Hybrid-Powered Router
Metabo HPT's dual-powered plunge router offers the option to plug in an otherwise-battery-operated tool for production work.
My old, corded job-site router finally bit the dust a little while back. Typically, when one of my old corded tools dies, it gets replaced with a battery-operated model. However, in this case I actually did consider buying another corded model because I don’t use a router every day like I do saws, drills, and drivers, and when I do use one, it’s often for repetitive production work. So, when I saw that Metabo HPT had a plunge router that would run on either AC or DC, I thought I would give it a try.
So far, I’ve used this tool to make custom molding pieces, route nose edging on stair treads, and cut out the sheathing from a bunch of window rough openings. I have found that the router feels comfortable in my hands, and has a nice bright LED light and an effective dust-collection port. The variable-speed motor operates between 11,000 and 25,000 rpms, and the motor brake works great. The 2-1/4-hp Metabo HPT plunge router kit (M3612DAM) costs $420 and comes with a 2.5-Ah battery, charger, 1/4-in. and 1/2-in. collets, a wrench, a template guide set, a straight guide, and a dust collector set, but does not include the ET36A AC adapter, which costs $120. In addition to delivering all-day power to this router, the adapter will also power all the other Metabo HPT 36v tools.
— Josh Risberg, a contractor in Rosemount, Minn.
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