My spotless shop and what about those routers

Routerville, I definitely want to see that pie crust table top when you’re finished.

-- DocK, WV

And I thought my 5 was a lot.

-- Pat

You’ve got as many routers as I have clamps!

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I can’t beleive if you sent me two or three of those routers that you would miss them! LOL
I know what you mean never enough clamps, never enough tools, and never enough time!
Thanks for all of your input!

-- spanky46 -- Never enough clamps...Never enough tools...Never enough time.

If it wasn’t for the routers I would swear that I was looking at my own shop.

-- - " If you want square work, You don't cut corners. " - -- Tom Goodman, Santa Maria, CA. woodworkertom@gmail.com

Do you have a group of mexicans that router there all day for you JIm LOL anyway, I love the shop and wish I had a few of those beauties of routers have fun JIm Lad.Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

What? You don’t like changing bits? A router for each bit? LOL….............

-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.

Jim might need some therapy, perhaps we could stage an intervention for his router addiction. lol can’t wait for the pie crust table photo’s

I have one seriously shot router. I give it two more working hours before it’s toast. This is a nice shop Jim, well organized and well lit. I look forward to the pie table as well!

-- "That Government is Best that Governs The Least."-Jefferson

Awesome! Is what my Grandson would say.

I think you have a couple of spaces left to fill on the shelves.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I’m like Mtnwild, buy a bit and buy a router. Never have to change the bit. You could send me one of those big ones….........LOL I really don’t think you would miss one o

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

Nice collection “Norm” ;^)

What I really like is the track lighting setup. I going to have to stea… Borrow that idea!

I love neat shops. They make working easier and clean up harder!
Nice place Jim! As for all those routers….!!!!!
Ellen

-- Ellen on Cape Cod

Let’s see – the reverse ovolo bit is on the…the…the…oh yeah, the Bosch 1617 router! But which one has the 1/2” straight??? I just don’t remember. Wait, let me get on the computer and look it up in my database.

Just kidding, Jim. And green with envy!

Jim

Very nice Jim…...LOVE all the routers AND the shop !!!

-- Don S.E. OK

Nothing wrong with having lots of routers Jim,, I personally have 13 and am looking at buying a new one soon for the beasty,
Larry

-- Drink once, cut twice. New website up.... lazylarrywoodworks.com.au

Jeez…I was considering getting a second router and leaving a circle jig on it permanently, but I was hesitant, thinking, “Do I really need two routers?”

-- Measure twice, then try to figure out which one was right.

Thanks for the photos of your shop and router collection. I supose I wont be impressing anyone now with a pic of my craftsman 3/4 hp router!! It turned 25 this month. OF course we now expect to see the pie crust table when it’s done!!

Rick

-- If at first you don't succeed...Don't try skydiving

Hey Jim,

How many routers do you have designated for a given bit just because it’s very popular for your usage?

Router with Bit
xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx
xxxxx xxxxx

Thank you… Cool shop!

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

Well Joe
Out of the thirty two routers I have(I really need help) I have four that are in router table one in my multi router three for specific Jigs and about five I keep 3/4”, 3/4plywood bit 1/2” 3/8” and 1/4” of course I have others that I have flush cut,3/8 rabbit, and a couple with spiral bits. All of them I switch bits(if I have to).

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

LOL, How’s that bit changing wrench collection going. :)

Thirty Two routers ! ? ! ?

OMG

I feel guilty for having 3 hammers. :-)

-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them

to paraphrase Red Green

I’m a LumberJock…
I can change router bits…
If I have to…
I guess…

I chuckled at JJohnston’s comment: “Do I really need two routers?” hahaha I guess you now have your answer! :D

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Jim, your 3/4” plywood bit…

Does it really work good for your 3/4” plywood dados / grooves?
If so, what kind/brand is it?

