Which Router to buy ?

[rst]

I own 12 routers, Bosch, PC, and each of the Festools.  If I had to settle for one only it would be the 1400.

 

[ear3]

The  1010 with the edging plate is the bomb for edge trimming. Unlike the mfk, it handles longer  bits, thus allowing you to do 3/4 hardwood caps if you want -- the mfk is limited to 5/8 lengtg, though there is a mod by half inch shy to get around this.

I agree with others that if you get the 2200, you might consider getting the 1010 first after that rather than the 1400. The smaller size of the 1010 allows you to edge profile narrower material, and it is surprisingly powerful for a router that doesn't do 1/2" bits.

a double  [welcome] !!

Festool price their accessory kits in a way that makes it crazy not to buy them - OF2200 and CARVEX kits are "relatively" bargains.

The 2200 is a beautiful machine, but it is BIG and you won't like using it to do small tasks. The 1010 excels at small tasks, but is limited as it doesn't take half inch bits.

The 1400 is a perfect all rounder if you only want one router ... but with Festool the "only one" thinking doesn't last very long!

If you fancy yourself using the LR32 system and also think you may use your router in a dovetail jig, the 1010 becomes very attractive.

Not to get off topic but has anyone had a chance to use the 1010 for edge band trimming?  I still do it the old school way with either a razor in pine or fastcap trimmer.

  I have not used the 1010 for this purpose but wondering if its worth the setup especially on larger projects

Yes - I use it for this purpose and it does a great job. Probably not as easy as the MFK, but no limits on bit length either and more versatile of a machine.

 

[Holmz]

The  1010 with the edging plate is the bomb for edge trimming. Unlike the mfk, it handles longer  bits, thus allowing you to do 3/4 hardwood caps if you want -- the mfk is limited to 5/8 lengtg, though there is a mod by half inch shy to get around this.
...

I would only add that the 1010 should do everything he mentions.
My little 8-mm job plows everything just fine. It is only when the bits are 1/2 and the wood is oak or similar that one needs lots of power... And then on uusally needs a table.

The 2200 is neither the most powerful, nor the best value for the large size.
If he needs it, then does he need a router table?
I dunno... So I say get the little one, and then if a big one is needed you can decide on that.

 

[Wuffles]

The  1010 with the edging plate is the bomb for edge trimming. Unlike the mfk, it handles longer  bits, thus allowing you to do 3/4 hardwood caps if you want -- the mfk is limited to 5/8 lengtg, though there is a mod by half inch shy to get around this.
...

I would only add that the 1010 should do everything he mentions.
My little 8-mm job plows everything just fine. It is only when the bits are 1/2 and the wood is oak or similar that one needs lots of power... And then on uusally needs a table.

The 2200 is neither the most powerful, nor the best value for the large size.
If he needs it, then does he need a router table?
I dunno... So I say get the little one, and then if a big one is needed you can decide on that.

Yes, but most of his bits are 1/2". He needs a 1/2" router as a minimum.

 

[Holmz]

BS...
They are only mostly 1/2" if that is what you are searching for.

Most of the router bits in the local shop are 1/4" and they have no 8-mm.
So one needs to order 8-mm (but I have 1/4" and 6-mm collets too).
The largest 8-mm I have is a 9.5-mm radius and a 45 which is about 10-mm depth. There are also flush bits, and normal 5/8" or 3/4" which can hog out a lot of material.

 

[Wuffles]

The only thing stopping me buying the 1010 opposed to the 1400 is simply all my router bits are 1/2 inch cutters.

No, I meant this.

 

[Mavrik]

You will end up with many routers, so the real question is which should you get first?

I lived with only the 1010 for a very long time.
But also have a 2200 and trim router.

It is a pleasure to use the right tool for the job.

Strangely i now mostly use either the big one when i need muscle; or the trim router when i want to have a light job with easy control.

Never seem to use my 1010 anymore.
And I've only really realised that while typing this post ...

 

[Scorpion]

Got a mess of routers - many brands, many sizes.  My favorite is a laminate trimmer I use to break edges with various micro-cutters.  Small, light, and nimble.  There's no way of knowing if a router you're gonna buy is gonna be a favorite or if you're gonna end up not using it as much as you thought.    Best you can do is make an educated guess based in features.

 

[DB10]

Got a mess of routers - many brands, many sizes.  My favorite is a laminate trimmer I use to break edges with various micro-cutters.  Small, light, and nimble.  There's no way of knowing if a router you're gonna buy is gonna be a favorite or if you're gonna end up not using it as much as you thought.    Best you can do is make an educated guess based in features.

That be true, got a couple of old routers I haven't used in years, wouldn't sell them though just in case the fave's need to go in for repair.