Ok, over the last month or so I have done a bunch of custom cabnets, and shelving…. and have realized that dog is not man’s best friend, the router is.
Up till now I have been using my bosses black and decker router, worked pretty good too, but now it’s time I get my own–
What brand to buy? The black and decker didn’t fail me at all, BUT I never buy any tools from them, cause they don’t last on a pro use basis. I want a good quality router but I don’t want to break the bank.
I am planning on doing some pretty fine wood working too, so any body got suggestions?
Thanks, Jason
When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!
Replies
bosch all the way for fixed base machines. i'll pull for porter cable on plunge but lots of others are going to disagree.
So many choices it's hard to know where to start...
If you want a realy good, dedicated for heavy duty dado & similar cabinet use, it's hard to beat the 2 1/2 horse Makita plunge
PC & Bosch & Makita all make combo kits (i.e. one motor and both a plunge & fixed base)
I have the PC plunge base and it sucks, but the same PC motor in a d-handle base is, otoh, a real workhorse
I bought the new Milwuakee "Body Grip" a while back when I had all my shop in transit, and it's pretty nice
All in all you cand do most of what you want without plunge capability
If I were router shopping for the first time, I'd get a minimum 1 1/2 horse d-handle fixed base, and a good laminate trimmer sized model, and save my $$ for the bit collection....
CB,
Milwaukee has an offer going on now that if you buy a router they will through in a new random orbit sander for free. Something to think about. Here is the link:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/us/en/news.nsf/vwFeaturedProducts/5CFE60857D518538862570A0005BD005?OpenDocument
WSJ
Oh man, I wish you hadn't shown me that..oh man...
There goes the grocerie money..I need BOTH.
(G) Thanx. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"I don't think it's funny no more" Nick Lowe.
10% off from these guys if you order this weekend:http://www.absolutehome.com/web/catalog/product_detail.aspx?pid=61357Bosch 1617EVSPK for $200 through Sunday
"There goes the grocerie money..I need BOTH."
Sphere,
A real man can never have too many tools. I'm sure your wife will understand.
Jon
I don't know jon, sounds like you're compensating... <g>
65430.15 in reply to 65430.14
I don't know jon, sounds like you're compensating.."
Duane.
I took the plunge and bought an MKE 3.50HP 15 AMP Router (figure I can give the free sander as a X-mas gift) Absolutely the best router I've ever used. Extremely well built. One can even free hand with a 3.25" bit with no fear with the large rubberized grips.
Also got an MKE orbital jig saw at the same time as I needed one. It's OK. Don't like the fact I can't use the cheapie blades in it though. My PC personally is better, but the base didn't tilt on that one, and I left it in NY.
Jon
Edit: meant to respond to Sphere.
Edited 11/11/2005 4:56 pm ET by WorkshopJon
See above.
Jon
Man..bad timing. Well, in my world. I just received the EZ system from Dino yer carpenter friend. DOOOODE..as Andrew says...it rocks Bro'.
Got that link again? From MIL?
If you utter a word of this to ANYONE, I swear, I'll buy a new Bosch 8.25" saw too..I swear, I'll do it..don't make me hold the kid out the window...
Psst..If I google , she'll track my history..this HAS to be a RECOMMENDATION..ya dig? Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" it is your reflection , silly" ..Dare I say?
Honestly,
It is a great router, and not 'cause I'm biased (though I did make the dielectricc test fixture for it for MKE Tool) If you want, I can e-mail or call your wife and explain. My wife, believe it or not had no problemwith me buying it.
But She does with $2.00/minute flight lessons, and the Tech-9 I just got though. "What the #### do you need that for" to quote her.
Jon
LOL...I just wanna get a versatile package, redundacy is fine if ya have the room for it all, I was weaned on that redundant, redundant, make do with, scene.
New blood is just asking to replace the old redundant icons, a few fresh fillies or stallions can, make the shop go round.
When we bought the first CNC in the guitar shop, water levels were the standard to set it up..it was pathetic.
got that link agin? ( I'll scroll back, never mind) I am clebrating a major completion...go to the photo gallery...find a "copper roof"
You just saw my life for a summer, with the help of my best friend CU, or Seeyou..or the formerly known poster as GreenCu..
Having moved here into the hinters, he has expressed an interest in me, I followed his lead, he taught me the particulars..and introduced me to my new best friend and co-hort..
Life is good..
I'll get back into ww'ing when the time tells me to, but for now..I am all out , ..
aye. I am tired. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" it is your reflection , silly" ..Dare I say?
