Whiteside (USA in North Carolina) makes a few bits with 8 mm shanks, particularly for the Incra jig. They also make 1/4" shank bits for the Akeda jig. They also make collet adapters (reducer bushings) in 1/4", 5/16", 8 mm, and 3/8" ID for use in 1/2" collets, and straight and spiral bits in shank sizes other than 1/4" and 1/2". MAYBE IF THE OWNERS OF FESTOOL ROUTERS CONTACTED WHITESIDE AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT 8 mm BITS THEY ARE INTERESTED IN, they would consider adding some products to their line (recently rated No. 1 by FWW among 17 brands tested - Festool bits were not among the candidates). I note Whitside's catalogue indicates they will make custom sizes of cutter widths and diameters of some of their bits. ALTERNATIVELY, we should continue to encourage Festool to change its 1010 router to become a 1012 router that can accept 1/2" shank bits. I have an older 1/2" industrial router that is about the same power (9 Amps) as Festool's 1010 which has served me well, and never really lacked for power. Of course, I don't try to swing 3" bits in it. For most of my use, I would have preferred the 1010 size router if it could accept 1/2" shank bits, or if additional sources of a wide variety of profiles were available in 8 mm. I like my 1400 router very much, bit it is simply not as light and maneuverable for many operations (vertical surfaces, narrow edge surfaces) as is a smaller, lighter router.
