Festool OF 1400 EQ Instruction Manual - Basic Routing

Using the Turret for Precision Depths 

This procedure is very helpful when you have day-to-day 

plunging operations that use the same depth relative to a 

basepoint. You can quickly reset the depth even after 

changing the router bit.  

Before using this procedure, make sure you perform the 

“Calibrating the Turret Posts” procedure on page 11 to set 

the difference between turret posts to the precise depth you 

need.  

For example, using the calibration procedure, you could set 

the difference between posts as follows: 

► 

1

st

 to 2

nd

 post to ¼ inch 

► 

2

nd

 to 3

rd

 post to ½ inch 

► 

1

st

 to 3

rd

 post to ¾ inch 

1. 

Unplug the router for safety. 

2. 

Decide which two posts provide the difference in height 

necessary for the operation. 

3. 

Rotate the turret to the higher of the two posts. 

4. 

Lower the router down until the router bit touches the 

surface of the workpiece. 

5. 

Lock the depth stop at this depth. 

6. 

Rotate the turret to the lower of the two posts. 

7. 

Operate the router as described in the “Basic Routing” 

section below. 

Basic Routing 

Fixed Depth 

Fixed depth routing is typically performed with router bits 

with a guide bearing that rides along the edge of a workpiece. 

The depth of cut is fixed before the router is engaged. 

1. 

Verify that the router bit is properly secured, and the 

router is ready for operation. 

12 

OF 1400 EQ Router 

2. 

Secure the workpiece to a stable surface. 

3. 

Lower the router to the desired depth and tighten the 

plunge lock knob. 

4. 

Set the router speed according to the speed settings 

table on page 13.  

5. 

Place the router on the workpiece, but make sure the bit 

is not touching the wood. 

!CAUTION:

Starting the router with the bit in contact with 

the workpiece may cause a loss of control and injury. 

6. 

Firmly grasp both handles of the router and pull up on 

the power switch. 

7. 

Advance the router through the cut according to the 

feed direction rules below. 

Feed Direction Rules 

► 

Always feed the router against the rotation of the bit. This 

prevents the router from grabbing the wood and self-

feeding, resulting in a loss of control. 

► 

When routing around the exterior of a shape, feed the 

router counterclockwise. 

► 

When routing around the interior of a shape (such as the 

circle shown below), feed the router clockwise. 

► 

Begin routing across the end grain first (as indicated with 

"Start Here" in the figure below). This reduces tearout at 

the corners.