Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Apr 02, 2003 06:32am | #1

   PC 690.  Used the same one for 12-14 yrs now, no problems except the power cord and the dam depth clamp thumbscrew.  Only 1.5 hp but reasonably compact and light.  Like an old shoe.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

2. 
   Danusan11 | Apr 02, 2003 07:05am | #2

   Hitachi 3hp variable great value have had great success, check tool crib for price

3. 
   Steve1 | Apr 02, 2003 07:07am | #3

   had a pc690 for a number of years with both plunge and fixed bases, good tool except for removing the plunge base(gets hung up easily), also have hitachi 12V great 3 1/2 horse machine, variable speed, nice soft start, lots of power for heavier work

   also use makita laminate trimmers for small bits, very light easy to control for small cutting bits

   all have been reasonably reliable, just minor stuff going wrong, like brushes and cords

1. 
   larryscabnuts | Apr 02, 2003 07:37am | #4

   Last count I counted 12 routers. All Bosch or Porter Cable cept one made in Spain (Vertex). I think one should have a minimum of 3 routers. A laminate trim router, a medium sized fixed base and a big plunge router.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Apr 02, 2003 02:34pm | #5

   Well obviously you have met the minimum...Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   IMERC | Apr 03, 2003 06:28pm | #10

   He met the minimum but how can he get by with just 3 routers?

   I still vote for Bosch.

2. 
   r_ignacki | Apr 03, 2003 12:10am | #6

   just about evry cabinet maker I know has one router per bit.

4. 
   jc21 | Apr 03, 2003 12:16am | #7

   Another vote for the PC 690- a good all around router.

5. 
   BillHartmann | Apr 03, 2003 12:32am | #8

   Your question is a bit vauge. You mention "overloading with cabinet shaping bits". If you are talking about doing raised pannels then you really need to look at the 3+ "hp" routers.

   If you are talking abou mostly hand held use then there are a number of the 1.5 - 2 hp range.

   I have the 690, but it is a bit outdated.

   There are a number of newer ones that are in that class. Milwaukee for fixed base only.

   If you want a combination fix and plunge base system. Then DeWalt, Boosch, and several others have new version out and most people that I have seen like them.

1. 
   Sancho | Apr 03, 2003 05:58pm | #9

   pC 690 but go for the varible speed one. I dont have a varible speed one(they didnt make it when i bought mine) but if i were to buy another router that would be it 

   Darkworks:  The French "Cheese eatin surrender monkies"..Grounds Keeper Willie

6. 
   PhillGiles | Apr 03, 2003 07:43pm | #11

   I have a couple of Ryobi RE600 routers, getting old now. If I had to but new, I'd follow my local peers: big routers are all Bosch; D-handles are mostly Bosch, with a few Makitas (1101 ? D-handle with VS).

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   Boxduh | Apr 03, 2003 09:42pm | #12

   It is over 3hp, and over $300, but there is a new plunger from Australia being sold by Highland Hardware, and I think they choose good stuff to offer.  Loads of features not seen on any other routers.  Made to be used principally in a table.  Has a really cool bit changing arrangement that lets you work above the table, one-handed.

1. 
   MrPita2 | Apr 04, 2003 05:48am | #13

   Triton is the router from Australia. 3.25 hp, http://www.tritonwoodworking.com  It was named one of the 10 best new tools for 2003 by Workbench mag, Feb. 2003 issue.

   EDIT: Fixed link

   If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.

   Edited 4/3/2003 10:55:27 PM ET by Mr. Pita

7. 
   fdampier5 | Apr 04, 2003 06:55am | #14

   I dislike Porter Cable tools for the most part.. their router on the other hand is great.  If you're gonna use big bits don't use a router.. buy an inexpensive shaper instead.  it will be cheaper than a bigger (3hp) router and router table and last a lot longer.

     Jet/ Grizzley both make inexpensive  shapers and that is what you really need to do cabinets etc.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Apr 05, 2003 02:48am | #15

   I'm surprised it took 15 messages for someone to suggest a shaper.Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   MajorWool | Apr 05, 2003 10:17am | #18

   Local dealer had a nice used 1HP Rockwell-delta shaper for $325. If I hadn't just bought a router lift, I probably would have thrown it in the back of the truck

8. 
   JDRHI | Apr 05, 2003 07:12am | #16

   My main router is the Bosch 1411 EVS....its about ten years old, but I love it. I believe theyve upgraded since. Never had any problems with any Bosch product.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"

9. 
   Mongo | Apr 05, 2003 08:57am | #17

   I have several PC 690s. Good routers. They are bare bones and noisy, but solid.

   I have a variable speed PC 3.25 hp for spinning large-diameter bits.

   I have several Bosch. 1617 series or thereabouts, 1.75 to 2 hp range. A few fixed, two variable speed.

   If cash was super tight I'd get a 690. If I could swing a few more $$, go Bosch. Quieter and better depth-of-cut adjustment.

   Virtually all routers come with 1/4" and 1/2" collets, start collecting half-inch bits.

10. 
    dukeofwsu | Apr 08, 2003 12:14am | #19

    Thanks for the inputs,

    I went with the makita 1101 kit