Thread: Variable Speed Plunge Router Recomendations

Originally Posted by woodgnome88

… is Festool really worth the extra $'s?

If money isn’t a factor, yes. Personally I would keep the TR12 for the heavy jobs and buy a Festool OF1010 for lighter work. Depends what shank size most of your router bits are though. If they are mostly ½” shank, the OF1010 will be useless to you. How often do you use bits that require speed reduction?

I own a 1010 and the 2200 bigger 1/2” festool router. I’ve owned a few other large makita routers and hitachi but am seriously impressed with the 2200.

Power delivery is just a nonissue, I’ve never bogged it down but I’d say the best feature is the controls.

Everything from height adjustment lockout but soft start and other features being available in finger reach not needing to always take your hands off to adjust

The ratchet to lock your bits in with the spanner etc is also useful

I guess I notice the user improvements and when it’s a coupled with the jigs I reckon it’s the last router of that size I’ll own.

I have owned Trend for years a well known brand in the UK

Trend Router Range | Trend Tool Technology

If spending $1500 isn't going to force you to eat 2 minute noodles for a month then the Festool OF 1400 is a no brainer. Happy medium router. Capable of smaller jobs as well as large jobs.

Originally Posted by woodgnome88

Hi
It's time to upgrade from my old single Hitachi TR12 Router which I have owned for more than 35 years.
I'm looking for recomendations for a large variable speed plunge router; is Festool really worth the extra $'s?

I have a Makita 3600B - similar vintage - and they are bullet proof.

I still regret not buying an Elu when they were being discounted 30+ years ago. They are now rebranded as deWalt 621. A little more refined than the Makita and also tough.

Either a big Makita or a DW621 will cost around $800.

But most Festool tools are just nicer to use. May I suggest that you ring your local Festool agent, make an appointment, and go along and try out the router. They encourage this as they know that once you try, you will probably buy.

Warning: Festoolitus is contagious!