The Bottom Line
The engineers who designed the Festool OF 1400 EQ obviously are either very experienced woodworkers who knew what they wanted in a plunge router, or they interviewed a lot of master craftsmen before beginning their designs. This router is full of a lot of very professional touches. Some of them work well, while others are a bit different, although not necessarily better or worse. I can see some woodworkers absolutely loving this tool and others finding it an odd fit. Personally, I enjoyed working with it, although I would've liked the depth gauge to have been listed in inches & millimeters rather than just Metric.
Pros
- Spindle stop uses 2-way ratcheting mechanism for changing router bits
- Thoughtful touches include a 15-foot long power cord
- Innovative box system for storing router along with other Festool products
Cons
- Depth guide increments listed only in millimeters
- May be a bit awkward for left-handed woodworkers to use
Description
- The unique spindle stop allows for bit changes with one wrench, using a ratcheting mechanism. Very handy.
- The router has a lot of features that are well thought out, including a 15-foot power cord and outstanding dust collection.
- Each Festool power tool comes in a stackable hard-shell case that interlocks with other Festool cases.
- Unconventional router handles. Unit seems much better-suited to right-handed woodworkers. Trigger-style power switch.
- Terrific dust collection system when combined with the Festool CT 22 E Mobile Dust Extractor.
Guide Review - Festool OF 1400 EQ Plunge Router
When I work with some woodworking tools, I don't find much that differentiates the tool from other tools, as if the designers used the same "cookie cutter" approach as their competitors. However, take one look at the Festool OF 1400 EQ and you'll know that you're looking at something different.
In some cases, different doesn't necessarily mean "better." I give Festool credit for working to develop something out of the norm, and the engineering is first-rate. The tool is extremely well built, and no small detail has been overlooked.
That being said, this router isn't for everyone. The straight handle on the right side of the router with the trigger-style power switch and push-button lock is reminiscent of a power drill. Every woodworker will have an polarizing opinion on this variation, be it positive or negative. Some will like the feel, while others will find it cumbersome. Left-handers may find it awkward, as the unit cannot be reversed so that the power switch is in the left hand.
Some of the other ideas are spot-on. The left knob doubles as the plunge mechanism's lock, a feature which I really liked a lot. The spindle lock uses an interesting rocker-style switch that allows for single-wrench bit changes with a ratcheting action. The wrench doesn't need to be removed from the locking nut to tighten or loosen the collar for bit changes.
The dust collection pickup works particularly well when combined with the Festool CT 22 E Mobile Dust Extractor. While the visibility of the bit is somewhat limited with the dust extractor in place, there was hardly a speck of sawdust left over after completing the routing job.
The manual is well-written, and includes a complete parts list should you ever need any extra parts.
If you like the feel of the straight handle, the other features will make you think you've bought the Mercedes of routers.
In some cases, different doesn't necessarily mean "better." I give Festool credit for working to develop something out of the norm, and the engineering is first-rate. The tool is extremely well built, and no small detail has been overlooked.
That being said, this router isn't for everyone. The straight handle on the right side of the router with the trigger-style power switch and push-button lock is reminiscent of a power drill. Every woodworker will have an polarizing opinion on this variation, be it positive or negative. Some will like the feel, while others will find it cumbersome. Left-handers may find it awkward, as the unit cannot be reversed so that the power switch is in the left hand.
Some of the other ideas are spot-on. The left knob doubles as the plunge mechanism's lock, a feature which I really liked a lot. The spindle lock uses an interesting rocker-style switch that allows for single-wrench bit changes with a ratcheting action. The wrench doesn't need to be removed from the locking nut to tighten or loosen the collar for bit changes.
The dust collection pickup works particularly well when combined with the Festool CT 22 E Mobile Dust Extractor. While the visibility of the bit is somewhat limited with the dust extractor in place, there was hardly a speck of sawdust left over after completing the routing job.
The manual is well-written, and includes a complete parts list should you ever need any extra parts.
If you like the feel of the straight handle, the other features will make you think you've bought the Mercedes of routers.
