So I need a router….ok ok I want a router. I'm noticing all the projects I cant do or do in a difficult wat because I dont have a router. Just making a zero clearance insert was a chore and trying to duplicate it will be tough with a jig saw, sander etc.
What are your thoughts on buying a used one from Craigslist or EBay? I worry the bearings could be shot. Also, many routers tend to sell on ebay for maybe $40 less than knew, to me thats not a deal enough worth it.
I plan on either builder a stand alone router table or a bench top one, havnent decided in my limite space garage.
I was looking at the Bosch 1617 kit. Amazon has it for $217 shipped. I also think Lowes carries it and I can find a 10% coupon. Just saves tax so the same as Amazon really.
The 1617 was $199 in Lowes the last I looked, and is a fine choice for a dual base kit. The other one worth looking at is the Milwaukee 5616, but it's a little higher. The Milwaukee has a built in through the base adjustment for a router table, I'm not sure if the Bosch has that. But either one would be fine. I don't poo-poo buying from CL or e-bay, but I think you may be just as well off buying new in the case.
I love my Bosch 1617 and have no complaints. I think Rockler has a pretty good deal on a Porter Cable router right now, but I dont have any more info (a friend mentioned it to me).
The Bosch has through the table adjustment (provided that there's a matching hole in your router plate), so don't let that feature sway you toward the Milwaukee
There are a lot of people touting the 1617. I like Bosch tools and I have a Bosch router, but I would look at Dewalt. I have been so impressed with my Dewalt 618 combo kit. Good power, and accurate too. It has cut dovetails, inlays, circles and dados flawlessly.
I personally don't like the way you switch bases on the 1617 - you have to align it and carefully twist it in. The 618 just drops straight in. The handles are very comfortable on the 618 as well, tied with the Freud 1700 for best handles. With the wooden handles on the 1617, you either love them or hate them.
Sometimes it is the little things like ergonomics that separate a good tool from a great one.
If this is a hand held Router I strongly recommend a "D" handle router for it's ease of control. I have had very good luck with PC routers ,I like the availability of parts and accessories for PC routers and I don't feel they are as top heavy as the Bosch. I have been using the the PC 691 it does not have soft start but if you have a "D" handle router it's less important than a router with two side handles.
You might want to check CPO reconditioned tools. At the advice of someone on forums I found my Bosch 1617 kit there. It's performed flawlessly and is in just as good shape as the brand new tool. Same warranty as well.
for a 2hp router "kit". Came with a carry-all bag, and both a 1/4" and a 1/2" collet. Has a few other features I like, such as a LED light, Electronic Soft Start. Plunge base even has a way to adjust while in a router table, and they supplied a wrench to do it with. Almost all metal. Bases are able to use Porter-Cable style bushings, without any problems. Might check to see IF they will have another sale…
I bought a Rigid router from Home Depot. It was a kit with a plunge and fixed base. I love it. I have done tons of projects with it over the last 5 years. I recall it was like $179 back when I bought it. I don't know why I remember that, but I do - that's space that could be used to remember something useful, but its being used to remember the price of a 5yr old outer instead.
Anyway, I would guess it would still come in at or near your $200 mark.
I didnt even think about Craftsman. Have their mechanics tools but thats it. Their 2.5hp 14amp kit looks really tempting. Finding info about adjusting height from above the table is impossible though, anyone know?
The only brands I know of with above the table height adjustment are Milwaukee, Triton and Freud. The PC style depth adjustments where the motor threads into the base will not be able to do it and it looks like that Craftsman is a PC clone.
Dewalt, Bosch, Porter Cable you can't go wrong. Lots of good choices. Don't get hung up on analysis paralysis, just get one, it won't be your last. Routers I have owned are Porter Cable, Freud, Bosch, Craftsman, Hitachi. They all work and do what they are supposed to. I haven't get around to getting a Dewalt yet, but lots of people like them.
If you look at most new router kits around they $200 mark, above-table height adjustment is standard pretty much across the board. It wasn't a few years ago, but these days it's really not even a consideration. They all have it.
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