Help me figure out what router kit to get.

I recently bought the combo kit with the fixed and plunge base. I also built a router table to put it in, but got the top from a recent sale at Rockler. I found that with the fixed base with the wooden handles connected I really couldn’t get it to fit right under the plate that came with the router table top. The handles use some star shaped screw to attach to the base. I didn’t have the proper drive to remove the handles and I figured it would be easier to just get the router table base to leave it permanently attached to the table. Also, given my history I figured I would end up losing one of the handles anyhow. I think the router table base it just the fixed base with no handles.

So I guess if I had to get one it would be the one with the plunge and fixed base and just remove the handles as needed. Since I was splurging on a new router and table I figured buying the 3rd base wouldn’t kill me.

Jon

The most versatile would be the 1617 kit with the plunge base. Put the fixed base in the router table, use the plunge base for hand routing.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

I read that the MRC23 had limitations in a router table – the collet doesn’t extend far enough the table for easy bit changes. The Freud FT1700 is great for a router table and offers full above-the-table adjustments and bit changes..
The Dewalt 618 is also a great kit. I have had it for two years, and it is an extremely accurate machine. It offers baseplates that accept standard P.C. style bushings, which was an advantage for me because I frequently do inlays. Also, the Dewalt offers a low squat stance for stability when edge profiling. The Dewalt 618 plunge action has been described as “Gorgeous” by Fine Homebuilding magazine, and I agree. Nice handles too. Also Bosch has a known power switch failure problem on the1617. I was never that impressed with the 1617 kit. The first version was aluminum, and it was very difficult to separate the motor from the base.
The MRC23 is actually a huge 15 amp router. Think of it like a 3.25 hp router, despite its 2.3 hp rating.
I would handle it at a Bosch dealer before you buy it.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Due to your responses, this is my shopping cart. thanks everyone!

For $6 more, you could have a new one. That one is refurbished. Nothing wrong with it, just sayin’. I have the same router on my wish list for Christmas, and you may also want to consider the bushing/template kit.

-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.

At a $6 difference I’d go for the new one as well.

Also, you may not need the extra fixed base unless you plan on using the fixed base for hand routing a lot. IIRC, the base that comes with the kit has the above the table height change feature, including the wrench.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

Cole,

That is exaclty the combo I got. I haven’t really used it too much yet, but it is always a little reassuring when someone else does the research and comes to the same conclusion.

Jon

Interesting on the bases. I wonder if there is anything different between the under-table featues of the PK combo set and in the standalone RA1165 base? I’m about to buy one of these routers for used under a table and have no need for the plunge feature—unless it’s needed for under-table travel. Details on this function are few and far between.

-- http://www.teamturpin.org/house/shop.htm

The under table features refer to the fixed base only.
There is no difference other than the missing wood knobs on the separate base.

-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.

i,ve had my 1617 for about 10years i guess…my best router…bought it from the toolcrib…before amazon took over

-- IF YOUR NOT MAKING DUST...YOU ARE COLLECTING IT! SOUTH CAROLINA.