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Router recommendations: good, fast, cheap - I want all three

6K views 45 replies 18 participants last post by  nickbatz 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm in the market for a router with a 1/2" collet to use the Freud dovetail bits that came with the jig I just acquired.

Any recommendations? It's going to live upside down most of the time, so I'd like it to be convenient to change bits. And it has to accept standard template bushing things, whatever they're called.

Whether it's a plunge or fixed router doesn't really matter, for one because I have one of each already - although I'll probably put one or both on Craigslist after this. And I prefer used, since there are so many people getting rid of perfectly good tools for very little all the time (as I will).

The main thing is that I don't want to spend a lot of money on this. My B&D plunge router is between a toy and a pro model, and it works fine, and the other one - also B&D - also does the job. I'd be perfectly happy with them if I could retrofit either with a 1/2" collet.

TIA
 
#5 ·
IF there is a Sears still open in your area, AND selling Craftsman tools…...they have a decent one that will do both 1/4" and 1/2" bits. Have had mine since they first came out..
Gas Machine Auto part Portable stove Audio equipment


Mine came as a "kit" with both a fixed and a plunge base. Variable speed. Used it for a while with the guide bushing for the #4210 Dovetail jig.

You might be able to get one with just the fixed base….
 

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#9 ·
I have a Makita, and a Hitachi, both acceptable machines that work well and accept both collets. As for getting rid of the both of the other ones, I would hold back at least one. Because I promise the moment you get rid of both Father Murphy will pay you a visit. He takes great joy in showing up at the worst of times.

LOL
 
#12 ·
Most of the Ryobi routers I have seen have only 1/4" collet. And I'm surprised you said the HF only takes 1/4" and 3/" bits. Mine has a 1/2" collet. In fact, bits with 3/8" shank are very rare. I do have a 3/8" collet for my PC, but I use it for high speed end mills with a 3/8" shank (works pretty well for cutting 1/8" aluminum with a template and guide bushing).
 
#13 ·
woodbutcherbynight, yeah I know about Father Murphy. It's probably not worth getting rid of either router anyway, because they're worth more than you can get.

TheFridge, my Ryobi sliding compound miter saw is great, and it wasn't expensive. I did try a bandsaw of theirs that's ridiculously underpowered - unless it was broken? - but not everything they make is a turd!
 
#21 ·
Nickbatz: I scrolled thru specs on both the 2 hp fixed base and 2.5 hp plunge base HF routers, and there is no mention of collet size anywhere. I do happen to know the fixed base one has a 1/2" collet, as I own one. You must have access to a different HF web site than mine. Also, I can't find any listing of included accessories for those tools.

Don't get rid of your 1/2" bits. They are much better in a full size router than 1/4" bits, and you have access to larger bits, which you will need sooner or later. 1/4" are fine for a trim router, but are too limiting in a full size one. I have had a 1/4" shank bit break on me. No damage, but scary anyhow.
 
#24 ·
I just got a craftsman 1 3/4 hp router free and in the past year I bought 3 porter cable 690's and a Bosch router for $5 each. I didn't need them but now I have nine routers. The bit changes are down quite a bit. Look around for someone who has a router they bought a decided they didn't need it.
 
#25 ·
The Hitachi M12VC is a fairly nice router…variable speed, light, quiet, 12 amps, reliable, and reasonably priced. Perfect for dovetails. new - $120 shipped

- knotscott
I have an older version of that router kit. The fixed base stays attached to my table saw wing (and mostly used for round-overs or the second bit in two bit operations). I use the plunge base for everything else. Only gripe is the collet is a little "sticky". Sometimes takes a few (or a bunch) of taps with the collet wrench to get it to let go.
 
#26 ·
Nickbatz: Okay, I see it. Doesn't appear on their online catalog. But I suspect it is a misprint or editing error. Can anyone name a source for bits with 3/8" shanks? They must exist (I have a 3/8" collet for my Porter Cable), but I can't find any in any catalog I have.

Anyhow, I have that router, and it does take 1/2" bits. I bought it for an experimental set up, which didn't work out, but I'm keeping it to see if it works with the PC dovetail jig. Haven't tried that yet.
 
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