Festool OF1010 REQ Router – Basic Settings
Knowing what routing speed to use is important because it affects the routing results as well as safety. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the proper speed for the job.
Routing Speed
The variable speed control on the Festool OF1010 REQ router allows you to set the speed to suit the material and router bit size.
If the speed is too fast, it may cause burn marks, while too slow a speed could result in an inconsistent cut with a wavy surface.
As a general guideline, the larger the bit, the lower the speed should be, and the harder the wood, the faster the speed can be. You can refer to these suggested router speeds to match the type of material to be worked on.
| Material | Cutter Size (in mm) | ||
| 3-14 | 15-25 | 26-35 | |
| Rotary Speed Dial | |||
| Hardwood | 6-4 | 5-3 | 3-1 |
| Softwood | 6-5 | 6-33 | 4-1 |
| Laminate Board | 6-5 | 6-33 | 4-2 |
| Plastic | 6-4 | 5-3 | 2-1 |
| Aluminum | 3-1 | 2-1 | 1 |
| Plasterboard | 2-1 | 1 | 1 |
Photo 1 – Use the thumbwheel to select the cutter speed
The Festool plunge router features a micro-adjustable depth control with a turret system for precise routing control. Learn how to adjust the routing depth with another approach.
Adjusting the Routing Depth
The routing depth on the Festool plunge router can be set by using the direct reading scale or by using a set-up block or bar with the turret, which some find faster and more accurate.
Step 1 – Zero out the router
- Set the fine adjuster to zero (Photo 2).
- Loosen the clamp lever, and raise the depth stop.
- Place the router on a level surface.
- Loosen the rotary knob and push the router down until the cutter sits on the surface (Photo 3).
- Lock the position by tightening the rotary knob.
Step 2 - Set the routing depth
- Place a bar of the same thickness as the desired depth of cut on one of the turrets, and push the depth stop down to sit on the bar (Photo 4).
- Clamp the depth stop in this position by tightening the clamp lever.
- Loosen the rotary knob to release the router.
Photo 2 – Fine adjustment knob set to zero.
Photo 3 – Router bit set to contact the reference surface.
Photo 4 – Using a Veritas Set-Up Block to set the depth stop.
In the next section, we’ll cover how rout grooves and dadoes using this router and an accessory straightedge guide.
Discover More About the Festool OF1010 REQ Router
Related Products
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Veritas Precision Square
$49.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Kreg Set-Up Bars
(Set of 7)
$105.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Professional Safety Glasses
$20.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Over-Ear Hearing Protectors
$32.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Custom Ear Plug Kit
$38.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
SensGard NRR 31 Hearing Protectors
$41.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
ISOtunes LINK Aware Earmuff Hearing Pr...
$179.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Straight Cutter Bits
From: $17.40
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Hinge Mortising Bits
From: $18.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Laminate Flush Trimming Bits
From: $23.80
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Corner Round Over Bits
From: $30.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
45° Chamfer Bits
From: $40.50
Festool OF1010 REQ Router – Basic Settings
Knowing what routing speed to use is important because it affects the routing results as well as safety. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the proper speed for the job.
Routing Speed
The variable speed control on the Festool OF1010 REQ router allows you to set the speed to suit the material and router bit size.
If the speed is too fast, it may cause burn marks, while too slow a speed could result in an inconsistent cut with a wavy surface.
As a general guideline, the larger the bit, the lower the speed should be, and the harder the wood, the faster the speed can be. You can refer to these suggested router speeds to match the type of material to be worked on.
| Material | Cutter Size (in mm) | ||
| 3-14 | 15-25 | 26-35 | |
| Rotary Speed Dial | |||
| Hardwood | 6-4 | 5-3 | 3-1 |
| Softwood | 6-5 | 6-33 | 4-1 |
| Laminate Board | 6-5 | 6-33 | 4-2 |
| Plastic | 6-4 | 5-3 | 2-1 |
| Aluminum | 3-1 | 2-1 | 1 |
| Plasterboard | 2-1 | 1 | 1 |
Photo 1 – Use the thumbwheel to select the cutter speed
The Festool plunge router features a micro-adjustable depth control with a turret system for precise routing control. Learn how to adjust the routing depth with another approach.
Adjusting the Routing Depth
The routing depth on the Festool plunge router can be set by using the direct reading scale or by using a set-up block or bar with the turret, which some find faster and more accurate.
Step 1 – Zero out the router
- Set the fine adjuster to zero (Photo 2).
- Loosen the clamp lever, and raise the depth stop.
- Place the router on a level surface.
- Loosen the rotary knob and push the router down until the cutter sits on the surface (Photo 3).
- Lock the position by tightening the rotary knob.
Step 2 - Set the routing depth
- Place a bar of the same thickness as the desired depth of cut on one of the turrets, and push the depth stop down to sit on the bar (Photo 4).
- Clamp the depth stop in this position by tightening the clamp lever.
- Loosen the rotary knob to release the router.
Photo 2 – Fine adjustment knob set to zero.
Photo 3 – Router bit set to contact the reference surface.
Photo 4 – Using a Veritas Set-Up Block to set the depth stop.
In the next section, we’ll cover how rout grooves and dadoes using this router and an accessory straightedge guide.
Discover More About the Festool OF1010 REQ Router
Related Products
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Veritas Precision Square
$49.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Kreg Set-Up Bars
(Set of 7)
$105.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Professional Safety Glasses
$20.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Over-Ear Hearing Protectors
$32.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Custom Ear Plug Kit
$38.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
SensGard NRR 31 Hearing Protectors
$41.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
ISOtunes LINK Aware Earmuff Hearing Pr...
$179.00
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Straight Cutter Bits
From: $17.40
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Hinge Mortising Bits
From: $18.90
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Laminate Flush Trimming Bits
From: $23.80
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
Corner Round Over Bits
From: $30.50
This image has not been loaded. To print the images, close the print view and scroll to the bottom of the article. Once all of the images have loaded, select the print option again.
45° Chamfer Bits
From: $40.50