Which Router to Buy?

[Aegwyn11]

Okay guys, looking to make the jump into Festool. I'm putting together a little woodshop in my lower level, so efficient dust collection is HIGH on my list of concerns. I got myself a Unisaw a few weeks ago, already had a Makita sliding compound miter saw, so I'm figuring a handheld router is my next toy. I'll be using the shop to do furniture (bookcases, bedroom cabinets, built in cabinets, etc) as well as trim and moulding (plan to make my own). I do plan on getting either a router table or a shaper at some point (i can't imagine trying to do trim/moulding efficiently with a handheld router...). With that said, which router would you guys suggest for me?

Nick

 

[Bob Marino]

If only one router, I'd opt for the 1400, though my 1010 is (because of it's smaller size) my usual go-to router.
The 1400 has more than enough power, excellent dc, snap out inserts, ratcheting collet changes and accepts the 1/2" bits.

Bob

 

[PeterK]

Ditto what Bob says.
The 1400 is the do-all router that will take all size bit shanks.
The 1010 is just wonderful in use as is so light and easy to manuver but will not take 1/2" shank bits. Trust me, you will want to add this one at some time to your collection. I have totally rethought my resistance to 1/4" shank bits and find them to work really well. Primarily using Freud bits and some Festool.
The 2200 is the hand held shaper! What an animal. Very easy to control and use. It can use all bit shank sizes but is overkill for 1/4" bits. The 2200 has by far the best dust collection of any router I have ever used.
I have all three. If only can have one - would be the 1400 - best compromise. If can have multiples, would have the 1010 and the 2200 and can easliy live without the 1400.
Please don't put one of these in a router table .

Pete

 

[Aegwyn11]

I should clarify...I look at a router table as a totally separate tool from a handheld router. In my eyes one has nothing to do with the other...there are just too many compromises that would have to be made to have a router that could be handheld AND go into a table (and do what I'm wanting to do). As such, the table will probably have a big PC router mounted on a lift (either that or i'll just get a shaper....).

Based on what everyone is saying, it sounds like the 1400 will be the choice for me. If anyone else has any different opionins, please speak up

 

[Warrior]

I went with the 1400 first and loved it. I used it for about a year and decide to pick up the 1010.

WOW! The 1010 is amazing. super light and easy to control yet has the power to do most handheld routing tasks.  I rarely reach for the 1400 these days it is just not as comfortable to use. 1010 = porshe and the 1400 = range rover

I am actually thinking of selling the 1400 to get another 1010. Since I have a Dewalt 625 collecting dust I will have the power router when I need it.

 

[kdi]

I already have a pc7518 in a router table and a Bosch plunge router.  I'm looking to get into the Festool 32mm hole system.  Which router, the 1010 or 1400 is best for that use?

 

[Bob Marino]

I already have a pc7518 in a router table and a Bosch plunge router.  I'm looking to get into the Festool 32mm hole system.  Which router, the 1010 or 1400 is best for that use?

Both will work, but the 1010 shines here - small, low center of gravity; a joy to use for hole drilling.

Bob

 

[swifty]

How will the 1010 do for small jobs like morticing for hinges and trimming for jig patterns?

 

[Brice Burrell]

How will the 1010 do for small jobs like morticing for hinges and trimming for jig patterns?

The 1010 excels at small jobs but what surprised me was just how much power this router has for it's small size. It can handle almost any job you can do with 1/4" and 8 mm shank bits.

 

[kdi]

I already have a pc7518 in a router table and a Bosch plunge router.  I'm looking to get into the Festool 32mm hole system.  Which router, the 1010 or 1400 is best for that use?

Both will work, but the 1010 shines here - small, low center of gravity; a joy to use for hole drilling.

Bob

Bob, thanks for the reply.  Another question - will the 35mm door hinge bit in the 32mm hole system work in the 1010?

Thanks

 

[Brice Burrell]

Bob, thanks for the reply.  Another question - will the 35mm door hinge bit in the 32mm hole system work in the 1010?

Thanks

Well, as you can plainly see I'm not Bob, but I can answer your question. Yes the 35 mm hinge cup bit works with the 1010 however you do need to remove the top piece of the of the dust collection shroud to allow enough space for the bit. Take a look at the pic here.
[attachthumb=#]

 

[Bob Marino]

Bob, thanks for the reply.  Another question - will the 35mm door hinge bit in the 32mm hole system work in the 1010?

Thanks

Well, as you can plainly see I'm not Bob, but I can answer your question. Yes the 35 mm hinge cup bit works with the 1010 however you do need to remove the top piece of the of the dust collection shroud to allow enough space for the bit. Take a look at the pic here.
[attachthumb=#]

Damn Brice,  you are up early! ;D ;D

  Bob

 

[kdi]

Thanks Brice and Bob.

 

[James Watriss]

Thought about this one for a minute or two. My initial response would be 1400, but if you have a table router, you pretty much have 1/2" shank bits covered, and if you're happy with table routing, I'd say that the 1010 might be a good bet instead for a hand router.

I've been using hte 1010 more and more lately. It works well in the hole drilling setup (LR-32) and it works amazingly well with the edge trimming accessories. (Thanks, Bob.) It's light, very easy to use, and while it's a hassle to find 8mm bits from other manufacturers, they are around. I did use the 1400 with a slot cutting bit the other day, but I think for the normal day to day stuff, the 1010 has really been the shining star of late. The 1400 is great, too, don't get me wrong. But I think the 1010 has been getting a lot more use lately.

 

[ghostofhoward]

[quote author=James Watriss 

I've been using hte 1010 more and more lately. It works well in the hole drilling setup (LR-32) and it works amazingly well with the edge trimming accessories. (Thanks, Bob.) It's light, very easy to use, and while it's a hassle to find 8mm bits from other manufacturers, they are around. I did use the 1400 with a slot cutting bit the other day, but I think for the normal day to day stuff, the 1010 has really been the shining star of late. 
[/quote]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have searched for 8mm bits and cannot find and in the US except those from festool.Do you know what other manufacturers make 8mm?

 

[PeterK]

A few months ago I had a posting on 8mm bits. Just not really available in the US other than specific sets for the Leigh jigs. I have purchased a bunch of 1/4" bits from Freud and been really satisfied with them. No issues of chatter or flexing. None have broken. I have rethought my usage and now use mostly 1/4" bits for edge work and slotting. It needed, I switch to 1/2" bits in my OF2200 .
Pete

 

[Brice Burrell]

I agree with Peter, 1/4" shank bits are fine for all but the most demanding routing tacks. I've found the Festool bit to be of the highest quality so I don't hesitate to buy them when the need arises. That said I don't see a reason to go out of your way to find 8 mm shank bits just buy 1/4".