Festool OF1400 Router Review and Demonstration

The Festool OF 1400 router is a brilliant piece of engineering. I spent several weeks doing market research before dropping hints to the family that I would like one for Christmas. This is probably the best router of its class in the World.

[@stakwalderbak5331]

Thank you once again for an excellent review which is still relevant some 10 years later. I have had a few routers over the last 12 years of various brands and regret purchasing them. Finally I have decided on the OF 1400 which fills a gap between my OF 1010 (which is awesome) and the other brand beasts which I have found to be too heavy for the kind of hobby work I now do. I'm looking forward to my latest Festool router.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Stak, Many thanks. Cheers. Peter

[@danielbrown1323]

Hello Peter. I have just discovered your channel and I am very glad I did. I appreciate your clear, detailed reviews and concise instruction. This is a refreshing change from the nattering and discordant reviews and instructions on so many of the other channels. You gained one more fan, late to the party, but finally here at long last. Cheers! Daniel - Madisonville, Tennessee, USA

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Daniel, I am glad that you have joined the subscriber list which has just passed the 60,000 mark. Cheers. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, thank you for getting back to me and enjoy your break away. Cheers Dan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, Things are looking up as the Wi-Fi now seems to be working. We are doing an E-Bike video to help people understand the advantages and what to look for before buying. We have already bought a pair and enjoy them very much. However, there are many who do not understand what an E-Bike is and fail to understand that they still make you work in order to get from A to B. Peter

[@ericb.davenport9762]

Thank you Peter. Excellent presentation. EBD.

[@london_roubenl]

Love your videos, such a great source of information, I'm not sure why my wife and children don't appear to have the same enthusiasm for them. Many Thanks for your time

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Orangecircle1 You need to win your wife and children over by making something for them - perhaps a garden bench - it does not need to be very elaborate but they will appreciate it because you made it for them. Peter

[@huxleymitchell5407]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does anyone know a way to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I would love any assistance you can offer me!

[@asakareem4574]

@Huxley Mitchell instablaster ;)

[@huxleymitchell5407]

@Asa Kareem i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@huxleymitchell5407]

@Asa Kareem it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass!

[@tympt1]

Hi Peter, just a quick note of thanks for this review. After watching it several times, I finally convinced myself to splash the cash and buy one. You are right, it is the dogs dangly bits! I have several other routers that I thought were top class, but this is in a league of its own. So glad I finally got off the fence! Kind regards Barry.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

tympt1 Hi Barry, Many thanks for letting me know that - it really is a super router. Cheers. Peter

[@thewindowrepairpeople8118]

Peter , I hate you 😂. Alan here from Ireland, I am considering buying a festool 1400 router and always check your channel for reviews on tools I buy , you just cost me €720 + vat . On a different note I’m just after finishing my Ron Paulk smart bench and used your Parf mk2 guide system . OMG what a tool and very well thought out. I love it , well done and thank you

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Gosh...First I am sorry that I am costing you money but at least you have a lovely router to play with and well done for getting the PGS. Many thanks for your kind comments. Cheers. Peter

[@nastythomashobbs]

nice work as usual. Love this router. Flush trimming quarter inch plywood to the back of projects with the chip collector is dust free. Same goes with edge routing. I am a festool junkie. Nice family to give yo an OF 1400 as a Christmas present. I am lucky to get a systainer for storage.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, it certainly is a great router and I am very lucky that everyone clubbed together like that.Peter

[@woodchipperscarlett5078]

Not a problem at all peter. I look forward to this video and all others that you post.Thanks again. Kind Regards Richard.

[@dougal69ify]

Top geezer great honest review!!! I wish more of them were like that !! No bulshit!!! Bang on !!!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thank you so much. Peter

[@Mr_Chuckles]

Your videos are excellent, thank you Peter!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks. Peter

[@raimondssoloveiko2089]

Excellent presentation!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@brenttaylor4785]

Hello Peter, I would like to thank you for your videos, I'm a woodworker with almost 40 years in, but I'm still learning. I had an older 1400 that went away and am now thinking of replacing it and need to know if the dust collection is truly as good as Festool is saying. I also have developed lung issue, Also thank you for sharing the info about the Mirka block sander and workshop dust issues. Go with Peace.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Brent, I am sorry hat your lungs are not as they should be. The very best Festool router for dust collection (and probably the best in the world) is the OF2200. The OF1400 has excellent dust collection particularly if you use a good extractor like the CT26. I have found that some operations appear to produce dust but when I did the workshop dust study I found that the fine dust is mostly captured and it is only a few of the larger (non hazardous) chips that you see. Even so, routing will always produce some dust and if you have a particular sensitivity you may wish to use a powered respirator like the 3M Versaflo. If you are able to get to a Festool dealer I am sure that they wold let you try both the OF2200 and the OF1400. Good luck. Peter

