Which Festool Router ? 

Hi Michael, I wish someone would tell Festool UK - they don't seem to want me to make any videos of their kit any more. Cheers. Peter

@@NewBritWorkshop That is very strange Peter, did they give you a reason why?

I have heard nothing from them. I still use my Festool kit, I still believe most of it to be the best on the market and I would love the opportunity to play with some of the new stuff. Cheers. Peter

Pedro Soto Hi Pedro, Very many thanks for your support and kind words. Good luck with your new purchases. Happy New Year. Peter

Glad it was helpful! Cheers. Peter

Thank you very much!

Steven Gorton Hi Steven, Many thanks. Peter

Brian Russell Many thanks Brian and happy New Year to you too. Peter

Shin rah That sounds like an excellent setup. The OF 1400 is a very versatile router and will be the primary machine for many people. Many thanks. Take care. Peter

TitusLivy777 Many thanks. Peter

Glad you enjoyed it

Skeety's Channel Yes, my one remaining non Festool router sits in my UJK router table. Many thanks for the kind words. Good luck getting the OF 1400. Peter

Hi Robert, Many thanks. Peter

Peter Alexander Hi Peter, Many thanks and happy New Year to you as well. Peter

Many thanks!

Velvaruz Yes, it can be done. I would use a piece of MDF with a cut-out for the panel raising cutter and held firmly on the top of the CMS. This means that the bit can spin without risking any damage to the router body or CMS insert. It is essential that the router cutter is properly held in the collet and the speed has to be kept low. I have the OF 2200 in my CMS unit and so panel raising is very easy. Many thanks for the kind words. Peter

nippychippy Hi Robert, Yes the OF1400 is brilliant but then they all are. I am looking forward to making the OF 1010 video - it is a sweet little router. Cheers. Peter

Christopher Kelby Hi Christopher, When I look at all the hand-held routing tasks that I do over 90% can be done with the OF 1010 and some of the remaining 10% could be done if I had the right 8mm cutters. So, the OF 1010 will be your "go to" router and the OF 1400 can be used in a CMS and only taken out once in a while when needed. Thank you for getting Stone Message - please let Steven Spielberg know about it ! Cheers. Peter

Well thank you for that insight Peter! I was at Woodcraft just a few hours ago looking at the 1010. Next time "Stevey" and I go out for latte's I'll mention the book to him ;)

Andrew Chalov Hi Andrew, Thanks you . Peter

+Boran Theki Hi Boran, Excellent. Well done. Peter

Matt Ro Many thanks Matt and the best to you and your family. Peter

Hi Anatoliy, I will add those two routers to my next list of kit to borrow from Festool. Cheers. Peter

christian buzio Hi Christian, The reason this helps you and everyone else is that I only make a video about something that I am prepared to recommend to my very best friend. When I look into the camera I always imagine I am talking to my greatest friends. Enjoy your new router. Happy New Year. Peter

Thank you too!

Sorin Hodosan Hi Sorin, I might not be able to get my hands on those jigs but I will try. Peter

Terry De'ath Hi Terry, Sounds like a great choice. You will find the OF1010 is a treat to use as it is nice and light but has plenty of power. It will come with 1/4" and 8 mm collets. I can't remember which collets the OF1400 comes with (I know it has the 1/2") but you ought to try and ensure that you have 8mm and 1/4" as well as that will give you more flexibility. Watch the safety side when you play with new toys ! Peter

Erik Anderson Many thanks Erik. All three routers are brilliant - of course. Peter

AvetwithPTSD That's how I started - good luck. Peter

New Brit Workshop Thanks for the reply. do you have a piece on the Domino Jointer's? I am trying to fig out if I want the router next or the jointer. Just getting into woodworking so just doing small things.

AvetwithPTSD There are countless appearances of the Dominos in my various construction videos. One of my earliest series of videos (3 years ago) featured the DF700. I think that perhaps it is time for me to do a comparison of Dominos video just like the video showing the 3 routers. Peter

New Brit Workshop Yes I think it is. Also would like to hear your thoughts on the HL 850 planer and the diff heads it offers. Just like hearing other peoples reviews before I buy something.

AvetwithPTSD I do not have the HL850 but I did try one at a show and also have seen it in the hands of a Festool demonstrator - it really is a nice bit of kit and, as you would expect from Festool, it is beautifully made. The different heads are very neat but not cheap. I particularly like one that created a finish similar to an adze. Peter

Well done. Peter

Hi Dan, I think that you have got it spot on. The OF1400 can take all sizes of cutter shank and so for those heavy tasks you can use cutters as big as they come. Some find the ergonomics of the OF1400 need a while to get used to - I found the machine slightly strange to handle at first but then grew used to it and found it to be perfectly okay. The OF1010 would not cover the full range of carpentry needs and the OF2200 would be a bit heavy for the more delicate work. So, good choice. Peter

Hi Davie, I use the Axminster guide bush set and they give perfect results. Cheers. Peter

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks for the info Peter . I have the UJK Guide bush set but unsure if there is an adaptor plate to fit the OF1400. Great videos by the way , I am fortunate to own a few Festool items and always look out for your very informative and in depth videos .

