In the woodcraft industry, handheld wood routers are the star players in each project. Whether you’re a starting enthusiast or a professional at play, you’ll notice how routers serve as the key to work on basic to complicated projects that require different cutting techniques for a certain design. Wood routers are truly versatile; however, these units tend to be heavy, and that makes woodwork a little tougher.
It’s a good thing that there are router tables you can rely on, especially when tackling complex woodwork queries. Indeed, these take out your tool’s versatility on the next level.
Because of the added support of the table, you’ll be able to accomplish more in your project. With that being said, we highly recommend that you try out Festool router tables if you haven’t checked them out yet. If you already own one, the next step is to get a Festool wood router to seal the deal.
In this article, we’re going to feature two Festool wood router options that might be a good addition in your workshop. While we’re not going to provide you with Festool router table reviews, we’re still going to discuss a few points you need to consider when buying a table. This guide will serve as a great reference, so read on to find out more!
Our Recommendations
The Festool Router OF 1400 EQ Imperial
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The first Festool wood router we have here is supported by a 1400-watt motor that can kick out a drive shaft speed from 10000 RPM to 22500 RPM; this allows you to work on the most complicated and heavy-duty projects.
Generally, this model is specifically designed to be used together with the FS Guide Rail System. It has MFS multi-routing templates, which you can follow. Additionally, it also has wide selection of accessory options you can check out.
When it comes to adjustment features, the Festool 574692 is equipped with a precision depth adjustment system that has a dial with a depth control of 1/256 inch. In addition to help you produce clean and accurate cuts, the unit comes with 3 adjustable depth stop turrets.
For its ergonomics, this wood router boasts of its one-hand operation design; this means that the tool is designed to provide you with stability that you can operate it using just one hand. If you’re looking for a unit that doesn’t produce that much of a mess during crafting, the Festool 574692 is for you.
It has a dust extraction port that actively takes out the dust immediately after generation. This feature protects the wood router from damages, making it last longer than other units.
We guess the only downside to this wood router is its price of $635. Still, we think that this is a good investment for professionals and budding woodcraft business owners.
Festool 574689 EB F Plus Router, 2200-Watts
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The next model we’ve got is considered as Festool’s most powerful wood router. With 2200 watts of power, you’ll be able to work on the toughest project applications with ease on your side. It features a soft-start technology to protect the router from internal damage brought by the spring of power; this feature also lets you handle the tool with better grip as the power gradually increases.
The Festool 574689 comes with a variable speed setting, making it possible for you to cater to projects that require a specific spindle rate. The overall and maximum speed rate of this router reaches up to 22000 RPM, allowing you to work on a wide range of applications using different types of bits.
Additionally, this unit has a large bit capacity; this means that the router’s base has a 3-3.8” opening that makes a room that can cater to a set of router bits. With this, you’ll be able to work with other materials apart from wood, with a range of project applications.
As for its accuracy and precision, the router is equipped with a Micro-Adjustment Knob feature that has 1/256-inch increments. With this adjustment system, you’ll be able to fix your bit’s height more accurately and this will result to more precise cuts and polished outputs.
Finally, Festool values both its product’s durability and your health so the brand is focused on the dust control of their wood routers. The Festool 574689 features a 360-Degree Dust Deflector captures dust and debris immediately as you work. This saves your time from cleaning the mess afterwards and inhaling the small particles.
Like the first Festool router in our small list, the issue with this model is its high cost. The Festool 574689 is at the expensive side at $995. We don’t recommend these for novices because of the price; however, if you’re getting serious with woodcraft, this is an excellent investment, especially because of the features it comes with.
Wood Router Table Buying Guide
To provide you with a quick buying guide for your future router table purchase, here are a few points you’d want to check first:
Size
Do you have a large workspace in your workshop? What project scale do you mostly handle? Decide whether your queries require a big table or a small table is enough. Remember that big router tables typically cost higher.
Quality
Check the surface of the table you’re eyeing. A high-quality router table has a flat surface. The material used should also be sturdy and up to standards; we highly recommend tables that utilize Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) for smooth wood routing.
Mounting Plates
Wood routers have a specific mounting port, and this has something to do with the plates in routing tables. A router table has either the universal base plate or the plate that needs to be drilled in place. Ensure that the mounting port of your wood router is compatible with the table’s mounting plate before you proceed.
Warranty
While router tables are made to be stable and sturdy, certain damages are inevitable. These products also have prices above the budget line, so you’d want to ensure that the table you’re getting has warranty support.
Final Thoughts
Both the Festool 574692 and the Festool 57468 are serious investments; however, with the features the routers come with and the functionalities these offer, you’ll likely finish even the most complex project queries smoothly. We highly recommend that you use either of these wood routers together with your Festool router table for optimum results!