Milwaukee has an offer going on now that if you buy a router they will through in a new random orbit sander for free. Something to think about. Here is the link:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/us/en/news.nsf/vwFeaturedProducts/5CFE60857D518538862570A0005BD005?OpenDocument
Thanks for the info. I was looking for a new router and Sears was offering a 10% discount so now I have the Milwaukee 5615-21 which is 1 3/4 HP. Final cost was about $153. It comes with a case which was important to me. Seems like a good tool, but I haven't used it yet.
It will get its first workout in 2 weeks when I will be installing some new doors. I also bought an inexpensive hinge template. I used to use a utility knife and chisel because I just wasn't comfortable with my old router. That one will be relegated to the router table.
-Don
Costco (at least the store in Seattle I shop at) has the Bosch 1617EVSPK with a set of template guides, the fine adjustment knob, and a dust collector hood for $192 right now. Seems like a great deal to me.
wow. I'll go check that out.
Seems odd to reply to my own post but I was at the Lowes and they had the same kit plus an edge guide for $220. I guess the Christmas tool deals are arriving.
I`ve got a Bosch 1611EVS (I think thats the model) 3.5 HP plunge router. This thing is gettin` up there in age, but is still a kick azz machine.
Should it ever die, I`ll replace it with another Bosch.
When it comes to fine woodworking tools, price should be of little concern unless the tool won`t see much use. Look to save money on tools where precision isn`t of the greatest concern......a circular saw for framing or a sawzall for demo as examples....not on equiptment intended for finish work.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
good advice........
I'm not trying to tight wad my way though, I want a good machine, but I am going to school full time and working nights and weekends soooo..........
my budget is about 250 or so
When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!
Go with the Bosch kit mentioned earlier. You can definitely afford it with that budget and to make it even cheaper get a reconditioned one through http://bosch.cpotools.com/reconditioned/
I bought a reconditioned kit and it is perfect.
I've got the same Bosch beast that Jay does. It's tough, but I've got 4 other routers to spread the load, and cause I hate changing bits<G>If I were only allowed to have one, I'd go for the biggest Bosch plunge router I could afford. You can trim laminate with a big router, but you can't raise panels with a little one. "what's in a name?" d'oh!
Jason,
If you want a plunge router, I like the Dewalt DW621. I route a lot of MDF and the built in dust collection is great. The stock base plate stinks though and really needs an accessory base. I had the Bosch 1613 plunge but it died on me after a week so I bought the Dewalt.
For a fixed base router, I have a big old Porter Cable and the new Dewalt with the interchangeable base. I recently used the Dewalt with a larger panel bit making wainscoting and was surprised how well it handled the load.
Regards,
Dennis
About your dead 1613.I can pretty much guarantee it's the switch.The early Bosch switches had a small hole in the side. A lovely but unintended black hole that seems to suck fine dust into the switch casing. The dust dirtied the contacts, thus no start.Easy way to diagnose it to simply remove the switch and jump the leads. Be careful, and obviously don't do this with a bit in the router.You can either get a new switch from Bosch ($6, free if you whine), or buy a generic switch ($3-$10) and wire it in, or tap the switch while blowing through the hole (free, but silly, and you'll have to repeat it) in an attempt to clean the contacts. I recommend replacing the switch.
Mongo,
Actually my Bosch had a bearing go out of it. It started squealing after about an hour of use and only got worse. So I took it back and got the Dewalt.
Regards,
Dennis
Wow. Suprised.Bad switches on the originals were the most common cause of no start. The new switches are sealed.My bad!
only one router? That's like having only one hammer.
But I'd go with either P-C, or Bosch. Get a plunge router in the 2HP range, and it sould handle most of what you'll be doing.
BTW, I've currently got 6
Festool.
You might want to check out the following website - it's full of info on routers:
http://www.patwarner.com
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Found two great router review articles:http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/toolguide/TT_Routers.pdf
http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/toolguide/TT_RoutersMore.pdfother woodworking tool reviews too:http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/article.do?siteId=2222&categoryId=7002&contentId=244
Ok Thanks a bunch guys, lots of good advice links and articles!
I am now a well informed buyer!
Take it easy, Jason
Edited 11/8/2005 4:00 pm ET by custombuilt
check out this deal on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VCBCA/104-9344911-8331131?v=glance&n=228013&n=1000&s=hi&v=glance
its for the new hitachi 2 1/4hp combo kit. only 130 bucks and comes with a mail in offer for a free 1/4 sheet sander
i dont know anyone who's used it but for that price im pretty tempted.
if you, or anyone else, gets it let us know what you think!
______________________________________________
--> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad
The fastest router for 90% of general routing is a d-handle router since it's quick to turn on and off when needed. Bosch, PC, Dewalt, Milwakee all make good routers so buy whatever is cheaper at the time or whatever you like.