Thank you… Awesome setup…

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

im with you jim ,
don’t work the tools,
work the wood !
when i had a bussines , and was into a show or getting ready for a gallery ,
i would work until 2 or 3 oclock a.m. with all the machines on ,
and go from project to project and just do what ever i nedded to do .
as i glued 1 thing , id move to next and so on .
as long as i kept working , everything was smooth ,
if i stoped the pace , i thought to much and everything slowed way down .
i quit creating , and started thinking !
wasting time on setup is tireing , and distracting .

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

Joe
I have a number 3/4 Plywood bits I think there’s an amana, Mlcs,eagle America,and a set with all three under size bits from e bay that I think was $14 for all three. I’ve had good luck with all of them even the cheapies.
As you know plywood dimensions fluctuate so no router bit works perfect evey time.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Hey David they didn’t have routers way back then in the 1800s. LOL Sorry I couldn’t resist. I’m sure If there was and is a efficient way to do woodworking you know how to do it bud.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Hey folks
Here’s a bargin I have one and it works good and has a good feel to it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300323992632&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AWNA%3AUS%3A1123&salenotsupported

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

“Joe
I have a number 3/4 Plywood bits I think there’s an amana, Mlcs,eagle America,and a set with all three under size bits from e bay that I think was $14 for all three. I’ve had good luck with all of them even the cheapies. As you know plywood dimensions fluctuate so no router bit works perfect evey time.”

That’s why I have been reluctant to buying the special bits…

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

I’m amazed

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

Wow, you must REALLY hate to change bits! Are you sure you don’t work for Porter Cable?

-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.

Wow! I’m stunned…32… I would have a hard time remembering which router had which bit. Thanks for sharing.

-- Mike the CreekWoodworker

mike ,
you just grab a router and work it ,
if its the wrong bit ,
you start a new project .
at the end of the day ,
you have 14 new projects that are almost done ,
until you grab ,
the wrong router !

jim , i got about 10 myself , and just bid and lost on the one you sent us to . thanks !
.
alistair , jims a master ! he does have 32 mexicans there , but they just hand him the right one !

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

Jim, you want to send me one of them big ones?

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

I don’t think I own 32 router BITS

-- DocK, WV

Jim, Can’t pass up the chance to comment on this one. Everyone picked on me when I had thirteen routers, but you take the cake. I always thought a router bit should come with a router attached! I hate changing bits and adjusting. 32!!!! That’s got to be a record. BTW. thanks for all the positive comments you post for all the projects you view. It’s the woodworkers like you that make this site so great for all of us.

-- John @ Myrtle Beach

Jim I can appreciate the need for multiple routers. it’s a pain to have to change router bits and have to set them up.

Just leave them that way.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

I went to buy a router the other day. They told me they were all out. I went to another store and they were out, as well . I called the manufacturer, they said they were back-ordered 6 months. NOW I KNOW WHY!!!

Jim, you crack me up LOL!!!

By the way, I think I could just make out the pie crust table in the pic with the cordless drill. Looks good…can’t wait to see the finished product.

-- Imagine It... Build It... Enjoy It!

The old saying, “You can’t see the forrest because of the trees” Now we have, “You can’t see the shop because of the routers” LOL! Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

do you like routers by any chance? :P

-- BRODY. NSW AUSTRALIA -arguments with turnings are rarely productive-

I only have four routers but still seem to dread taking out the 890 PC from my table to use in other tasks. I can definitely see the advantage of having several routers and leaving them all in place with their own special bits…..saves time when your’re multi-wood tasking. Nice collection!

Dave

-- Dave Haynes, Indiana, http://www.oldaveswoodshop.com

Mess, what mess? How else would you get anything done?

Too many routers?—-NO WAY! I fully understand you desire not to change bits. I hate it too.
Of course I’m the guy who uses about 20 shapers in my door shop. I wish I had 10 router tables
in my shop at home.

-- Kent Shepherd * The goal is-----More Tools!

Yes…....that is a lot of routers…....but…......the time saveing in change-outs is worth the cost of the units.
10-15 mins to stop, remove, refit etc etc is a real pain especially with tight time frames….good one Jim.

-- I will just keep doing it till I get it right.

Yow. Routers are useful though.

I have 5 now:
Bosch colt for trim work.
PC892 that came with my dovetail jig.
Festool OF1010 for small work
Festool OF1400 for large work
PC7518 in my router table lift.

I think I’m done though…

Jim,
You must be hiding the Triton Router in a cabinet. Or maybe it just missed the Photo Shoot!
I wonder what kind of sound we would hear if they were all running at the same time!!!!
I wish I had the space all those routers take up !!!

-- My shop teacher said "You can do it".... Now I can't stop!

jim, one can never have too many tools .if it work’s for you or anyone why not? shinju

Hey woodshaver
My triton is mounted under my table saw outfeed.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

makes me want to send you one of mine so you have 33…....

-- Brad,--"The way to eat an eliphant is one bite at a time"

Dang it!!! :)

JIM IS KING…...JIM IS KING….JIM IS KING…....lol

I thought I had ya until I started counting. Only 24 with 2 more in tables. 26 total
It’s nice when you can grab a router and the bit you need is already in it. The bad part is when you go to your router case looking for the certain bit you know you have and it’s not there then you have to search all the routers for it. The good part though is when you find it…. it’s already in. :)

Hey Bentlyj
That means if we shared a shop there would be 58 routers available. with a couple more that would about right, As far as king wasn’t that Elvis. I’ve considered putting some tape on mine 1/4” 1/2” 3/4” etc. It looks like PC is your weapon of choice also.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Yeah, I’m a PC guy.
My biggest complaint about them is that the cords short out where they go into the router.
I try to leave some slack in the cord before wrapping it around the router, that helps for a while.

Now if I could just get the work to use them all.

To Jim, Bentlyj, and anyone else…

I can understand many routers, but are they all the same brand?

Do you switch Makita/P-C/Bosch, etc. for this specific bit, and another for that particular bit?

In other words is there a specific router with a specific bit for a specific task?

Is there a preference list?

Thanks,
Peter

Hey Peter
The Idea behind have a number of routers is the can do different task . A plunge router can do some things better than fixed router and some routers are better suited for router tables and some have much more power than others and some routers are easier to maneuver than others. I have mostly Porter Cable but I own a number of others Like Makita,Triton.Hitachi and some older brands also. all for there size or power or function as I mentioned before. As far as preference is concerned I like PC for availability of accessories and parts and price vs function .There are a number of good routers some come in sets and some have more fine tuning and micro adjustments such as Bosch for a little more than PC. I tell my students to buy routers were they can pick one up and get a sense for how it feels to them, that’s a big issue. I would say for general use I prefer the “D” handled models best.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Jim, my sincere thanks.

One suggestion: Graigslist.org?
:) an incomprehensibly large collection of routers.
Great photos

-- Andy Brownell

Very cool Jim. No such thing as too many tools.
I remember my Dad having a tie rack where he pushed a button and the ties would spin around until he found the one he wanted. Ever thought about a larger version for your routers? :)

-- Brad, Oregon- Wood, it's what's for dinner.

Which router do you think you’d choose if you were going to buy a new router nowadays?

The best built, etc.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Man o man ,,, thats router mania . As far as a spotless shop goes , if its spotless it aint no shop its a studio ! LOL . I am trying slowly to get My shop to a 4 in 1 ( wood , welding , machining and mechanical ) . For now its in semi controlled chaos ! LOL as usual .

-- POPSHOP ,

Hey Dick and Barb
I’ve always liked Porter cable but just like different operations in the shop every one has there favorite techniques and tools they favour. Some of my students have purchased brands I don’t own and many have features some of my older routers don’t have like slow start, much improved dust collection. Locking shafts,and even lights that shine on the router bit. some I would investigate other than Porter Cable are Festool (if you can afford a router that cost what a table saw cost),Bosch , Tritin ,Hitachi, Dewalt, and I can’t believe I’m saying this Sears.(other than tapes and wrenches I don’t like most sears tools)
I still favour PC but Highest on my list next would be Bosch. I think besides these new features it’s important to hold the router for it’s feel while using it. I had a student that bought a plunge/”D” handle combo set at Sears at a great price (about $75 less than other brands an it was loaded with great features she loved ,but it just didn’t feel good to her so she returned it and bought a “D” handle PC. Beside features,feel, and type of operation it’s to be used for, price always enters into the equation . Hope this was of some help.
Jim

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Thanks Jim, because the last router I bought was a Triton 3 1/2 HP.

I just wondered if you would list it. I like mine in my table. I had a slight problem with the raising mechanism recently. I couldn’t adjust the height, it was stuck. I took it apart, & it was full of sawdust.
It works fine now.
I had routed a whole lot treated pine, that’s what got into it. It’s amazing were sawdust can find its way into the smallest places.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Well, you’ll always know that if one were to fail on you you’d have… 50 more to spare. CAN I HAVE ONE 8 ) !?

I have 6 routers. The other day when a friend was over we decides to plug them all in and turn them all on at the same time to hear what it sounded like. You should try it with all your routers.

-- Each and Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. Greg Little

I have 6 routers. The other day when a friend was over we decides to plug them all in and turn them all on at the same time to hear what it sounded like. You should try it with all your routers.

LOL…..Probably sound like a jet taking off.

-- Don S.E. OK

Wow Greg that idea sounds kinda scary and a possible black out. :))

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Fantastic all those routers! priceless!

-- Dominique Barbier - Dallas, TX

Mind boggling Jim. I never doubted for a moment that you actually use all those routers, and I look on this as a mentally healthy obsession. Also a great time saver.

-- Mike, American in Norway

Thanks mike
with your endorsement I’ll get a couple more :-))

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

There is nothing I can say that has not already been said, including, OMG, WOW, and holy @&*!. To repeat from one of the first postings on this page – and I thought I had a lot of routers!!! Envious – you bet I am!!

And to think that most women get excited about shopping for a dress. They have nothing on us!

Great shop.

-- There is no such thing as a mistake in woodworking. Eventually, every scrap will become small enough to become starter wood in your fire pit.

Jim …wow…

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.

Jim I guess you hate to change router bits???? LOL….with that many you can have one router for each bit….and then some. I’ve seen some pics of very nice pie crust tables….and look forward to your interpretation. I am trying to get back into my shop and finish some projects…but with 110 degree temps this week….smoke from the fires….and a bad cold…I guess I am stuck on the sidelines for a few….Thankfully I can live vicariously through the projects I see posted here…

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

thanks everyone
Reggie ouch 110 degrees

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I think if you turned them all on you might start a black hole! This is total insanity… There are some good points here. I don’t own enough router bits to put on in each of your routers…I don’t own enough clamps to hold down material for each of your routers…

someone likes Porter Cable routers as much as I do;)

You can never have too many tools…

-- We are the people our parents warned us about.

a true monument to porter cable

-- blaine von hagen

Jim, I don’t know how I missed this one when you first posted it but I am glad it came up on my archive list. And I felt guilty about considering anothr one since I already have 5 routers! I am just glad you have plenty of room in your shop.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Hey Scott
I guess I’m just a router nut. I see some routers advertised and still think about getting another one.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Jim, I missed this also but can’t let it go by. This is completely uncalled for and confirms that you are also another LJ completly off his rocker, as I suspected. LOL!

-- There's many a slip betwixt a cup and a lip.--Scott

I Know Scott I Know .Now lets see how much wood you have !

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I guess this puts my eight routers so far somewhere near the bottom of the Totem Pole : ( LOL
Have a great day, Jim !

-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .

OK I have to confess I did a recount and found 4 more routers .they were in my truck

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon