Festool OF 1000 E Plunge Router Review



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Introduction

Festool of1000Some of the most frequent questions we receive relate to purchasing routers. You may have noticed than in the past two-three years, the major players (and a few new ones) have significantly revamped and improved their routers (i.e., DeWALT's DW618, Triton's Plunge Router, and the Porter Cable 690LR and 890 Series). Consequently, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to choose the "best" router.

Since we have begun publishing reviews regarding Festool products (the ATF 55E Circular Saw, CT22 E Dust Extractor, and so forth), we have received a significant number of questions specifically about the innovative Festool OF 1000 Plunge Router. And wouldn't you know, Festool provided us with an OF 1000 for our long-term use and review, including their 32MM Hole Drilling set, and a number of Festool router bits.

We have used the OF 1000 router extensively over the past six months and have found it to be an excellent general purpose router. It offers a combination of features no other router in our shop can match. And that is a bit hard for me to say as I am somewhat prejudiced against plunge routers. We own five of them and frankly, I am not a big fan of plunge routers. Conventional routers just seem easier to use (depth adjustment, bit removal, etc.). However, since the Festool OF 1000 arrived, it has become one of two routers we use for the majority of our hand-held routing tasks.

Note: Clicking the hypertext links (bold-faced blue text) and blue-framed images will launch additional content.

Manufacturer: Festool USA
Tooltechnic Systems, LLC
140 S. Los Carneros Way
Goleta, CA 93117
Toll-Free Phone: (888)337-8600
From Canada, call: (805)685-3757
Fax: (805)685-5927
Web: Festool USA
Email: Festool Sales

Special thanks to Christian Oltzscher (President and CEO of Festool USA) and Bob Marino (Festool Sales Rep) of Festool USA for providing the Festool OF 1000 E for our use and review.



What I Like About the Festool OF 1000 E Plunge Router

Excellent Ergonomics
This is going to sound like a repeat of the ATF Circular Saw review, but in my experience with four Festool power hand tools, the company focuses on a couple of key attributes: ergonomics, dust collection, component integration, and reliability. The first thing I noticed about the Festool router was its strange looking body/handle. The combination of the OF 1000's long handle, balance, and light weight (less than 6 pounds), allows you to use the router one handed.

Until recently, I had not owned a "D-Handle" router, nor used a router one-handed. What I have since learned is "D-Handle" routers, and the handle and design of the OF 1000, makes for a much easier-to-control router. And even though I like the control of "D-Handle" routers, I find the long horizontal handle of the OF 1000 feels a bit more natural and comfortable position for the hand/wrist and makes it easier to apply downward pressure for most operations. Also, I much prefer the momentary on/off trigger switch of the OF 1000 to the toggle on/off switches of most conventional routers.

A case in point. I experienced a slight problem with the AKEDA dovetail jig. The problem did not occur when I used the OF 1000, but showed up with all of our other routers. Kevin Lear of AKEDA kindly suggested that perhaps I was rocking the router as it reached the far end of the jig (since the base is not fully supported there). I dismissed the suggestion and spent many hours checking guide bushings, cutters, router spindle run-out, etc. Since the OF 1000 spindle had less than .001" run-out and the others averaged .002" - .004" run-out, I assumed that was it. At the same time, I decided to install an offset router base from Pat Warner for our Bosch 1617 and PC 690 routers. Changing the bases resolved the problem with the AKEDA. In short (in long?), indeed I was slightly rocking the conventional routers which underscored the OF 1000's greater control.

Furthermore, the plunge action is locked/unlocked using the front handle. Ingenious. This design is superior to levers and the variety of lock devices on our other plunge routers. The combination of the large hand grip and the front handle plunge lock makes for easy and controllable plunges. The plunge action is very smooth without any stiction whatsoever, and the springs provide just the right amount of resistance. In fact, it feels like fluid is used rather than springs.

Finally, the OF 1000 produces far less noise and vibration than any router I have used. The motor produces a lower pitch sound than you would expect from a universal-type router motor. Vibration is almost non-existent.