[@MajorTendonitis]

Very nice presentation Peter . I am stuck between this and the 2200 . But the 2200 is almost getting prohibitively expensive , especially in Canada

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, I was just watching this video again and I realized I had been using the fence on the wrong side of my Festool router for months. You show here that the fence is attached to the side that is nearest the tightening nob at the base of the router. I had the fence on the opposite side lol

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, Easily done, particularly given the sketchy Festool instructions. Peter

[@duncanmatthews1654]

Hi I noticed that I'm not sure if it's the way the festool is set up but I was always taught fence the right and push that way the cutter will pull in against the fence at least that's with any other router I've used

[@tonyfdesign]

Thanks! I just subscribed. I just purchased the OF 1400, as well as the router table that connects to my MFT table. Excited!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Tony, Brilliant news. I can imagine exactly how you feel having been through this with most of my Festool purchases. Where did you buy it from? Peter

[@woodchipperscarlett5078]

Hello peter, another excellent tutorial I may say. I have just started out in my quest as a wood worker, and I find your video's and tips invaluable, please, keep them coming...I also wondered if you could (or all ready have done?) a peice on how to use the dove tail jigs and various cutters? If you could find time in your busy schedule, I for one would be so grateful. Many thanks for your time peter, and keep up the excellent work. Much respect Richard.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, thanks to your great review I received my brand new Festool 1400 router today. I also ordered a set of guide Bush’s and adapter from Axminister. I now realize I should have also ordered the cone centering bit too. While looking at the base of the router with the adapter and a guide bush attached I realized that if I had the centering bit and it showed that it needs adjusting I’m not sure how I would do that. There are two screws at the base of the router possibly for adjustment but when the adapter is fitted it covers these screws. Any ideas?? Overall I love my new router and can hardly wait to get it going. I would have purchased another brand where it not for you so thank you Peter. Cheers Dan

[@ScrewThisGlueThat]

Peter, I got my brand new FO1400 yesterday along with brand new bits and guide bushings. My guide is not centered from Festool Factory... Do you have a video on how to correct this? Everything is brand new out of the box, and off center.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Robert, Search the Festool Owners Group (FOG) for this. Mine came perfectly set up but there is a tweak that can be done and it was described on the FOG. Peter

[@GreenTvideo]

Hi Peter, Great Video! I have just ordered an OF1400 and can't wait for it to arrive, however I am really struggling to find anywhere in the UK that stocks the copy ring adapter plate. Please could you point me in the right direction. Thanks Tris

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, well done, keep up the good work

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks Dan. Peter

[@acornpine251]

Hi, I have been watching your videos for a few weeks now and I would just like to say how well made and easy to follow they are. The way you describe the tools is a joy compared to some of the people I have watched and I am looking forward to seeing some new ones. I have just purchased an OF1400, but it did not come with the dust attachment for the side fence, like the one in your review. I have tried to source one on the web but the only one I can find is attached to what looks like a guide rail fence. I would appreciate any ideas on how to find the one you reviewed. Thanks for your attention, John.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, Thank you so much for the kind comments. In the UK, my OF 1400 came with the fence and the dust attachment for the fence (and much more). As far as I can tell from the Festool UK web site the part you want has a Festool part number 492585. It might be worth checking with your dealer to see if you too should have had one in the box. Peter

[@acornpine251]

Peter Parfitt Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I looked at the 492585 but it is not the same as the one you reviewed, but I will continue to search. I asked the supplier about the extraction attachment, but he said that the deal that I got precluded the attachment and the 8mm collet. C'est la vie. John.

