Which table router for my OF 1400 ?

[dsourie]

Hi,

I have a OF 1400 router and I plan to buy a router table but can't choose which one. As I also just purchased a MFT/3, I hesitate between the CMS unit module and the OF add-on or a full Veritas or Rousseau router table. Any ideas ?

Thanks,
DS
--

 

[barnowl]

I'd suggest a dedicated router for a router table.

And a router lift and fence. Mine is as shown.  Dedicated.

I use my 1400 for handheld operations exclusively.

It pretty much retired my Hitachi plunge.

 

[neoshed]

I don't know where you're locatd so this is just a idea. I'd keep the OF for hand work and go get the bosch router table cabinet ($160ish at lowes) and then pop into sears and get the variable speed craftsman router (under $100)

The particular router had a big thread over athttp://www.routerforums.com/ for being well made and a bargain. I bought the kit but as you'll only be using it in the table you dont need the plunge base. I like mine.....it cuts through whatever I throw at it.

The bosch table has very good reviews and imho for the price you cant beat it. Sears sells the same table labeled craftsman professional but I found the bosch one was cheaper by $10

 

[semenza]

Hi,

          There are tons of good router tables available from basic to advanced with fences running the range also.  You can of course build your own or part of your own set up.    I built my own table and put an Incra LS system on it.   
Some basic questions to ask yourself-

                  1.  Do you want a basic fence or a full blown joint making positioning fence system?  Other tools in your shop may influence this.

                  2.  Is this going to job sites?  If so I am guessing that the Festool semi stationary stuff is the way to go.

                  3.  Router lift,  or just a plate?  Depends a lot on the router you want to use.

                  4.  How much of it can I  , or do I want, to build?  Greatly affects the budget. The more you build the more / better stuff you can buy.

                  5.  Is a dedicated router in the budget?  The way to go if you can swing, #4 will play to this.

                  6. Do you have space for a separate table from your other Festool set up?

      IMO a dedicated router is the way to go. The table is far too useful to be having to switch the router in / out  all the time.  It sound to me from your post that you have the Festool semi stationary systems available to you.  So that will play a role in your decision. But in general I think that the Festool routers are truly better designed for hand held use. You lose a lot of the feature benefits by putting them in a table.  If you can get a separate router then that  is the way to go.

Seth