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First Look
As you can see, the OF 1400 EQ Plus is right in the middle of the company’s router lineup. Similar in design to the excellent OF 1010 EQ, the new machine offers a lot of versatility and usability. It also supports 1/2" shank cutters which is very important in the US marketplace for a mid-range router. Yet it is more comfortable to use than the workhorse OF 2000 16 amp “monster” for general work due to lower weight and a more compact design.
The OF1400 EQ Plus comes in at about 12 amps and is a tool that can easily serve as the only router for a small shop, at least for hand-held work. While you can probably adapt it for table use, I think that would be the one place that I’d prefer a different machine--and one dedicated to the task. Like all of the latest Festool products, the cord detaches for easy storage in the included Systainer, as well as for quick and easy switching of tools when using the Festool CT series of dust extractors.
One
of the great features of the OF 1400 is the ratcheting collet locking system which lets you tighten or loosen the nut without moving the sturdy 22mm wrench off the fastener. As you can see in the picture, you hold the rocker in the position appropriate for the direction you want to go and work the wrench. Like any ratcheting system, this one works with an audible clue and is clearly a differentiator from all other routers I’ve seen. In fact, all the controls, adjustments and accommodations on this machine only require your hands to operate, other than the collet wrench...even the provisions for inserts and guide bushings snap in positively and without tools.