Newbie Question: I'd like to know more about routers.

Pez,

Routers are a world unto themselves and I’m sure you will get a ton of responses. I’ve been woodworking for about 4 years and a router and table was pretty much the last thing I purchased. I’ve had a hand-held fixed base Craftsman for a long time but wasn’t comfortable using it a lot due to my own lack of knowledge.

Both Woodcraft and Rockler have router table packages that would be a decent place to start. I went with the Rockler setup. It comes with a Porter Cable plunge router a table and stand. I think it was right around $200 for the whole setup. I’ve been experimenting with it more and more as I get more comfortable and acquire more knowledge.

Someone asked recently here on LJs what router they should get since their first one died. A majority of the responses steered him toward a Porter Cable product so I think that would be a safe bet. There were a couple other very good recommendations so searching out that forum question would probably help you tremendously. Its in the same Tools, Hardware and Accessories forum where you posted your question.

Best of luck and welcome to LumberJocks!

-- Behind the Bark is a lot of Heartwood----Charles, Centennial, CO

Pez – Take a look at Freud routers. They are competitively priced and have outstanding bit changing and height/depth adjustment mechanisms. I bought one about 3 years ago and have had outstanding results with it.

-- James, Bluffton, IN

I think you could perhaps start with a book that explains the router process and several uses and techniques.

http://www.free-ebook-download.net/other-book/309-woodworking-router-bill-hylton.html
http://www.amazon.com/Woodwork-Router-Readers-Digest-Woodworking/dp/0762102276
After you get some time with that we can all help you make some decisions based on your needs at that time.

There is no way we can pack in 344 pages of info here.

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

I will leave recommending brands and going into details on specifications to my more learned brethren.
But I will throw into the mix some basic practical thoughts—

Before you buy it—handle it.
With any tool you want to feel comfortable and in full control—but perhaps with a router most of all because of the weight and torgue.
Lift it—manipulate it—get a feel for how the handles fit in your hand. It should feel as natural as possible.
If possible find a friend who has the model you are considering – and feel it under real world conditions.

As for a router table—while not essential – for many uses you will find them VERY helpful.
EXAMPLE—
I just finished custom beading 60 pieces of pine ranging from 1- 3 feet.
YES—I could have used the straightedge accessory—or made my own jig.
I’ve done both in the past.
But this time it was SOOO much easier and quicker just to set my router to depth and set the distance with my fence and slide the boards across the table.

-- Those who insist it can't be done - should politely refrain from interrupting those who are doing it.

Durnik150, I hate to contradict, but I don’t think you can get that whole setup for $200 from Rockler. The top, plate, and fence is $199.99 for the cheapest version.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21291&filter=router%20table

Pezman, that said, he as well as everybody else offered good advice. I personally own Bosch (MY favorite), Freud, Porter Cable, and Makita. They’re all good, it comes down to personal preference. I would not go with anything cheap, as a good router will last you for years and you won’t be looking to upgrade soon. I like the dual base kits. They provide a lot of versatilaty without a lot more expense. I would recommend a router table, but you don’t need to start with one. See what you want to do, and then work your way up. Good Luck

-- She thought I hung the moon--now she just thinks I did it wrong

I would stay with a strong name-brand like PC, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita. As a pro, I have either owned and/or used Craftsman and Ryobi and they are as you say “Eh.”

The listed brands will serve you trouble-free for years to come and are well worth the money. They will also handle very well.

I would recommend a combo kit. That is the router motor with 2 different bases, typically a plunge and fixed base.
This set-up is the most versatile and will get you going quite well.

I have not been impressed with the lightweight aluminum benchtop router tables. You might as well make your own router table surface. They are not difficult to make and will offer a larger surface with a lot less vibration.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com

IMHO, the router is the most versatile tool in the shop. Putting the router in the router table is generally safer and more accurate than hand routing. Since the features that make a good router for table use are different than the features that make a good free hand router, many find it convenient to have at least two routers. For table use, a larger motor, larger throat opening, variable speed, one handed wrenching, and as many above table features as possible (like above table bit changes, above table height adjust, above table height lock) are desirable. For hand use, things like comfort, balance, lower weight, and possibly plunge capability are more desirable, so it’s really important to pick what you like. The combo kits offer a lot of versatility.

There are lots of good routers to pick from….top shelf names like Milwaukee, Bosch, Porter Cable, DeWalt, and Makita. There are very good value routers from Freud and Hitachi, among others….even the newer Craftsman routers are getting favorable comments from users, but I haven’t tried those myself. Lastly, your router is only as good as your bits…don’t cheap out on those. Get a router that accepts 1/2” shanks, and buy 1/2” shank router bits whenever possible. Good luck.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I contend that if you have never had a computer then you’d be happy with one that turns on. Save your money and go cheap. You still need to figure out if this is a hobby you’re really serious about. Get one off Craigslist. There are a tone of newbie shop owners selling there stuff off after they’ve owned it for 5 or so years. Hardly used.

-- Just 'cause a cat has kittens in the oven, it don't make 'em biscuits.

I have to agree with Kent Shephard and Knotscott. 1/2 in is much more stable with better results. Have most of the big brands they recommend. I really like the router razer aftermarket attachment for plunge routers mounted in a table. Makes adjustment for table mounted and freehand a breeze. It is designed around the older style porter cables. The combo kit’s look like a good start but not sure how they would or wouldn’t work with aftermarket adjustment kits.
Pitchnsplinters is right, Craigslist or E-bay may get you good as well as cheap.
Go to a real tool store, not the big box. The mom and pop tool stores have smart people and the opportunity to handle the tools and get a feel for them.
If you get a combo kit of bits to start with you’ll see real quick which ones you use and don’t use. Carbide is hands down better than HSS (High Speed Steel) bits. Sharper longer, cleaner cuts and less burning. Worth the little extra money. Whiteside bits are well rated and Made in USA. I plan on ordering some but don’t personally have any experience with them. Take that for what it’s worth.
Best of luck, BTKS

-- "Man's ingenuity has outrun his intelligence" (Joseph Wood Krutch)

If you decide on just getting a router I would suggest you get one with a plunge base…I didn’t and I regret it. Now I have to get another one

My first router was a craftsman, with the cheap sears bit ( 30 years ago) it change the way I worked with wood. I now have 6 Porter Cable routers in my shop and they get used almost every day. I have both a vertical and horizontal router tables and consider them the second most important tools in the shop after the table saw.

You might want to view a few of The Router Workshop show at http://www.routerworkshop.com/epage.html

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

also http://www.routerworkshop.net/

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

I agree with many replies so far. But if your JUST looking for good names that are priced right and dependable… I have several Porter cables and Bosch routers that have never given me ANY troubles.

-- Don S.E. OK

Alot more are here. http://www.woodworkingchannel.com/dolphin/vidego_video_library.php

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

Kent-You’re absolutely right. The package I picked up at Rockler was $299.00. My apologies for the misinformation.

-- Behind the Bark is a lot of Heartwood----Charles, Centennial, CO