So what does all this ergonomic mumble-jumble mean in the grand scheme of things....The ergonomics of the OF 1000 make it less intimidating and tiring to use than most routers. It has that Festool characteristic of feeling absolutely right in your hand. All key controls are placed where you can access them without a second thought or without losing control of the tool.



Precision, Quality Construction, and Thoughtful Engineering
After using the router with the AKEDA dovetail jig, our Leigh dovetail jig, mortising cabinet sides, and doing some general routing operations, the overall level of quality (construction) and precision of the tool stood out. For instance:

  • The router spindle has no run-out period. Every router I own (albeit, they're well used and abused), has significant spindle run-out. Careful inspection of the spindle brings to view the careful machining/grinding of the spindle and its threads.

  • The before-mentioned plunge action is very fluid, unlike the stickiness (PC and Hitachi) or springiness (Bosch) of every plunge router I own.

  • The cord is thick and long (approx. 4 meters - 12 feet).

  • The motor is smooth and quiet (for a universal motor). The motor has the electronic soft-start, speed control, and temperature overheat and current overload features of other Festool power hand tools. Thus the router should outlast routers not-so-equipped.

  • The base is fitted with a resin/fiber sub base plate. It is ultra smooth and very hard.

  • The spindle lock is the most accessible and easiest to use lock I have experienced on a router.

  • The OF 1000 is a light router, not a lightweight router.

  • The little things like the drop down foot that supports the router when half the base would otherwise not be supported. The plunge lock located in the front handle/knob. The oval (for a low profile) dust collection port. The center index marks and spindle rotation arrow cast into the base. The bottom of the motor housing is completely closed to prevent chips and whatever from entering the motor area. And so on...

  • Evidently Festool thinks highly of the quality of their router--it is warranted for 3 years.



    • Dust collection
    Festool is absolutely committed to dust control and the dust collection ability of the OF 1000 is very good. And for those of us who do not have shop-wide dust collection systems, the built-in dust collection of the OF 1000 with a portable dust extractor is greatly appreciated. The OF 1000 dust collection ability is enhanced by the design of the base and a plastic collar that catches swirling chips and diverts them to the dust collection port.

    The plastic collar can get in the way of attaching PC-style guide bushings. I get around this by removing the guide bushing adapter plate to attach / detach the guide bushings. I prefer the low and horizontal dust collection nozzle of the OF 1000 to the vertical connections used on other routers. In my experience, a hose mounted low and horizontal interferes less with routing and reduces the "pull" on the router you get with vertically mounted hoses. The oval shaped nozzle cast into the OF 1000 base may pose a problem with non-Festool hoses, but the Festool hose with its rotating soft-rubber end works perfectly.



    Guide Rail Operations
    The Festool Guide rail system is a key feature of the ATF 55 E circular saw and the OF 1000 E router. The guide rails help guide the OF 1000 when routing dados, mortises, rabbets, and so forth in workpieces without the need for shop-made fences and jigs. The OF 1000 router includes a guide rail stop (not sure why they call it that) that attaches the OF 1000 to any of the Festool guide rails.

    The combination of the OF 1000, a Festool Guide Rail, and a table (or the Festool MFT) offers you the functionality of a panel router with the benefit of being far less expensive and perhaps more flexible. Why more flexible? You can take the guide rail and router to the panel rather than visa versa. Plus, I can easily orient the guide rail across the panel at any angle or along its entire length. I have used this setup to rout mortises and dados in cabinet sides and other workpieces and find it beats my shop-made jigs hands down for ease of setup and accuracy. Festool offers a number of guide rail lengths and guide rails with or without holes to accomodate the OF 1000's ability to "rout/drill" holes for 32mm shelving and so forth.

    >> Click here to view a mortise operation
    using the Festool Guide Rail system.


    Easy Bit Changes - For a Plunge Router
    Easy bit changes are facilitated by the OF 1000'S flat top, an easy to use spindle lock, and lots of space between the columns. The spindle lock plunges a pin into a hole drilled through the spindle. I find this type of lock is more sure and easier to use than those that try to capture a flat on the shaft. Interesting, the new DeWALT 618 router uses virtually this same setup.