The PC with plung base and mail-in certificate for d-handle is available at amazon for less than $200.
I like the PC routers with the d-handle and have three of them for repetitive projects so that bits aren't juggled.
Multiple routers save so much time that for your budget I would be tempted to buy two of the basic porter cable 1-3/4 hp routers from Home Depot when they go on sale for Christmas sometime soon. Last year they sold for $99, which is a steal.
Check out http://www.amazon.com or http://www.toolking.com for reconditioned routers (always new condition whenever I've ordered from either of these two).
For the most bang for your buck on a second router I'd choose a larger router with variable speed for large bits. The 3 horse Dewalt 625 plunge router, reconditioned, from toolking is only $170 (a steal). This is a big router and probably not what you would want for a first router, unless you use a lot of large bits.
If you are using a lot of smaller bits, such as 1/4" roundover, you would be well served with a small trim router as a second or third router. These can be had for under $100. The new variable speed Bosch is supposed to be very well made and has variable speed. Personally I have the PC since they have a good reputation for lasting a long time.
Whatever you do, buy a router bit whenever you can afford it--they will cost much more than the routers when you get a decent set. Try http://store.yahoo.com/freud-tools/routerbits.html for great prices on a good quality router bit.
Cheers,
Don
Don,What would you recommend for versatility? Inititially I'm not doing production work: decorative motifs on gates, things like that. What I'm looking for is a quality tool that will allow me to do anything, My plan is that, after I've gotten good with it and it turns into a regular thing, then down the road I'll work out a system like what you propose. (or maybe one router will be enough).I was looking at the Bosch 1617EVSPK based on a best buy from JLC and what other folks on this board have been saying.thanks,
-s
"What I'm looking for is a quality tool that will allow me to do anything, My plan is that, after I've gotten good with it and it turns into a regular thing...."Hee Hee Hee
Someone hit me with the clue stick. Is this just the oldest justification in the world? Actually, I'm pretty confident it'll pay for itself but I'm ok with it if it doesn't. No S.O. to negotiate with so I get the toys I want when I can swing it.
You'll do fine with just about any router from one of the better tool names. It will become apparent that much of a router's versatility comes from the various jigs and guides that you will occumulate over time, and your harrem of bits.
:-)
Edited 11/9/2005 12:18 am ET by IdahoDon
Hard for me to add more than has already been posted.I own about 8 routers. I think you probably need only one now, and I offer this:Plunge routers are the most versital. I would get one of these. The 3 hp types suggested in the prior posts would definitely not be my first choice for you--they are very, very top heavy, and not easily controlled. In other words, unless you really need to hog out some wood for day in day out use, don't get these.My recommendation is to stick with something in the 1.75 to 2.25 hp range with a half inch collet in a variable speed. Any of the following machines are good ones: Bosch, DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Freud, Makita, Hitachi. I think you'll find the best deals on DeWalt and Makita. Go to a tool store and try the plunge mechanism out. I don't think there is much difference, and the pick will be of personal preferance.Some will say they are low end machines, but I own both, and they are perfectly serviceable. You could get either in the 2hp range on ebay for about $50-100.Expect to pay about $200 for new machines in the 2 hp range.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
For your first router I'd get one that is medium HP, that is variable speed, that has a nice depth adjustment, that had nice ergonomics, that is...
Oh heck just go get yourself the Bosch 1617EVS.
That's my FIRST recommendation.
If you need to spin big raised panel bits, then pick up a 3-1/4 machine. Other than that, you have zero need for a 3+ HP router. I have the PC7538 for raised panel bits.
If you don't need to spin big bits then I'd jump on the PC 690 series for my 2nd and 3rd routers.
Routers are a man's best friend.
I have two PC690s in a dedicated setup for my Leigh divetail jig.
I have three setup for whatever 3-piece raised panel set I'm using. The PC7538, another 690, and another 1617evs.
Then I have three more for whatever I need them for.
When they're not all running they're an extravagence. When the sawdust is flying they're a necessity.
There's nothing like NOT having to stop and change a set-up.
So get yourself a 1617 now. Then when they go one sale get yourself a 690 ot two.
Or seven.
and I thought I had a lot with 6
I feel like I'm about to join a cult. Boy that koolaid is goood! 6 routers? 14 routers? I guess I'll figure out why soon. cheers. -s
at last count our custom cabinet shop has about 20 routers from little makita laminate trimmers to 3 hp hitachis
the ones we grab the most are the pc 693s, plenty of power, easy bit changes, light weight and reliable
a pc 693 will handle most shop work except panel raising