Small plunge router with 1/2" collet

That’s one reason some of us have collections of 1/4” router
bits as well as 1/2” ones.

The Festool of1400 probably comes closest to meeting
your criteria. I have the smaller of1000 and it is exceptionally
well balanced and ergonomic in use. It only takes up to
8mm shank bits though.

I actually purchased and returned the OF1400 not too long ago. It has about the same footprint as the router I am using now, but the sub bases are kind of funky (in typical festool fashion) and I was not at all blown away by the dust collection (main reason I bought it). It really needs to be significantly smaller.

Have you ever compared the of1000 to the Bosch colt (which I understand they are making a plunge base for now??) or the DW611?. I guess if I had to buy a few 1/4” bits, it wouldn’t kill me.

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

I’ve had the of1000 for many years and I have a laminate
trimmer too so I never looked into the newer small
routers. I try to restrain myself from upgrading on
a whim or collecting more tools than I will use.

I’ll check out the of1010 when I’m in woodcraft this afternoon. It’s twice the price of the others, but I already have a CT vac and I think their guide rail system will eliminate a lot of complicated jig making for me.

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts