After struggling with my Trion for a while on a project trying to figure out what speed and pendulum action to use I finally decided to consult The Manual  It was scary at first but I soon found my answer and had a great cut going even sooner after. I thought that i needed that info in the manual but didn't want to have to go into the house and dig around for the manual. So I made a table, printed it and stuck it on the inside of systainer.

Since I rarely contribute positively to this forum I thought now is my chance. So to anyone who wants to do the same here is a consolidation of all my Festools recommended speeds.

TS55


Trion


RO125


OF1010


Sorry about the router being in metric only. If anyone wants it in imperial just let me know. 

As far as I am aware these are guidlines for cutting straight or basic shapes or at least that is what would make sense. Obviously it depends on what you are doing but these are just guidlines, not the rule book

Full speed can work for most hardwoods with a handheld router and a small enough diameter bit but not for all. Some woods are prone to burning if the bit is allowed to dwell just a little. I really like what Chris said...

these are just guidlines, not the rule book

It's all about feed and speed. You can set the tool to a certain "recommended" speed but depending on the work piece material, your own feed speed, and the cutter, you can be dead on or quite a bit off.

I think for handheld applications, it's best to test the material and cutter combination (the same material and same set up) to determine the ideal tool speed. (This goes for all cutting tools.) I think the tool should turn just fast enough to not chatter under similar conditions.

The cut will be nicer - smooth and not burnt and the cutter will last longer. It lasts longer and you don't burn the material because you are actually cutting instead of dwelling. If you're dwelling, you are creating heat from friction. If you're cutting, you are dissipating heat through what you are taking off - it absorbs heat from the cutting surface.

People who are used to using their tools generally have a feel for how fast to turn them. People who aren't used to using their tools are lucky if they get it right the first try.


Tom

I'm just for full speed all the time. A speed dial is just a waste of space and material to me. I find it largely a sales gimmick.

Same with me. TS55 FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!!!!!!!! Carvex full revs rip right through wood!!!!! Router full speed make some DUST BABY!!!

Why did they advance when they don't even know the terminology???

Because secretly, when no other Americans can hear them, they call it Football. Because, you know, they understand you got to use your foot to kick the ball around instead of your hands. 

With around 5 to 6 years of research and development for each tool (according to a discussion with my local rep) there really is a valid reason why Festool incorporated variable speed controls, just try routing perspex at full speed and fast feed rate . I use them and appreciate their necessity.

Some woods are more prone to burning or scorching as well. For instance: I tend to saw and route cherry on a slightly lower speed setting, but with a little more feed. Serves me well.
I like variable speed in tools. Every cutting action has it's ideal speed - there are lots of factors involved. In some materials - like most solid woods - the "sweet spot" is rather broad, so "allways cutting at max" won't have too much adverse effects.
Metals, polymers and other man-made materials are mostly less forgiving, so you'll have to give it some thought if you want a "perfect cut" instead of a "decent cut".


Regards,

Job

Too much heat build up while routing or sanding non turned Cherry can cause the same thing. I ruined a fruit bowl due to this fact just before someone said " did you know...."
Rob.

Yeah but that's how you learn. I mean if you look at my PS3 cabinet thing I built here. I didn't even think about what Wayne had said, nor did my dad tell me but now that I know I have learnt

If you are dealing with just wood I don't think you would need all 6 speeds that Festool supply. I would guess you would need about 3 or 4 but Festool being Festool they allow you to many materials and in that arena all the speeds are necessary. I shudder at remembering what it was like trying to cut perspex with a cheap Ryobi one speed saw.

I agree with you. It's great having speed control, I find it does come in handy. Although lets be honest, with the price you pay for Festools the least they can do is put a speed knob on it

Ive been in the cabinet making business for nearly 10 years now and only in the last year have i figured that speed control does come in handy. On my rosewood pc desk jobhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/pc-desk-and-printer-units-made-from-rosewood-%28-bubinga-%29/ i did some flute work with the 1010 on speed 6, about half way through i must have accidently turn down the speed and when i started cutting i noticed that there was no burning of the rose wood when i ended the flute. So yes speed control for me is a must on a router. And im sure in other materials besides wood the speed control on most cutting tools will be needed.