Looking for Router purchase advice!

johnnyP

Check this one out: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD

I bought it this past year from Lowes for about $220. Love it. Absolutely love it. If I had to buy again it would be the same tool

-- Sam

Ditto on the Bosch that Sam indicates above. I’ve had it several months now and it’s been great. I researched a long time before deciding too.

-- 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’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.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I’m also looking at purchasing the Bosch being discussed here. I see Amazon has another package at the same price which includes the edge guide—Bosch 1617EVSPKBP 2.25-Horsepower Combination Plunge and Fixed Base Router with Bonus Pack. Is there any reason not to get this one versus the one Sam linked?

-- Paul, Minnesota

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.

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

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

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

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

i would jump at that http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPKBP-2-25-Horsepower-Combination-Plunge/dp/B000BGKIJ6 deal, it looks like one of the best you will find.

it’s useful to have the fixed base because you can put it in a router table and just keep it there.

The Bosch has far exceeded my needs, personally. And I have to agree with PurpLev, the straight edge guide is really nicely put together.

-- Tim, Plant City FL

PurpLev, I figured as much that the “Bonus Pack” was a good deal. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something obvious.

-- Paul, Minnesota

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.

-- Dave; Lansing, Kansas

Any comments on variable speed? When do you vari the speed?
The old one I used had 1 speed and seemed to cut nice.
1 3/4 HP vs. 2 1/4 HP or smaller or bigger?

-- JohnnyP - Lindstrom, Minnesota

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..

-- Randall Child

Being able to vary the speed comes in handy when you are working with woods that tend to burn like maple and cherry

-- Sam

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.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

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.

-- 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

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.

I like the Porter Cable D handle 690

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon, custom furniture,woodworking school,heirloomwoodshop.com

The following router review may be helpful http://www.woodworkingtipsandtools.com/2009/02/02/wood-router-reviews/ It is a professional review of routers by type. You can also find many other articles about using router that may help in making your decision.

-- drbob at http://www.Woodworkingtipsandtools.com

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..

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

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.

-- Ed

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.

-- "At its best, life is completely unpredictable." - Christopher Walken

I like and use the Freud 2 1/2 Hp and the PC 690 series . I also have 2 PC hand held trimmer routers and a Trend Plunge router. I use the trend for making signs and routing in hinges and small stuff like that.

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

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!

-- There is no such thing as a mistake in woodworking. Eventually, every scrap will become small enough to become starter wood in your fire pit.

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.

-- Remember--- one good turn-- gets most of the blanket!!!!

Just picked up the Bosch 1617EVSPK Router Combo Package From Rockler for $190 that included the straight edge and circle guides. I haven’t even fired it up yet but it looks high quality and the reviews are great. At that price I couldn’t turn it down.

Since most popular router brands are very good and similar, pick the one you like the most, the one with the color you like, the one with the accessories you need, the one with the longer cord, the one with you are the more comfortable when holding it.

Go for the good stuff, not the entry line like Skill, B&D, unless you don’t use it often. I’m not saying they are not good, but they are certainly not for production.

Among the 18 routers I own, the P-C 690 (plunge or fixed base routers) are the one I pick up first on daily basis. Then the Hitachi M12V for heavy loads.

Best,

Serge

www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com

-- Learn from yesterday, work today and enjoy success tomorrow.

I have “more than a handful” of routers, each for something different. For table use I don’t think you can beat the Triton. It is smooth, quiet, powerful, and easy to adjust.
For hand-held use, I have 3 Milwaukee 5615s and the RIDGID 2930 combo kit. I ususally use the RIDGID for the hand-held plunge. I keep a flush trim bit in one of the 5615s, a pattern bit in another and leave the last one “free” for whatever I happen to need at the time.
The body-grip is a really great feature. You hold it in a very firm fashion and the hand strap holds you just as well. It feels really stable when climb-cutting. As an added bonus, the clamshell case and collet wrenches are seconds to none. The router sits up-right on a base-plate, the bit can be left in and it is fully surrounded/protected.
As far as “trim” routers, my favorite is the Bosch Colt. I have a few of them with specific bit set-ups too. I have an older DeWalt too, it’s ok. It’s a little tall/tippy and it has a tendancy to get a little warm after a while of use. I keep that one set-up with the tilt base. I also have a RIDGID 2400 that I keep for one of those square bearing laminate trimming bits.
Routers/tools in general can be rather addicting.