[@pjgwiltshire]

I note your point and yes I also bought a new 1400 and Festool have now stopped supplying the 8mm collet and dust extractor. I rang the UK HQ and was put through to the South East region manger. I complained and he arranged for delivery FOC. Although I pouted out that I had spent in excess of £1500 re kitting myself out with new Festool toys

[@paulbedwell1740]

The part number is AH-SA-OF 2000. It fits the 1400 and the 2200. I've ordered one from Nuts & Bolts in the UK. Paul

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, I’m about to purchase the Festool 1400 router 100% because of your great reviews. That being said I wondered about the rail with the evenly spaced holes for cabinet work (shelving). I have only ever seen videos demonstrating this function with the 1010 router and I wondered if the 1400 will also work? I also wondered if you could recommend and accessories I should also get that do not come as standard? You mentioned once about the UJK guide bush. Cheers Dan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, I am not sure about this as I have never tried or even seen the LR32 kit. Please do a Google search for this. Sorry. For any router you need the side fence and with a Festool router the guide rail attachment is a good idea. Peter

[@pf5658]

This is funny because it seems like all the accessories that came with that is what they’re offering in their new “emerald special edition” that was just announced. Pretty sure it cost less to get all that for what they’re now offering in that “S.E.” Did all those accessories come with that unit?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

When the children bought this for me everything that I showed came with it. I have not bought any additional bits for it. Peter

[@pf5658]

New Brit Workshop - Thank you Sir.😊

[@dlevi67]

Today (May 2021) the kit is the same, except that Festool no longer supply the 8 mm collet with it. Only 1/4" and 1/2".

[@mjunaid8729]

Thank you, I just got this today from axmininster

[@NewBritWorkshop]

A great router - have fun but take care and remember all the safety things. Peter

[@roberthiday3342]

Hi Peter. I have a very specific issue/question about using the OF 1400 on the CMS-OF table. I need to use it with a guide bushing. I don't see a guide bushing accessory that will work with the table (the stock one for the OF1400 does not protrude far enough thru the table. How do you do that? is there a specific accessory that fits a guide bushing on the table?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Robert, Forgive my ignorance of what might be a well router table technique but why do you need to use a guide bush in this way? Peter

[@roberthiday3342]

@@NewBritWorkshop thanks for your reply. I have a Leigh through dovetail jig that can be used on a router table, but it requires a guide bushing.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, I wondered if I could ask your opinion about something- I use my Festool 1400 on a regular basis for door furniture- faceplates/ hinges etc and I got thinking about when using the router to locate the dead center of the door jamb for cutting mortise locks/ faceplates and door sweeps (I normally use the correct size bits so I only need to make one pass) I wondered if I purchased another fence and used both fences this would trap the router (once it has been set to the Ctr) and this would prevent the chance of any traveling or wondering left or right and that would leave you only needing to watch for the length of the mortise. What do you think? Cheers Dan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, I used to do something similar with an old Dewalt in my pre-Festool days. I see no reason for it to not work as you suggest. If you want to test out the idea first then take a block of hardwood (say 40 mm x 25 mm in section) and drill a pair of holes in the right place to take the fence rods as they stick out from the router body. You can fix the block in place with screws through your block that just nip the rods. If you wanted to make a permanent one of these then use screw inserts and a suitable screw knob. Wax the inner face of your piece of wood where it will rub against the door frame edge. Peter

[@stuartwass6672]

Hello Peter. Very clear and precise film as usual thank you 😊 Is there a way of using an inlay kit with the 1400 ? Thanks Stu

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Stu, Yes you can but you have to ensure that the cutter is concentric with the guide. Peter

[@chrismcandrew1041]

Thanks Peter, for your speedy, valued recommendations, as ever. As you say, it would require some thought. Nonetheless, do you know Rutlands, in terms of their kit? Chris

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Chris, I do not know them as a company but I believe that they are liked by many UK woodworkers. You might also like to take a look at what The Woodworkers Workshop and Axminster have that may be similar. Peter

[@andyvan5692]

good video; BUT you forgot to mention that the ratchet collet system WILL NOT let you undo the collet if the router is in a router lift (router table)- as in the Festool system the router switch is left ON & the power supplied through the switch on the table ( and their dust extractor system { plug-it cord }); therefore you MUST dis-engage the trigger first, before the collet ratchet works!!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andy, Thank you for highlighting this. Having used it for so long now one tends to forget odd details. Cheers. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, I wondered if you could please advise me on the following- I am currently using the OF 1400 to mortise lock face plates in timber doors. I simply use the correct size flush cutting bit to do it in one pass and the side fence. However I wondered if there is a better way? Trend products a self centering mortise base with two fixed points which centers the router. Does Festool make there own version that you know off? Also I purchased at your recommendation the UJK guide bush set which is great but I wondered in relation to what brand you use when doing inlay work? The guide bush with the add on extra bush? Cheers Dan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, Take a look at the Festool MFS for guided router work. I have not seen the Trend kit. Take a look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKK6gXycZdGZeM0 Forgive the brief reply I am camping in the middle of a muddy field in The Netherlands. Peter

