Which Router combination to buy

[smartins]

I use 1400 most of the time in table. Table is selfbuilt from sheet of 4mm alu plate and 30mm laminated plywood. Router is attached to plate by removing that brown base, with same countersink screws.

1400 is somewhat able to do anything- starting from small work, even edge trimming and ending up with table work. That's why it was my first and the only router for a long time.

When I decided to have also smaller router, I had a look at 1010 and 700 as well. But handle like on 1400, on 1010 seemed to me awkward to use despite on 1400 it feels perfect to me.
But mfk700 is too limited in it's abilities... So, I ended up buying...  ...Makita RT0700cx2 kit regardless I like Festool tools...

Generally you have to decide on which side scale wise you are- big work or small mostly and choose router accordingly.

...If the 1400 meets all your routing needs, do you not sometimes need a router table? Or do you fit the 1400 into a table? From what I read it is not ideally  suited for that unless it is a Festool table.

 

[SoonerFan]

Hey Reinhards,
Sorry I was not clear.  I meant that the OF1400 meets my hand routing needs and did not intend to imply it covers router table needs as well.  In fact, I am in the market for a new table.  For the new table I am looking at fences/tables from Woodpeckers and Incra.  In either case I will likely go with a Bosch router for the table. 

I don't need the portability of the Festool tables and think a Bosch router in the table will meet all my needs.

Harry1561 - yes, I agree that an LED light will be great. I looked at some other routers, particularly the Bosch range. Their users really praise the LED light. I can imagine this would be the same where sometimes even shadow of the tool that you use can be annoying. Once you have used an LED on a drill, it becomes a must have feature.

SoonerFan - I have been an international nomad for a couple of years, living in apartments in various countries, and eventually gave my stored tools to my brother. Then got married again, and started to collect tools to do little tasks. My wife was so impressed with the simple things I was making for her, that she asked what my dream tool was - then she gave me an CSX ddil for Christmas. Now I have a wife supporting my Festool needs......  SoonerFan,  If the 1400 meets all your routing needs, do you not sometimes need a router table? Or do you fit the 1400 into a table? From what I read it is not ideally  suited for that unless it is a Festool table.

 

[jarbroen]

Wow FOG members! I did not expect so many responses so soon!  Thank you. But from all your replies I still don't see a clear cut winner.  [unsure] :-\ 

But I think it will be a safe buy to start with a OF1400, being an all rounder. TheSergent really pointed out some limitations of the 1010, which are persuasive, although the lower price of the 1010 will allow me to fit in a Table router (maybe Triton) sooner. A larger table router can then also be used occasionally for more heavy hand held work if the need arises.  I do not foresee that I wil be doing a lot of dovetail work, but I will defenitely someday give it a try.

I think I will mostly be doing edge work, (I guess the OF1010 will suffice for this)  and a lot of dados, grooves, mortising etc. for which the 1400 seems to be more suited.

On the issue of bit sizes, to me it seems that 8mm shank size is more popular in Europe, than in the USA. 12mm is also widely used here. Am I correct assuiming that I would use more 12mm bits in the Router table?  And 8mm shank size more for the handheld ?  But If I already have an 8mm bit in the table router, will changing the colletts in the table router be a pain?

Once again  for all the responses.

Reinhard

You mentioned edge work - the 1400 is a bit challenging on something like a 18mm ply edge.  I built a bunch of birch ply shelving/boxes recently.  The 1400 was great doing roundovers if it sits on the face of the plywood and routs the edge.  However, on already assembled boxes it's challenging to balance on edge.  If I wasn't in a hurry/lazy I could have clamped support blocks near unsupported edges so the router doesn't dip.

I would say that's the one challenge/limitation I've found so far with just having a 1400. 
It's been a great first router otherwise.  Super easy to use and learn how to route.
It's been excellent at making 12mm or bigger dados - especially with the rail and guide.  Plenty of power to blast through and the rail makes it perfect for getting that straight line.  If I have two sides of a shelving unit I'll lay them side by side and run the dado straight across.  No worries that the two sides will be off.

