Festool 2200 worth it?

[Tim Allaire]

Seriously $800 (?), is it worth it? ITS A ROUTER.

[Scott Hildenbrand]

Why... Just watch this video of all the flippies and slidies and dofrickies. hey, that stuff means quality! :D

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1264421/festool_of_2200_router_by_festool_junkie/

After all, it's even got a flippy that drops the shroud. Amazing!

[Jim McFarland]

Seriously $800 (?), is it worth it? ITS A ROUTER.

To me? No, yet I'm sure it's a well-built machine.

I prefer smaller routers for hand-held use (actually have an OF1400) and keep a PC 7518 with Bench Dog lift for table use. Probably $800+ if I had to replace PC&lift today but would still go with PC 7518 or the big Milwaukee router and the separate lift.

Festool has great dust collection on most of their tools but for table use I think you'd still need shroud around it to capture below-the-table dust/chips and DC on the fence for above. I don't see any big advantage the 2200 offers in either case.

Again, not a Festool basher and I own/use a few -- but the 2200 never piqued my interest for what I do.

[Peter Pedisich]

Absolutely...to a high-end residential millwork shop doing a lot of template routing of hardwoods.

[Alan Zenreich]

Or to anyone doing sink installations into Corian countertops all day long... it's the tool.

[Dan Clark]

Here's a video of pictures I shot at Festool training in April, 2008: http://vimeo.com/969875. That bit is huge. It routed the solid surface material in one pass and no dust. The last image shows how much smaltz is spewed out when you yank the dust collection hose off. And yes, I tried it. NO drama whatsoever.

Before the training, I had a list of tools that I wanted to try including the Kapex and MFK700. I had zero interest in the OF2200.

After the training, the OF2200 was the MOST impressive Festool I saw. It's a big beast with lots of power and almost every feature imaginable. Think of it as a portable shaper.

If I had even the remotest need for a router of that size, I'd jump all over it. If you have the need, it is absolutely worth the money.

Regards,

Dan.

[Chris Tsutsui]

I didn't get one because I already had a PC 7518 which is more router than I need and was only $309. I stuck it in a table anyways...

What to do with the rest of the $500 I saved? Well I got a TS55 that takes work away from the table saw and circular saw. :)