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Looking for Router purchase advice!

6K views 28 replies 23 participants last post by  LONGHAIR 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thank you all for welcoming me to LumberJocks.

I have a question, Is there a general purpose/ Do-All Router that you guys would recommend.
The only router experience I have is with a friends very old craftsman 2 HP plunge. I cut nice, but the plunge was not smooth at all.
Am I right in thinking a plunge router can do everything a fixed base can plus plunging? Is a combo kit with both bases worth the extra?
Is variable speed worth the extra money or do you usually use the same speed.
I realize every router has its place, I am just looking for a place to start with a router that can do Most things.
Is 1 ¾ big enough? 2 ¼ ?
I know Freud is a great name and quality and I know they will last longer but for occasional use in a small garage shop do they really cut better?
I like to buy quality tools but also want to get the most bang for my buck, I have tools from many different brands so the specific name does not mater to me!
Budget is around $200
I am considering this http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Dewalt-DW621-Plunge-Router-15-pc-Freud-Bit-Set_W0QQitemZ220468563365QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRouters_Bits?hash=item3354f34da5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Or maybe this http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200375226265&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
The tool reviews I have read here are great but still looking for advice.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
JohnnyP
 
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#4 ·
I'll third the Bosch 1917 combo pack. I got it at rockler a few years back, they had a sale on it - and they were giving it with the straight edge/circle guide which is fantastic. I think they are running the same sale these days - check with Rockler.com or your local store.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I don't think you would go wrong with either the Dewalt or Milwaukee. I have a Bosch router and in my previous workshop the motor housing corroded so much it became a real pain to adjust the depth. For that reason, I would never buy another Bosch router. Just my two cents. I have a Milwaukee 5625-20 in my router table. It was purchased 2 or so years ago and I've had no complaints. I'm about to buy another router, this time a Dewalt. It is solid and has all of the features I'm looking for. You should go with one with soft start and for most operations a 2 1/4 will be all that you'll need.
Freud makes good quality router bits and that seems like a good deal at ebay. Whiteside is another quality router bit manufacturer. For a starter set, check out http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/. I purchased a set from them 9 years ago and still use those bits-they are not the best but you can't beat the prices.
Hope this helps.
 
#7 ·
Paul - the link you posted is the same router that Sam linked to - only comes with the edge guide -which is SUPER! (and free in this case) this is the same package that Rockler is selling these days for the same price, and Amazon you don't pay tax, nor shipping! go for it - seriously.

as for the Dewalt 2.25hp router - it was my first router, and it was returned 2 days after purchasing it to the store. the height adjustment ring is made of plastic, and easily breaks off.

the milwaukee is a good performer
 
#8 ·
I will have to second the Bosch 1617 nomination. I have had it for about 2 yrs and it has been wonderful. The plunge base is easy to set up and the action is smooth. My only complaint are the Bosch bushings, cheap pressed metal. I would and did buy a universal base and PC bushings
 
#12 ·
Wow! Seems like everyone loves the Bosch. Don't get me wrong, they do make good tools.

I own however, three Porter Cable routers. My favorite is the D-Handle. It is my most often used router. I'm very happy with all of them.

I'd be interested in hearing everyone's opinions on the Porter Cables.
 
#14 ·
Io have all porter cables and have had them for prolly 10 years or more with no issues except one.. If the base or housing gets chips in between each other and mars or scratches the surfaces.. Then adjusting becomes kind of a pain.. I had this happen but solved the problem by filing out the bur that was causing the trouble..other than that..they are great.. I would love to try the other brands though..
 
#16 ·
variable speed also helps when using large panel bits that require slower rpm. I personally have yet to utilize the feature, but it's nice to have when I need it.

I would go for the 2 1/4 as they are about the same size and weight but obviously pack more power. they seem to be the standard HP rating these days.
 
#17 ·
In my opinion variable speed is really important. Router bits come in various sizes. I adjust the speed according to those sizes. Some larger bits need to have the speed reduced or they burn the wood and for some raised panel bits, I can't imagine spinning them up to high speed and staying in the same room.
 
#18 · (Edited by Moderator)
You should really decide how you want to use the router…hand held or table mounted, because different features are desirable for each. I've owned several routers (still have 4), and have liked different things about different routers. Hard to go wrong with the top names. For hand use, it's important to get one that feels good in your hands, and is maneuverable, which usually means light and well balanced. Variable speed is very important for use in a router table, but no so much for hand use. 11 to 13 amp (1-3/4hp to 2-1/4hp) is plenty for hand use, but as you spin bigger bits in a router table, you may want more power….all routers are not created equal in the power department…I find the heavier duty more expensive models tend to have better power for the same amp rating, but they also tend to be heavier per the same amp rating (Milwaukee, Bosch, PC, Makita come to mind). 15 amp is better for lots of panel raising with the 3" bits, but even a good 11 amp will spin the big bits for occasional use.

