routers

I bought a Triton MOF001 2-1/4 hp router about 2 years ago for my router table. I have been extreemly pleased with it. It has a crank system that makes it easy to adjust from the top and you can change the bit with one wrench. The only problem that I have had is that the worm gear stripped out, probably due to cranking after the stop had been hit, a operator error. I called and they shipped me a new gear (also offered to repair if I sent it back). I still like it a lot.

-- measure once, cut once, swear, start over

I too am looking to move up from my 1977 craftsman. It’s pretty lame compared to today’s models. The triton that Map mentions gets good reviews but mostly for table mounting. I always thought the Porter Cable would be best but the newer model 800 series has seasoned cabinet makers saying stick with the older 600 series for various reasons. I have a lot of porter cable hand power tools and like them so this is a dilemma for me. A lot of reviews like the Bosch router. The one with the wooden handles in the fixed base part. I have a Bosch 12” sliding compound miter saw that I just love so I’m leaning toward the bosch. The only complaint about it is that the switch stops working after awhile with some people. It seems that dust gets into it and makes it intermittent. That was enough to give the the chills but many people have found a solution to that.. just blow the dust out the way it came in and it works ok. So, I’m not ready to make the plunge (plunge router joke.. get it?) but when I do it may be the Bosch.

Any other thoughts to yet confuse me all the more?

-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html

I’m with map. I bought the Triton last year and installed it in my router table. Works great. I think it still comes with all the bells and whistles in one box. I used it with my dovetail jig and it worked great there too.

-- Darell, Norman, Ok.

I just bought the Bosch 1617 EVSPK (fixed and plunge bases). I did a fair amount of research and saw good reviews on both the Bosch and the Triton. I got the Bosch because it happened to be on sale at this time.

I did come across some info about the problems with the Bosch switches. The problem came up a couple of years ago. It appears the newer Bosch routers have dust proof switches now.

Good luck with your router purchases.

Dalec

I purchased a Craftsman router a few months ago. It is the 11amp model, soft start. I got the router combo kit. I like it a lot. I have found no shortcomings. It has a nice rack and pinion depth adjustment. For those who turn their nose up at Craftsman, and like to throw their money at something “better”, more power to them.

-- "non illegitimis carborundum"

I have a couple of Porter Cable routers (690 & 7518) and I love them. I had a DeWalt 625 that I really liked also. The one on sale at Woodcraft, the Freud for under $100, looks like a good deal. It was rated on here recently. It sounds like HD and Lowe’s may have a better deal on it however.

-- NorthWoodsMan

I’ve got three, a Triton 3 1/4hp that pretty much stays in the router table, a Porter Cable 890 series with a fixed base and a Ridgid w/both fixed and plunge bases. The Triton has been great. It’s got great safety features along with an auto spindle lock and has worked wonderfully in the router table. I suspect that the 2 1/4 hp version is very similar. There have been several reviews on LJ’s of that particular router. While the Porter Cable has been adequate, it vibrates more than the other two and I’ve already had to work on the brushes. The Ridgid has been wonderful. Most of the Porter Cable assessories work on the Ridgid which is a plus. It comes with two bases, a lighted plug, an led work light that shines on the spinning bit, dust collection attachments, an above the table adjustment crank and it operates way smoother than the other two I have. Originally I used it in a router table. I left the fixed base in the table and used the plunge base for everything else. On top of that, I think I paid $170 bucks when it was on sale a couple of years ago. To me, it’s a great value.
I’m not necessarily down on Porter Cable, but the PC router I have is clearly sub-standard to the other two. But, that being said, Bosch makes a great product and it’s gotten great reviews. Good luck!

-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC

Yes I think the Porter Cables have been the standard. It just seems from the review comments from people who use them for a living that the 800 series has not been up to their usual standards. The 600 series, even though older, they rave about.

-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-M12V2-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B000GKC28W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1235524188&sr=1-2

-- lcurrent ( It's not a mistake till you run out of wood )