Festool OF1400

[stuartpaul]

Any good?

Forgetting the fact that it's a Festool is it any good? My old half inch Axminster just blew and I have permission to upgrade . Wondering if at 1400 watts it might be a shade underpowered for a half inch router.

Anyone know if it will swing decent sized bits? Will be used exclusively hand held so the bits won't be massive but I don't want to invest in this and then have regrets.

 

[pcb1962]

Peter Parfitt has a couple of videos demonstrating it on YouTube. I would have no hesitation buying one if i needed a new 1/2 inch router

 

[adidat]

very powerful, an excellent router, one large annoyance is the little spinney depth selector with the 3 bolts at different heights i have broken this and replaced it and broken again as the spanner can hit it with some force if struggling to open the collet.

adidat

 

[custard]

I've got two, one permanently in a router table and one for freehand work. They're very good machines, I regularly copy rout curved legs in 50mm hardwoods and plunge through mortices in oak without problems, but equally they can cut 1mm inlay grooves with absolute precision. The only reason you might think you want even more power is if you were chomping through kitchen worktops all day long. In any event, I wouldn't want to ever hand hold with a bit that the OF1400 couldn't handle!

If I have a criticism it would be visibility when fully plunged and bit access with some of the extraction hoods fitted. Also even though the dust extraction is exceptional, the OF2200 is just that bit better...as well as being more "user friendly" in areas like Festool track compatibility. I don't own an OF2200 by the way, but I've used a few, and once you get used to the humungous weight they're pretty impressive.

The comparison with the OF2200 is an interesting point, the OF1400 is actually getting a bit long in the tooth, it's already had a couple of upgrades and the OF2200 introduced a number of benefits which could be adopted by the OF1400 (extraction and improved interchangeable bases are two off the top of my head). I've no inside track on Festool's intentions, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them replace the OF1400 with an upgraded medium sized router before too long. But hey, if the current model meets your needs then why wait? I doubt I'll be rushing out to trade in my OF1400's if and when a new one comes along.

 

[Mike Vastano]

I have the Dewalt dw625 and the Festool 1400 while the dewalt is a good router I always reach for the festool Its lighter the dust extraction far superior.

 

[stuartpaul]

Thanks Gents, - I'm off out shopping!

 

[MMUK]

FWIW, I have a Makita RP2301FCX and a Triton MOF001. I've used the OF1400 and I wasn't overly impressed considering the price tag, I was expecting much more.

The Triton is also 1400w and 1/2". IMO it's much better kit than the OF1400 and a fraction of the price - I bought mine brand new for £129 inc delivery.

 

[sploo]

FWIW, I have a Makita RP2301FCX and a Triton MOF001. I've used the OF1400 and I wasn't overly impressed considering the price tag, I was expecting much more.

The Triton is also 1400w and 1/2". IMO it's much better kit than the OF1400 and a fraction of the price - I bought mine brand new for £129 inc delivery.

I must admit that, despite being very impressed with the DF700, I've never thought Festool's routers felt "quality" enough for the price. A Triton TRA001 proved the better bet for me (99% for router table work).

 

[stuartpaul]

Well I've done the deed and am now a Festool router owner. For once Axminster were actually the cheapest and as I was passing ...... (it would have been rude not to!).

I know there are cheaper ones out there but I do like the 'feel' and balance of this one.

My table mounted router is a Triton and will remain so!

First test tomorrow, not expecting any issues.

 

[Roughcut]

I think the expense of the Festool tools puts a lot of people off.
And there's no doubt that they are usually more expensive than other brands.
But when you factor in the 3 year warranty, the dust extraction is very good and that Festool routers can be used with the track system and other unique Festool accessories the price will probably still make you gasp, but the versatility it offers might soften the blow when taken into consideration without just focusing on price alone.

 

[iNewbie]

Not forgetting the 10 Year spare parts availability and a replacement if its stolen.

Some people complain about UK makers not using British sourced parts in a quality mechanical/electronic device(s) but thats what Festool do....... they source their components in Germany. That adds to the cost.

Now they can't keep prices as high as they were and Festool tools get discounted over here, life is good. :mrgreen: