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Looking for my first new router

2K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  hig789 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Well a few days ago my dad gave me a old craftsman 1hp router and a routing table and in the few times I have used it I have realized how under powered it is. When trying to make a 1/4 straight slot for a shaker door with a brand new bit it was struggling. So now I am doing some research on getting a new router.

I want something I can upgrade in the future with a plunge base and that I can use in a table and general routing for now. I was looking on Amazon and they have this DeWalt on sale and I was wondering if it would be a good one? Also looking for some opinions on some other routers also. Looking to stay around $150 but a max of $200.

Thanks in adagnce for any help you can offer.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW618K-Electronic-Variable-Router/dp/B00006JKXC
 
#2 ·
Here's another option for about the same price. There is a plunge base available and it's capable of above-table height adjustments when mounted in a router table which is a big plus if you don't have a lift. Dewalt makes some good routers that people really like. I just really love the 2 Porter Cable's that I have and don't think you can go wrong with them.
 
#3 ·
For versatility, I'd consider a fixed/plunge base combo kit…it's usually much cheaper to buy it with both bases than to add a base later. The DW is a good router, but I'd also look into PC, Bosch, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Makita, or Triton. Get one that has a 10-13 amp motor, has variable speed, and accepts 1/2" shank bits (its great if it accepts 1/4" and 1/2"). The Hitachi KM12VC is a good value at $159 shipped.
 
#4 ·
I'm guessing here, but since your router is a 1hp Craftsman I'm betting that the router table is a small benchtop type. I have never used one of those having built ( or I should say BUILDING) my own router table with a lift, but it seems to me that the 2 1/2 HP routers might just be too much for one of those. Perhaps someone that has used one with a larger router can chime in here and set me straight. But if your table has some heft to it, then one of the combo kits would be the way to go. I started with the venerable PC 690, but have upgraded to Bosch and Milwaukee combo kits and they are miles ahead of the old 690. The 690 is now over at my sons shop collecting spiders.

I will have to say that for the time being, the Bosch is in permanent residency in my router table, and the Milwaukee is the one for handheld jobs. I only did it this way because I like the grip on the Milwaukee better. The only downside to either of these routers is that someone at Milwaukee needs some serious training in designing carrying cases. That thing is HUGE.

Wayne
 
#5 ·
I m guessing here, but since your router is a 1hp Craftsman I m betting that the router table is a small benchtop type. I have never used one of those having built ( or I should say BUILDING) my own router table with a lift, but it seems to me that the 2 1/2 HP routers might just be too much for one of those. Perhaps someone that has used one with a larger router can chime in here and set me straight. But if your table has some heft to it, then one of the combo kits would be the way to go. I started with the venerable PC 690, but have upgraded to Bosch and Milwaukee combo kits and they are miles ahead of the old 690. The 690 is now over at my sons shop collecting spiders.

I will have to say that for the time being, the Bosch is in permanent residency in my router table, and the Milwaukee is the one for handheld jobs. I only did it this way because I like the grip on the Milwaukee better. The only downside to either of these routers is that someone at Milwaukee needs some serious training in designing carrying cases. That thing is HUGE.

Wayne

- xeddog
Yep the little crappy castle aluminum top table and stamped metal legs. I wasn't planning on using another router in that table. A bigger router probably wouldn't even fit under it. Haha. It was debating on just getting new table or building one. Not sure yet though.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I'll do some more research tonight.
 
#6 ·
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
A Fine Woodworking article in 2014 identified the Bosch MRF23EVS and Milwaukee 5616-20 as best choice overall. They tested 8 2.25hp routers, including the Dewalt 618PK, which got best value. The other routers were the PC892; Ridgid 22002; Makita RF1101; Hitachi M12VC and Bosch 1617EVS.

For about 6 years I have been using a 2.25hp/12.5 amp router in a store bought router table. Both are craftsman (table is model 28140). The router table is now made for Skil http://www.amazon.com/Skil-RAS900-SKIL-Router-Table/dp/B002G9UG0C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1454968906&sr=8-3&keywords=craftsman+router+table. The table is great for DIY projects and has

I have two of the 2.25hp Craftsman routers (same model). One came with a D-handle, Plunge and standard base. These bases also came with a large bag and a edge guide + dust collection fittings for the plunge base (which works well) and one for the other bases. For edge routing I prefer the D-handle base. I also like that the power cord disconnects and that there are 3 LEDs surrounding the cullet. The bases can be swapped with little effort.
For the Craftsman router table, the standard base is mounted to a removable plate underneath the table. The bit height can be adjusted from top. These routers have gotten a lot of use, especially when routing a 2" cove profile when making raised panels. They are still running strong.
I eventually made a larger router table out of laminated MDF and 2X4s that now houses a 3.25 Milwaukee router on a Jessum lift. That Milwaukee is a beast! Wish I had purchased it years ago as it would have paid for itself by now.

This is my experience with routers that may fit your needs. I have found that most aftermarket accessories for routers will work with PC routers.
 
#10 ·
Not to discourage you from a newer router, but…..........if ya try to take a very large cut, ypu'll not get good results.
No matter which router you buy, be conservative as to the depth of cut. You'll not only be more pleased, but you'll get better cuts, cleaner cuts, etc.
I have done some good work with a very old Makita 1/4" collet router while being aware of the limitations of same.
Just my 2 cents.
Bill
 
#11 ·
Not to discourage you from a newer router, but…..........if ya try to take a very large cut, ypu ll not get good results.
No matter which router you buy, be conservative as to the depth of cut. You ll not only be more pleased, but you ll get better cuts, cleaner cuts, etc.
I have done some good work with a very old Makita 1/4" collet router while being aware of the limitations of same.
Just my 2 cents.
Bill

- Bill White
Yeah that is true. I bought a new 1/4" but today to try out with the craftsman. The cut I took the first few times was with a cheapo carbod tipped bit about a 1/2", going to try to take two smaller passes instead of one large pass. The wife is a big fan of shaker style right now so cutting slots for doors if probably all I'd use it for right now anyways. I am keeping all these recommendations in mind for future use though.
 
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