    Depth Adjustment
    Generally I prefer the simple depth adjustment found on conventional routers like the PC 690 and DeWALT 618. The bodies of these routers simply twist or slip up and down within the base and using the reference ring, you can quickly and accurately adjust their depth of cut. The depth adjustments on our plunge routers are a pain in the neck--they're slow and awkward to use.

    In contrast, the OF 1000 depth adjustment is about as simple as it gets for a precise depth adjustment. It consists of the following components:

    • A scale, fixed to the side of the router. The scale is measured in millimeters, which is not particularly useful for me as I do not use millimeters in the shop (1" = 2.54cm, 1/4" = 6.35mm). I can't say that I have tested the scale for accuracy--I assume it is. I typically adjust the depth against a reference block or brass bar.

    • Black plastic sliding pointer used to zero the stop and/or point to the depth of cut.

    • A chromed stop rod. The stop rod slides up and down and can be locked into place using the black plastic lever lock.

    • A green plastic fine adjustment knob. This knob allows you to fine adjust the depth setting in marked .1 mm (approx .004") increments. One complete turn is equal to 1 millimeter (approx .0393").

    • Three fixed (but adjustable) stops on a rotating turret. These type of stops are common to most plunge routers.

    To adjust the OF 1000 for a precise depth of cut:

    1. With the cutter installed, plunge the router so that the cutter just touches the work surface. Lock the plunge action using the front handle/knob.
    2. Unlock the stop rod.
    3. Drop the stop rod onto the desired stop.
    4. Set the sliding pointer to the 0mm mark.
    5. Slide the pointer (which also moves the stop bar) to the desired depth as indicated on the scale, or place a reference bar between the end of the stop bar and the stop. Lock the stop rod.
    6. Release the plunge action and you're ready to go.

    Versatility
    The OF1000 handles a wide range of routing roles: general purpose router, laminate/trim router, 32mm cabinet construction (hinge cup and shelf-pin drilling), mortises, dadoing, inlays, and so forth. I doubt an onsite installer or finish carpenter would need more than this one router. Due to its light weight, ease of control, small size, and precise depth adjustment, the OF 1000 works well doing fine work like inlays. For the same reasons, the router is ideal when working vertically or in odd positions. And though it excels at tasks where precision and a light touch are required, it works well as a general purpose router doing edge work (round overs, ogee profiles). I figured being only a 7-1/2 amp router that it would bog down, but even doing half-blind dovetails, I found it performed as well as a PC 690, and perhaps due to the OF 1000's electronic control, does not bog down where my PC 690s would.



    Accessories and Systainer
    The OF 1000 kit includes a well constructed edge guide with removable chip deflector, 1/4" and 8mm collets, the before-mentioned guide rail attachment, and a systainer (carrying case) that can be stacked on other systainers and the Festool line of dust extractors (vacuums). By the way, the collets release the bits and provide good grab without having to bear down when tightening them.


    What I Don't Like About the Festool OF 1000

    Too Accessible Trigger Lock
    Typically plunge routers provide a trigger lock. However, the placement of the OF 1000's lock has me inadvertently setting it. Several times I expected the router to shut-off upon releasing the trigger and surprise, it kept going. I'm more careful now, but regardless, I still inadvertently lock it.

    I Prefer Two Wrenches
    Although the OF 1000 spindle lock is the best I have used, I prefer the two fisted (two wrench) method for tightening/loosening collets.

    Not for Router Tables
    Though definitely an opinion, I would not consider the OF 1000 for router table use. First of all I feel a table-mounted router should have a minimum of 12-15 amps and offer 1/2" collet capability. Furthermore, as good as the OF 1000 height / depth adjustment is, I can't see using it under a table.

    Brush Accessibility
    Most universal motor tools require you to replace the brushes after several years of steady use. They're accessible on most routers, but don't appear to be easily accessible on the OF 1000.

    Front Knob Remains Loose
    The front knob, when tightened fully, remains slightly loose. Not a big deal, but I expected it to not "wiggle" when tightened. I assume the "looseness" is present because of the plunge lock assembly.

    A Blind Spot
    The base plate is completely enclosed accept for the cutter hole. This is good for dust collection but you can't see through it to line up a cut. This is most troublesome when using the OF1000 with the AKEDA dovetail jig. Between the closed base of the OF1000 and the close quarters of the AKEDA dovetail jig, you can't follow the cutter/guide bushing passing between the guide fingers. This may not be a problem at all with Festool's fine dovetail jig, but was a problem (for me) with the AKEDA.

    Smallish Base Plate
    The base plate is on the small side and is smaller than the recommended minimum base plate size for use with the AKEDA dovetail jig (realizing this is not a prime consideration for most buyers). I realize the smallish base plate is preferred for some operations, but as a general purpose router I would prefer a larger base plate.

    Hand Position
    This is not really a "Don't Like" item, but I decided to put this comment here...The OF 1000's long horizontal handle combined with the light weight and balance of the OF 1000 makes it very easy to control when doing edge work, laminate trimming, and so forth. However, when doing finer work, I am accustomed to 1)wrapping one hand around the body of the router or 2)holding the router with ball-like grips well below the center of gravity. Consequently, I found the OF 1000 a bit awkward when doing fine, slow, shallow cuts for an inlay or when in a sitting position and leaning down into the work due to the horizontal, above-center-of-gravity hand position.



    Additional Comments

    • The OF 1000 accepts bits with 1/4" and 8mm shanks. Evidently, 8mm is a common shank diameter for European router bits. I recommend using 8mm cutters with the OF 1000, even if it means buying them from Festool (which are very reasonably priced by the way). An 8mm shank has approximately a 60% larger cross sectional area than 1/4" shanks, thus they are stronger, vibrate less, and allow you to feed the router faster than you could (or would) with 1/4"-shanked cutters.

    • Is 7-1/2 amps / 900 watts enough power? Even when using the OF1000 to rout dovetails, the router speed remained constant. My PC690s wavered when cutting the full width dovetails.

    • Festool offers a wide variety of guide bushings, but they do not appear to offer guide bushings of the right diameter for the Leigh and AKEDA dovetail jigs. Consequently, I purchased an adapter from Leigh that allows me to use Porter Cable-style guide bushings with the OF 1000. The adapter (Leigh #704) runs $16 and works very well.

    • Festool offers a 32mm drilling set. This set is great for drilling shelf holes and hinge cup dowel holes for the euro 32mm cabinetmaking system. I plan a full scale review of the Festool 32mm drilling set, but until then, click this link to read my Festool 32mm drilling set setup and use article.



    The Bottom Line

    Simply put, the Festool OF 1000 E performs as you would expect for a router in its price category. It excels at tasks where precision and a light touch are desirable. It would be an excellent choice for installers or carpenters doing on-site / in-built cabinetry as it truly is one router that can serve many functions (laminate trimming, inlays, flush trimming, 32mm hole drilling, etc.). Its light weight and easy to control design make it a natural for those who might be intimidated by larger, less controllable routers. And finally, its compatibility with the Festool guide rails and 32mm hole drilling kit opens up an array of capabilities simply not present in most routers. Though not particularly useful as a table-mounted router, it is perhaps the most versatile hand-held router I have used.

    A word about price (as it is a frequent Festool topic). For most buyers, price is a key consideration. However, I always suggest that one consider cost over price. Due to its careful engineering, where reliability, dust collection, ergonomics, pleasure of use, and so forth are key considerations, I assume the lifetime cost of an OF 1000 will be less than lower-priced routers.

    Rating: out of 5!



    Comments From Readers

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    Where to Purchase Festool Products

    Generally big-box home centers do not carry Festool products. So, where can you purchase Festool tools and accessories? A number of Woodworking Tool mail order and chain retail stores are starting to carry them. You can also order Festool products online, direct from the Festool-USA web site or from Bob Marino's Festool retail web site. I purchase my Festool accessories and parts from Bob Marino.....

    Festool Online Sales - Bob Marino
    Bob Marino is an Independent Sales Agent for Festool, an avid woodworker, a regular and familiar contributor to on-line woodworking forums and all-around good guy. Not bad for someone from NJ (just kidding of course). Bob has opened an on-line retail store to sell Festool products. Because of his service and accessibility, I purchase my Festool accessories through Bob. You can also contact Bob at Bob Marino's Email Account.



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