[@williammackey7243]

Thank you so very much for making this video, it is quite helpful. Do you believe this model would be sufficient for running a raised panel bit?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Everett McGill Hi Everett, Yes with no problem at all. I have done it a couple of times. It is a great all rounder. Peter

[@alanwoolstenholmes3348]

Hi peter great reviews. Just a quick question I need a new router for kitchen fitting this model is 1400 watts will it be man enough for 38 mm work tops as my current dewalt is 2000watts. Love to see you review the kapex soon. Many thanks

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Alan, The OF1400 is more than man enough for your needs. I have used it for raised panel work with no trouble at all. I have had loads of people ask me to review the Kapex - I will do it as soon as I can. For now let me say that it is absolutely brilliant. I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. Peter

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Hello again Peter and thank you fro all your GREAT videos! Quick question... do you find the Festool 1400 at all cumbersome in using it with your Leigh Jig? Particularly the handle configuration being a little different than the D-handles Bosch I have (non-plunge) Thanks again for your feedback

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jeff, The OF1400 is okay but I now use the smaller OF1010 with the Leigh jig and that is a perfect combination. Cheers. Peter

[@tonyfdesign]

What a great video!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Tony, Many thanks and welcome to the New Brit Workshop. Peter

[@nippychippy]

Thanks for the video peter thinking of getting this router would this manage work tops? And any more info on the of 1400 would be great Cheers robert

[@NewBritWorkshop]

nippychippy Hi Robert, The OF1400 will deliver the power you needs for all kitchen work. If you were going to concentrate on kitchen work then you might consider the OF2200 as it is a real gentle giant designed especially for non stop tough jobs all day every day. If you are not doing work tops every day then the OF1400 will do well. Peter

[@nippychippy]

Thanks peter is there anything else I should think about getting for it

[@NewBritWorkshop]

nippychippy Mine was bought from Axminster about 18 months ago and came with a side fence, a dust port for normal routing, a dust port for the fence and both 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collets. I have not bought a guide rail adapter (492601) yet but will do sometime. Other than that it comes with a good set of accessories. As I already have the OF2200 I have 6mm and 12mm collets which are interchangeable between the two routers. Peter

[@nippychippy]

Thanks peter I am going into my local dealer and get a price thanks for your help again

[@NewBritWorkshop]

nippychippy Robert - I said 6mm collet above, I meant 8mm collet as it is a good size if you ever get into Leigh jig work for dovetails. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi, I was recently told that if I purchase the Festool 1400 router none of my collection of router bits will fit and I’d have to replace them with Festool router bits. Was my leg being pulled? Cheers

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, That is certainly a joke. I have router bits made by CMT, Axminster, Trend and others. They range from 1/4" to 8 mm and 1/2". They all fit. However, you have to check what collets come with the router in order to use the full range of cutter shank sizes. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

New Brit Workshop hi Peter, thanks for clearing that up for me. I bought those two Festool sanders this week thanks to your recommendation. The router is my next purchase in a few months. Cheers

[@redstihl9027]

Hi peter, I see you were using the ctl26 extractor, what starting extractor would you recommend? I do extensions/small developments. And obviously indoor work. I was looking at the ct midi? Would that be worthwhile? Thanks

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I started with the CT26 when I "discovered" Festool. The CT Midi works at almost the same rate as the CT26 but you need to consider bag capacity. I have seen almost every Festool extractor in use and cannot fault their performance so just check the key things that are important - I suspect it will be weight and bag capacity. Peter

[@redstihl9027]

New Brit Workshop thanks for the advice 😀

[@jetranger61]

I have just purchased the Leigh jig for use with the Festool 1010 router on Oak.Nightmare.Chipout and breaking all over the place.Will the 1400 overcome this with its' extra power?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Keith, No, it is not the router. It could be a dull cutter but more likely (forgive me) to be technique. When you start to cut (pins or tails - it makes no difference) do the initial part of the cut slowly and take off small amounts until you are about 4 mm in to the stock. Similarly, if you are proceeding all the way through a piece then make sure that you have a backing board clamped behind as this will completely stop breakout. Do let me know how you get on and if this helps. Peter

[@KilpatrickBaumpflege]

Great video thanks

[@kubilayylmaz1716]

Hi, i have same router, looking the busing. What is your busing brand and diameter?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I use the UJK Guide Bushes from Axminster Tools. The guide bush adapter is prom Leigh. Peter

[@kubilayylmaz1716]

@@NewBritWorkshop thank you for quick answering.