One of the better values I've encountered is the Hitachi M12VC or KM12VC (fixed/plunge combo). Very light, quiet, smooth, precise, and often on sale at great prices. (got a refurb for ~ $60). Hitachi also has a good 15 amp M12V2 if you decide you need a big gun. It accepts the standard Porter Cable type guides. I liked the weight of the M12VC enough that I actually replaced my Bosch 1617 with it for doing dovetails.

If you don't need variable speed, the Milwaukee 5615-24 combo kit has been on sale from Amazon for $120 shipped….a great deal IMO. Excellent plunger, built like a tank, excellent BodyGrip feature. (Their 5616 is nearly the same as the 5615 but with variable speed. Their 5625 15 amp, 3-1/2hp router is a beast for table use.) It accepts the standard Porter Cable type guides.

The Freud FT1700 is a great table router because it offers excellent above table features, and has a strong 13 amp motor. Their FT3000 15 amp is stronger for spinning big bits, and still has the above table features of the FT1700. The FT1700's plunger is fine, but not great, but also not needed in a table. Both need an adaptor to accept the standard Porter Cable type guides, as does the Bosch 1617….not sure about the DW routers.

After owning a Craftsman, 2 Freuds, 2 Milwaukees, a Bosch 1617, Porter Cable 690, and using a big Makita 3612, I'd have to say that the Milwaukees are the best built and strongest for their amp rating, but that doesn't always make them the best choice. The Hitachi is very light and quiet, and really easy to use….great for hand work. The Freud FT1700 is the most convenient for table use IMHO. The big Milwaukee is great for raised panels, and the smaller Milwaukee has an excellent plunger. Never used a Triton, DeWalt, or Ridgid router, but all have their fans. It's really a personal choice you have to make.
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
I think all the above mentioned routers are great….I have a Milwaukee, dewalt, hitachi and bosch. All of them for different purposes….and each one does as promised. If I had to choose amongst the one I use most…it would depend on table vs hand. For table…I like the Milwaukee…it has nice adjustment and a strong motor….for hand use…I like the hitachi….it is powerful and light. For doing trimming off the table…like already installed panels….I reach for the dewalt…or the bosh…they are a bit heavier then the hitachi…and can trim heavy panels easily….for plunge work…I love the dewalt… the base is well designed and easily adjusted….and finally…for pattern work…I like the bosch…its a nice overall router…I got it on sale and couldn't resist the price….plus the bases are light and easy to work with….

I've had Porter Cables in the past….and they lasted quite well….I did not replace them with PC because I have heard mostly bad reviews after PC was sold to another manufacturer.

My .02 cents..
 
#22 ·
I love both the Dewalt 616/618 and Milwaukee 5615/5616 routers. I don't have the VS versions, but I like the Dewalt's height adjustment system (althought not above table) and especially the low centre of gravity when using the fixed base handheld. The Milwaukee's bodygrip style is also awesome, and its pluge base is very smooth also. Both of my single speed are powerful enough and hasn't given me any trouble so far.

I didn't get the VS because of price, and it's one more thing that could malfunction. I use a seperate router speed control box when necessary to keep things simple, though I hardly have to.
 
#23 ·
I'm a Porter Cable fan. I also prefer using a fixed base router for hand held stuff, and the PC fixed base router is easy to use and set and when it's set, it won't move on you. No matter how good the stops are on a plunge, they can always get off if you repeatedly raise and lower the cutter. Don't get me wrong, a plunge is nice. After you're through with your cut use pull a lever or twist a knob and the bit retracts and you can safely set it down as the motor spins down, but if you are doing numerous cuts where precision is key (i.e. dovetails) then a fixed base (in my opinion) is better. Variable speed is really only an issue when you're using larger bits, panel cutter and the like, where you need a lower speed. I have a 6902 and a 6912 D-handle Porter Cable routers and they are, in my opinion, some of the best fixed base routers I've used, I even prefer them to the two Festool routers we have at the shop here (I'm not a big fan of Festool). I've read good things about the Bosch fixed base routers and would consider purchasing one for myself if needed. The only DeWalt router I've used is one of their laminate trimmers, and it's a good little work horse.
 
#25 ·
Everything said is real good. If you are like me (and probably everyone else on LJ), you'll start out with one and accumulate more as you go. Knotscott has a lot to say in that first paragraph of his, and I would use that as a starting point when looking to purchase a router.

I too like the Bosch (the combo kit) and find a lot of uses for it. I also have four Porter Cable routers (one of them a trim router), and a couple of B&D. I really like the PC 690 for the ease of free-hand cutting.

If I had to have only one - I probably would sell something in the shop that I don't use that often and buy two!
 
#26 ·
I have 3 routers, but the two I use the most are Hitachi M12v's. Both are 3 1/4 h.p. One is mounted under the router table and the other for hand held work. I've had these about 10-11 years, and 'neary a problem. They got the stuff to get the job done! I agree with Chris Wright on the DeWalt laminate trim router. It's a real workhoss for that and for small routing. One drawback-it only uses 1/4 in. bits, and I prefer the 1/2 in.
Variable is a must-have for me. My two pennies, also!!! Rick D.
 
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