Hi Davie, Yes, the adapter is available from Axminster: www.axminstertools.com/leigh-guide-bush-adaptor-for-festool-of1400-493566 Cheers, Peter

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks Peter

Michael Tricker Hi Michael, I should have mentioned that in the video. Some people think that it looks strange but I found using it came very naturally. I like the symmetrical two handed design for the OF2200 but am more than happy with the handle for the other two. Peter

Hi Sunil, If you can afford the OF2200 then get it - it is lovely to use and far better to handle than the OF1400. The OF1400 is lighter but the double grip and soft start on the OF2200 is a real benefit. I now keep my OF1400 in my router table setup where it is perfect. Peter

Joe Stafford Hi Joe, That surprises me as I did not know that Leigh made 1/2" shank cutters. I have all of the Leigh cutters on 8 mm shafts and I bought them from Axminster Power Tools. Peter

New Brit Workshop Hi Peter. The number 90 and 100 dovetail bits, and the 150 and 160 straight bits are only sold in 1/2" shank direct from Leigh. See the following URL www.leighjigs.com/cutters-d4.php. Through Lee Valley, you can get the number 100 dovetail bit in 8mm.

Joe Stafford Hi Joe, You learn something every day...I only have 8mm shafted cutters - 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 101, 120, 128, 140. Many thanks for pointing this out. Peter

Hi Ross, For me it would be the OF2200 but if that is too expensive you can take second best (for kitchen work) the OF1400. I have both and would not swap either for anything. I use the OF2200 for the bigger hand held jobs and keep the OF1400 in my Festool CMS router table. Peter

Hi Dan, It does occur for some OF1400 machines. Mine was fine from day one. It has been discussed many times on the FOG: www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/of1400-guide-bushings-and-what-exactly-is-the-problem-and-solution/msg596230/#msg596230

@@NewBritWorkshop thanks Peter

Hi Javier, Without any hesitation or doubt the best router in my view is the OF1010. You will need the centring mandrel - see my recent Workshop Notes video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JxGY9DATM4Q.html Peter

New Brit Workshop Hi Peter, I really appreciate your quick response, thank you for your recommendation, and Happy New Year.

I would not replace the bearings. Look at the OF2200 first but do not rule out the OF1400. Just decide how much heavy work is needed. Peter

Thanks Peter I did a lot of raised panel work with my old Elu, love ur videos, very informative. Kev

Jac vds Hi Jac, I use the D4R and all of my cutters are 8mm shank. There are a few larger cutters for the D4R that require a 1/2" collet but I do not use those. I make loads of dovetails with no problem at all. Peter

Hi John, Yes, it most certainly is - it is a great router and there are plenty of cutters with 1/4" and 8 mm shafts. Cheers. Peter

Hi Alex, All of the routers can be used with the Festool track but the attachment is an extra for both the OF1400 and the OF2200. Peter

Hi Jan, I am sorry but I do not understand what you mean by R, D and NL. Peter

Hi Nigel, I have owned several Dewalt routers, a Stanley Professional (a collector's item which I still have), an Axminster machine and one from CMT. I have used many others including Makita, Bosch and Elu. Not one of them comes close to any of my Festool routers. The OF1010 is the router that I use the most as it is very easy to set up and has plenty of guts. I have used the edge trimming kit many times. Have you seen my two part video as it shows the edging kit (Part 1: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9rd345qwIkU.html and Part 2: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8l09Q1wOO3I.html) ? When I needed to do a bunch of edging work I did consider getting the MFK but am happy that I stuck with the OF1010. Peter

Hi Peter, thanks for you advice. I'm now the proud owner of a OF1010. Another layer to the Festool tower

christian buzio Hi Christian, Thank you for buying the book - I am sure that you will manage the English. I do not need a boom arm as I have my bungee stretched above my work area and the hose goes over that - it works really well. A bungee costs just $2. There are not many people who refurbish tools these days but sometimes you can ick up a bargain on ebay. Take care and enjoy your new tools. Peter

You could set up a jig with a place for the drawer front that allows you to work through a batch of fronts. You would probably need a template or straight edge depending on the style of pull you want to create and this needs to be positioned exactly right. Then you can either have it set up for a bearing guided cutter, a normal router guide or for the side of the router base to follow whatever template you choose. Peter

