Router options

[Karl]

I've been browsing router options, and would like something with the handle arrangement of the Festool 1400

But without the eyewatering price tag.

Does anybody know of alternative models?

Cheers

Karl

 

[OPJ]

The only one I can think of is made by Mafell. You save some money but, it's only a ¼in router. I think Adam used to own one, if he's still around???

 

[Karl]

Yeah - that's the same as the Festool 1010 Olly.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Oryxdesign]

Save up a bit more and get an OF1400, great router with fab dust ex.

 

[Karl]

Have you got one Si?

I've been looking at it, but it'd be a big investment (and would probably have to wait a few months).

But i've seen some of the YouTube clips and it looks excellent.

Cheers

Karl

Edit - the other consideration is that for the same money you could buy a DW 625 and a 621.

 

[Oryxdesign]

Yes I've had one for a few years, it's big enough to do a kitchen worktop but it is nice and light so it can be used one handed at a pinch and is maneuverable enough to use freehand.
I pretty use it for everything except small trimming jobs when I use the little bosch gkf600.
The snap in guide bushes are good for kitchen fitters as it fast to pop them in and out.
It's probably a bit far to come down for the Festool day on the 31st of july or you could have had a play with a few.

HTH Si

 

[Karl]

Thanks Si.

I'm over near a Festool dealer next week, so will call in and have a look at one.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Waka]

Karl

You won't be disappointed, the dust extraction is second to none and its a dream to use.

 

[superunknown]

The DW625 and T11 are both very good routers and will serve you well. Think of the £200 you could save and spend on something else.

 

[Oryxdesign]

I've got a 625 and it is OK but the OF1400 is much better it's hard to quantify but the dust extraction is miles ahead and the whole package is lighter and faster to use. Both of these are very important for a professional kitchen fitter. You will easily earn the £200 back in time taken swapping setups.
Si

 

[Karl]

The DW625 and T11 are both very good routers and will serve you well. Think of the £200 you could save and spend on something else.

I had a T11 and sold it 'cos I thought it was a badly thought out design. From memory the locking lever hits your knuckles when locked in plunge. It just didn't feel like a quality router (although i'm sure it'd be better in table mode).

Haven't used a 625, and that was my initial choice. For the price of a 1400 you could have a 625 and and 621 (1/2" and 1/4").

:duno:

The d/x on the Festool looks superb. Not having to switch between two routers would be great.

Cheers

Karl

 

[superunknown]

HHmm can't say I have ever noticed that. Just been and looked at mine and had a play and can't see how that could happen. We're all different though.

The DW625 and the T11 are very similar so you may have that problem with both.

I can also recommend the DW621 as a superb router too. I have had the elu version for a long time and its my favourite router.

I am with you on the festool though, looks a great machine.

If I was going to buy new routers they would be a T11 for a 1/2" and a DW621 for a 1/4"

If cost didn't enter into it I would definitely try the festool (and still might sometime as I love routers )

 

[dannykaye]

hate to say this but why do you want that configuration? A more common 2 handle set up gives you more choice and more control

 

[Karl]

HHmm can't say I have ever noticed that. Just been and looked at mine and had a play and can't see how that could happen. We're all different though.

The locking lever pulls down, right? So if you've got both hands on the handles, the locking lever is pulled down towards the right hand handle. I found that it was uncomfortable - it hits the knuckles of the right hand.

If the 625 is the same, i'll steer clear!

Cheers

Karl

 

[Karl]

hate to say this but why do you want that configuration? A more common 2 handle set up gives you more choice and more control

Good Q.

I used Brad's 1010 at his workshop recently, and loved the pistol grip configuration. When you say that a 2 handle set up gives you more control, i'd disagree. More choice (of routers), yes. But not more control.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Oryxdesign]

What do you think of the 1010 Karl, I've been eying one up for a while

 

[JonnyD]

What do you think of the 1010 Karl, I've been eying one up for a while

Ive had the 1010 for a while now Simon and its a great little router i use it or a Dewalt 621k for all my 1/4 inch needs. Being able to easily put it on the guide rail is great and with all things festool is nicely made but a little pricey

cheers

jon

 

[Karl]

What do you think of the 1010 Karl, I've been eying one up for a while

Ive had the 1010 for a while now Simon and its a great little router i use it or a Dewalt 621k for all my 1/4 inch needs. Being able to easily put it on the guide rail is great and with all things festool is nicely made but a little pricey

cheers

jon

Sorry Si - missed your post.

I'd agree. Only used it once at Brads place, but it felt like a really nicely balanced router. And the spindle brake is great - stops within a couple of seconds. I presume the 1400 is the same?

But £330 is a lot of cash. The 621 is a good router too, and £120 cheaper. Not sure i'd spend the extra for the 1010. But I might. If I had the cash.

Cheers

Karl

 

[chippy1970]

I bought the 1010 late last year after using an elu 96e for years.

I bought it mainly to go with all my other Festool gear, the dust extraction is great with my midi vac and all the adjustments are very acurate on it.

To be honest for most jobs a dewalt 621 would be fine but as ive got Festool thought I might as well buy the 1010.

One annoying thing I have noticed is using some of my old (not that old) Trend pro bearimg guided 1/4" bits with it I have noticed a lot of vibration I sent my first 1010 back because of this and got a new one but this one is similar. It doesnt vibrate with normal cutters only the bearing guided round overs I have. I never noticed this vibration with my old elu I was thinking maybe its to do with the different handle set up.

Anyone else noticed this vibration on their 1010?

PS the bearings on the bits feel fine not worn out at all as they have only been used a few times.

 

[Oryxdesign]

The 1400 is braked too and stops in a similar amount of time. I'm a bit fed up with dewalt stuff it seems to let me down at the worse possible times.