The dust extraction is great now that I upgraded to the 36mm hose.  The 27mm left a bit more dust behind and would clog up sometimes at the router's port if I was moving quickly.

I can see some day getting a little edge router but I'd get something really small like a little makita battery powered.  Just for doing things like roundovers.  Otherwise, I can't see a reason I'd need another size handheld to go along with my 1400.

 

[yetihunter]

I would never give away my 1010, but the 1400 is an upgrade in quality and bells and whistles (imho).
You can do what the 1010 can do with a 1400, but not the other way around.   

 

[Rob-GB]

I would never give away my 1010, but the 1400 is an upgrade in quality and bells and whistles (imho).
You can do what the 1010 can do with a 1400, but not the other way around. 

Completely true.
And why I would suggest the OF1400 for any new router user.
For experienced router users the OF2200 with all the base plates, guide bushes etc that come with the accessories kit and a second parallel guide and the CMS kit covers almost everything anyone could want or need. They have never failed me yet and I have pushed their limits (evidenced by previous posts) .
However, the limits of any router are only fenced in by the users imagination with a cupful of patience.
Rob.

 

[yetihunter]

I would never give away my 1010, but the 1400 is an upgrade in quality and bells and whistles (imho).
You can do what the 1010 can do with a 1400, but not the other way around. 

Completely true.
And why I would suggest the OF1400 for any new router user.
For experienced router users the OF2200 with all the base plates, guide bushes etc that come with the accessories kit and a second parallel guide and the CMS kit covers almost everything anyone could want or need. They have never failed me yet and I have pushed their limits (evidenced by previous posts) .
However, the limits of any router are only fenced in by the users imagination with a cupful of patience.
Rob.

For any router user, the 2200 appears to be the bees knees.  Top of the want pile.  Far back on the need list. :0

 

[mcooley]

I own the Festool 1400 and I agree it is a good all around router. I haven't found myself needing more. It isn't underpowered either. As for the handle I actually like the design, although my one issue is the missing grip material on the actual handle itself! An oversight. But I still enjoy the machine very much and the ratchet works well.

 

[SoonerFan]

I mentioned earlier in this thread that the OF1400 handled all of my hand routing needs.  For Christmas I got a Festool 493233 Table Widener OF 1400 and a Festool 492574 Small Bore Base OF 1400 hoping to extend the capabilities.  Thanks [member=6555]Shane[/member] and Tool Nut / festoolproducts.com. 

I was able to try out the table widener quickly this morning.  It's a nice addition to my OF1400 and provided extra stability and control in the quick trial I did this morning.  I will get a chance in the next day or two to test out the small bore base.  I expect it will be a nice addition as well. 

While not cheap (then again all good tools costs a lot these days) both bases extend the capabilities of the OF 1400 even further.  Next up I will do some research on the edging plate and see what others have to say.  If the reviews/comments are positive, next time I have the need I will get the edging plate and round out the kit for my OF 1400.

Hope those dreaming for a green Christmas were not disappointed. 

Merry Christmas everyone.     

 

[Reinhards]

SoonerFan, Thanx for the Christmas wishes! I wish all a greener and successful 2018!

Once again thank you to all the FOG participants - I learned a lot, and am now clear on my decision to start off with an OF1400, and then grow from there either towards a table setup (self made) or a smaller palm router. Project needs will determine.

 

[SoonerFan]

Reinhardt, nice to hear you made a decision.  A decision I think you will be happy with for many years.  Good luck with the OF1400.

SoonerFan, Thanx for the Christmas wishes! I wish all a greener and successful 2018!

Once again thank you to all the FOG participants - I learned a lot, and am now clear on my decision to start off with an OF1400, and then grow from there either towards a table setup (self made) or a smaller palm router. Project needs will determine.