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Enough HP for a router table

2K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  pontic 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have a dewalt 2 1/4 HP router (see below)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-2-1-4-HP-Electronic-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Base-and-Plunge-Router-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-Start-DW618PK/203164065?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-AllProducts%7C&gclid=CjwKCAiA9MTQBRAREiwAzmytwz5GfeZw13AtGDww-5ueKM3vV6f5dOqvJrWsID67HKDgBPrBEtBlLxoCPT0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CL_Tq7iezNcCFUs5Twod97EGXQ

I want to build either a small portable router table or a full size router table to sit in the corner of my shop. Will this router be enough HP to handle 8+ feet of board for routing, etc?
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
The length of the board is not really important… it's the size of the bit and how much you intend to hog off in one pass. I have an old 1hp Craftsman industrial router in mine and it works just fine for everything I have ever thrown at it. But I also know its limits, and if I need to remove a lot of material, it may take a couple passes to do so. Also, keep in mind that regardless of what they are saying the HP is, it is NOT 2+ HP if you are running it on a standard 120V@15A wall circuit ;-O

Cheers,
Brad
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've always had 3+ HP routers in my router tables. I want the beefiest unit I can get in there because when using a panel raising or big moulding bit you have to reduce the speed down in which case my thinking tells me I need plenty of torque to prevent bogging and burning.

I would not buy a new router I would try it out with yours and see you probably don't need a big one unless you're doing production work.
 
#10 ·
I have a Bosch 1617. Cutting raised panels with a 3 1/2 inch cutter, I ran it at its slowest speed and made several passes. Worked great. However, the next time I needed to cut some raised panels, I had upgraded to a Triton 3 1/4 hp. That thing just loafs along.
 
#12 ·
I guess I am old fashioned. I use set up blocks. No lift. And the Triton has the crank so I can adjust the height from above the table. And the Bosch does also.

Just my opinion...I see a lift being used by someone that is verey meticulous in their work, or they have money to burn.

So it's to each his own. I am very happy with my setup.
Two routers in an adjustable height work bench that can be used for other projects when the router isn't being used.
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