlay work, but do trim large 3/4"  thick(3/8" thick hardwood pressed to 3/8" ply) daily as well. I sold off all the other Festool routers and now only have the OF 2200. NONE of the regular routers are required. For my super small stuff I prefer my DeWalt 611 and my foredoom with a stewmac base (think guitar neck inlay etc). If the OF 2200 had the same LED's as the 611 it would be the perfect router.

Someone made a statement about, "what do you work in the dark". Once a router with the LED is used the realization that it is a must have will become apparent. I have a shop with perfect shop lighting, I still need(want) the led shining on the router bit. If there are LEDs on the next version OF2200 I will be first to sell this OF2200 and buy an LED version.

Other than that save your money(and I mean as in being a better value overall, not save up) and just get the OF 2200 instead of 3 routers.

I have been working with some camera light rings as a mod for the OF2200, if anything sticks Ill post some pics.

 

[coug]

Thanks for another great video!  I bought the 1010 this summer for use with the LR32 and it really shines with this application.  Looking forward to the new video for additional ideas.  This video made me want the 1400 even more.

 

[sancho57]

Nice overview of the routers Peter.