Festool OF1010 REQ Router – Cutting Dadoes & Grooves
Learn how to set up the router with the FS guide system to rout grooves or dadoes.
How to Make Cuts Using a Guide Rail
The Festool guide rails, as an accessory, make it easier to rout straight grooves or dadoes. To cut a groove or dado, the bit needs to be positioned on the center line of the cut. Follow these steps to set your plunge router for a grooving operation using the guide system.
- Check and adjust the guidance jaws, if necessary, as well as the guide rail adapter for a snug fit with the guide rail (Photo 1).
- Mount the guide rail adapter to the router with the guide rods.
- Clamp the guide rail to the workpiece, keeping a distance of 5mm between the front edge of the guide rail and the cutter or groove.
- Place the guide rail adapter on the guide rail.
- Install the height-adjustable support on the router base to support the router (Photo 2).
- Align the center line on the platen with the groove’s center line, and lock the router in position (Photos 3 & 4).
- You can use the scale on the support foot as an indicator of where to stop the cut (photo 5).
Photo 1 – Adjusting the fit of the guide with the rail
Photo 2 – The support foot prevents the router from tipping to produce a clean, even cut
Photos 3 & 4 – : On the left (photo 3), the router is misaligned with the center line of the cut. This has been corrected on the right (photo 4)
Photo 5 – The scale on the support foot helps to indicate where to stop cutting