[@RoySatzman]

Thank you Great review

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks Roy. Peter

[@markaosbron192]

Id like to see a review on the Festool jig system

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Markaos Bron Hi Markaos, I do not have the Festool MFS but will see if I can borrow something later in the year. Peter

[@chrismcandrew1041]

Now I have the OF1400, I've come to realise it needs mounting on a table, yet the cost of Festool's solutions exceed those of their Router. You may know the company Rutlands, who've suggested their R5016 at £249.95 as a solution, but tell me I'd need to "drill the insert plate to mount the" OF1400. I wondered if anyone reading this would care to comment on that, as a fix? I'm a hobbyist who does not require the Festool's design mobility. Without 'seeing the products with my hands', the less expensive Rutlands hardware looks as if it would be more stable than the Festool, while being £££s less! Chris

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Chris, I imagine that all you would need to do is to use your OF1400 removeable base as a template to mark the R5016 plate. You would need to take care to ensure that you line things up at the centres of the plate and OF1400 base. Be sure to decide where you want the router to be in terms of its radial position about the vertical axis - ensure that the shaft lock lever is in the place that you want as well as the dust port from the router - this may need to be a compromise between the two. You also need to think how you will achieve fine height adjustment with the router in the table. Good luck. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks for the great comments. Best of luck getting your Festool kit. I will heed your advice about machine volume. Peter

[@nurielme8965]

hi pater I wanted to ask whether the festool of 2200 suitable for work with leigh dovetail jig?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

nuriel me Hi Nuriel, No it is too big. The very best is the OF1010 but I have used the OF1400 with it a lot and it works fine. Peter

[@nurielme8965]

thank you you helped me in my decision which model to buy. is he strong also for other jobs?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The OF1400 is a very good router and able to do anything that the average user would wish. Peter

[@mikedavies1531]

👍

[@carpenter33]

We don't get the side fance in canada we have to pay extra.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I never understand that - everyone will need the fence at some point. Peter

[@carpenter33]

New Brit Workshop I'm a big fan of festool but they're greedy to say the least.

[@bighands69]

+capenter33 They are not greedy it may only appear that way. They are a small company and all of their innovation costs and when you getting accessories that is still part of their innovation. You may look at a little bit of plastic or metal and think there is no way that should cost $50 and you would be correct but all of the innovation investment that they make is costed into that little bit of plastic. Somebody has to design, test and then put everything into production. Companies should like Festool should be letting people know that every product they have is part of their innovation and investment.

[@TheViplounger]

OMG im in love. No mess very precise. Im am going to buy all the festool power tools. Amazing.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Viplounger As far as I am concerned, Festool make the very best power tools in the world. If an "A" list celebrity decides to take up woodwork as a relaxing and meaningful hobby then I recommend that they get Festool kit. If a young lad, just starting out, wants to know how to spend the profit from his first commission then the answer is exactly the same. Peter

[@johnlatcham2389]

New Brit Workshop hi peter thanks for that comment. I currently have loads of dewalt tools and find them to be of excellent quality but in an avid hobbyist i create bits and bobs with numerous tools like my scroll saw etc. However would you recommend i go for this festool model for 400 or the dewalt which retails for around £260 thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

John Latcham Hi John, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Festool machine - I have thrown a Dewalt 625 away recently when a collet failed and nearly injured me. I will never buy Dewalt again. Peter

[@johnlatcham2389]

Thanks very much for the reply peter. Sorry to hear about that potential injury. I think i will stick to dewalt for my drills as they are excellent (recently upgraded to brushless) and will look at festool for my cutting and routing tools. Thanks again. Ps i have subscribed.

[@andyvan5692]

YOU FORGOT one safety point: JEWELLERY & Spinning machinery DON'T MIX, you have a watch on while routing :(())

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andy, I think a watch is not an issue as long as it is on a firm strap. Rings are a completely different matter as I know several people with damaged fingers due to rings getting caught on static objects so just imagine what could happen with machinery. The health and safety thing has to be reasonable and what people consider to be justified. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Tris, I sent you a PM - the part number is 493566 and check Axminster and Toolfest. Peter

[@patrickbonnard8296]

New Brit Workshop

[@ztiling5646]

Hi dear can we cut kitchen benchtop withe 1400 festool router ,withe APS 900 benchtop templat.?

[@cristipop5706]

Festool router 😂😂😂💩👎🔨🔨🔨