The class I took was advanced router techniques but the class should really be called things you can't do with any other router. The routers are top notch but the accessories make them killer tools. This class was my first exposure to the True 32 method for cabinet construction. Quick summery True 32 is a European system where all things are metric and in increments of 32mm. I cannot convey how easy this building method is to use. Enough waxing the virtue of True 32 back on topic. O just a bit more Festool's LR 32 works with True 32 and makes drilling shelf pins and hinges super easy. Its pricy but well worth it, no crappy pin jigs or fumbling with hinge placement. It makes setting the reveal for Blum hinges super easy.
I could go on and on about True 32 but that is for another post. On to the routers, I got to use the MFK 700, OF 1010, OF 1400 and OF 2200. They are listed them in order of wattage and in order we got to play with them. The MFK 700 is in the wattage class of laminate trimmers but calling it a trimmer is an insult. The 700 comes with two bases one is a 1.5 degree base and the other is a 90 degree base. The 1.5 degree base makes trimming edge banding stupid easy. I am not just talking about the iron on banding for plywood. We trimmed 10mm thick cherry banding on a peace of maple plywood. The cherry makes for a really nice contrast effect and gives the ply added strength but also gives you the option for running a round over on the edge for a nice effect. The OF 1010 may be the prefect router. The 1010 is light handles really well and is easy to control. I liked the OF 1400 it is basically an OF 1010 that grew up. If I were forced to only own one router it would be an OF1400. One look at the OF 2200 and you know this is one bad ass tool. It is heavy, almost 20 lbs which put me off at first but it serves to dampen the vibrations caused by a large bit. I love its one handed locking mechanism, it makes for easy plunge cuts and fast clean up cuts. Speaking of clean up cuts, the depth control on all the Festool routers are crazy accurate. The resolution on the adjustment is 0.1mm or 1/256th of an inch, yes 1/256th of an inch. What other router lets you dial in the exact depth to such a precise level. Making repeatable datos and blind dovetails are a peace of cake.
I could go on and on and on waxing the virtues of the Festool products so I will leave you with some pictures of the class.
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