Hi Bradley, I am sorry to hear that you old router was stolen. The OF1400 will manage the work but if you are going to regularly tackle kitchen work top fitting then you will find the OF2200 much more suitable. It is also far better at dust collection, is easier to set up and has a gentle start-up so it does not jerk as you get it going. My current router setup puts the OF1400 in my router table where it does a great job. I then mainly use the OF1010 (baby router) for almost everything else and have the OF2200 for the more demanding freehand or rail guided tasks. I hope that this helps. Peter

Thanks for the advice peter much appreciated

Hi Dan, How are you? We have not chatted for a while. I am no expert on 110v systems but my electrical knowledge tells me that the bigger the transformer the better as the smaller ones can become overloaded under full power and then heat up. Peter

New Brit Workshop hi Peter, ya it’s been a while. I’m great and I hope you & yours are all doing well. Thank you for that advice. I have a larger5 K transformer so I will put the larger plug on an extension lead and give it a go. Thanks again Peter I always appreciate your professional advice. Cheers Dan

Hi Dan, We are really busy trying to move house. It is amazing how much clearing out one has to do after 35 years in the same place. The move is really hitting my video production as I am trying to clear out the workshop as well. Hopefully the new place will have a suitable space for video work and a workshop. Cheers. Peter

New Brit Workshop hi Peter- SNAP. I am also moving house, hopefully in next 4-5 weeks.

Hi Dan, Good luck with the move - we are just at the beginning with no end date in sight yet. Peter

Lerkio xG No problem at all. If you were doing 10 or more a day then I would recommend the OF2200 but the OF1400 is a powerful machine, with an 1/2" collet and easy to handle. Peter

Thanks Peter, I've been considering purchasing a 1400 for a while but I was concerned that it wasn't powerful enough for my needs. Perhaps for a future video you could do a similar comparison of the Festool sanders? Thanks again.

Lerkio xG The OF 1400 is a great machine. I will need to borrow a lot of sanders to do a comparison video ! Cheers. Peter

Yes, as long as you have the attachment for the guide rail. I have done this many times and it is a very useful method of using the routers. Peter

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks a lot, Peter!

I have my OF1400 in my Festool CMS-OF and it is perfect. I have no idea how it would work in the Sawstop table. The dust extraction may vary with different makes of table and is almost certainly best with dedicated hoses going to your normal extractor. Peter

@@NewBritWorkshop Okay I looked at everything now. I can get the Festool CMS-GE here at Lee Valley or else this setup which is not easy to find on RU-vid and they are very different and not that easy to decide but they are both good: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mPW_zFCieK4.html

@@NewBritWorkshop Actually that whole entire Sawstop setup is approximately $7,000 cdn. There is also an outfeed table that folds down and a huge sliding fence. I don't know why there are so many horsepower options like 1.75, 2, 3, 5, 7 horsepower motors but 1.75 on 110 volts with a Forest blade will cut hardwood like butter. I only have an outdoor place quonset 1,200 square feet for that, nothing indoor. It isn't that much money for a setup like that. Veritas hand tools will do most of everything that that huge machine can do.

eaglecot That is true. The OF 1010 is the router for the LR32 system. Enjoy your woodwork - the OF 2200 is a brilliant machine. Peter

Nobody expects... That is interesting. I have had my OF2200 in my router table for the last 3 years and recently put the OF1400 in there instead. I rate the OF2200 as one of the 3 finest tools that Festool makes (Domino DF700 and Conturo are the other 2). It has near perfect ergonomics with everything available without needing to take either hand off the machine. I admit that it is not light but then most of the time it is resting on the surface of whatever one is working on. I do have the OF1010 for more delicate work. Many thanks for your views. Peter

BillCo92 Hi Bill, I got my sister to buy one for me when she went to the US. I do not know of anyone selling them in the UK. Peter

Hi John, If your router is new then get Festool to look at it. Mine does not need any shims at all. Peter

The baby Dewalt is a sweet little router but the OF1010 has far better dust collection. Peter

@@NewBritWorkshop makes sence

In the UK it is about £450. I use my OF1010 more than any other router and it is brilliant. Just remember that it only has 1/4" and 8 mm colletts. Peter

Hi Mitchel, Oops - sorry ! Cheers. Peter

+Jacob hede pihl Hello Jacob, It all depends on what you want to make with your router. I would guess that the OF 1010 would be a good start as the smaller 6 mm or 8 mm cutters will not be quite so expensive. Good luck. Peter

+New Brit Workshop (Peter) i love your videos, is becuse i haw no intension of yousing the router to somfing big, you and meny order youtubers has set that the of 1400 is the best router but must people in Denmark hat tolt me that the of 1010 is the best , thank you for your anser is vary nice to here your mening you ar af vary intelligent man, i vod love to ride you Again

If you are going to offer "constructive criticism" then you have to follow any critical comment with a thorough analysis of the alternatives and that does not mean the $60 router in the bargain bin a your local DIY store. You have to compare like with like.