Good Plunge/Fixed Base Router combo?
- Thread starter rodm1
- Start date
metaldad
Well-known member
porter cable 693.
http://www.portercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11098
http://www.portercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11098
neophyte
Well-known member
Bosch 1617EVS. I f**king hate those Porter Cable 693s. If you want to go Porter Cable, the 895 may have fixed a bunch of the problems with the 693.
AWH
Member
What are you going to use the fixed base for that you can't do with the plunge base?
Is dust collection important to you? Than look at the Festool Router (OF1400) and Dust Extractor (CT36) combination...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U4TN32/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Best dust control of any router I have ever used. Only downside is it's not made in the USA, but it is made in Germany, which is several steps above China.
Is dust collection important to you? Than look at the Festool Router (OF1400) and Dust Extractor (CT36) combination...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U4TN32/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Best dust control of any router I have ever used. Only downside is it's not made in the USA, but it is made in Germany, which is several steps above China.
I finally broke down, after I got sick of breathing and cleaning up dust, Festool. I now have routers and sanding tools of theirs...with the custom vacuum the sell. They are pricey...but by far and away the best hand tool I have ever owned. Absolutely no dust either.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Your never going to beat the Germans when it comes to dust control. The reason being their government is fanatical with respect to worker safety unlike in the United States where the prevailing attitude, at least with respect to workers is, there's another Mexican coming across the border every second so if this one dies who cares? If dust collection is what you're after you can't beat Festool. For a good all purpose combo kit you can't do better than either the Bosch 1617 (if you like release to plunge action) or the DeWalt DW618PK in full size and the DWP611PK for small size if you prefer the plunge then lock type of plunging action. I prefer the latter.
RunninOnEmpty
Well-known member
I also have a Bosch 1617. Bought it from CPO refurbished maybe 6-8 years ago. I don't use it that often but it's been great every time I have.
Zeke
Well-known member
Do I need to get one with a 1/2 shank or can I get most bits in 1/4? I would like to get a Festool OF 1010 EQ but don't now if I can get over the priceall sow do they come with a case?
Say what now about a case? You can get a case with any tool — sometimes it's an accessory. 1/2" collet capacity is available on most full size routers. If you use it in a table you will like the 1/2" stability. Not needed for fine work like hinge mortises or edging. With a few passes you can get a 1/4 bit to plow through just about anything.
txvwnut
Well-known member
I've got the MRC23EVSK and love it. It is the third router I've owned over the years and will be the last one I buy. Acme tools has it on sale for $279.99.
AWH
Member
The Festool OF1400 Router comes in a stackable modular case (as do all Festool tools) and also comes with 8mm, 1/4" & 1/2" collets.
Here's my small collection of Festool Systainer cases awaiting moving into the shop...
Here's my small collection of Festool Systainer cases awaiting moving into the shop...
bad luck
Well-known member
I like using 1/2 shank bits. They are much stronger than 1/4 shank. And they won't chatter nearly as much. But as Zeke said if your doing hinge mortising or something like that it isn't needed. For table use I really like my Triton router.
neophyte
Well-known member
Do I need to get one with a 1/2 shank or can I get most bits in 1/4? I would like to get a Festool OF 1010 EQ but don't now if I can get over the price
The Festool OF 1010 EQ only takes bits with shanks up to 8mm, and I believe 1/4", 6mm, and 8mm collets are available. Of those 1/4" shank bits are the only ones that easily available in North America. Festool used to sell 8mm shank bits, and still do, but the number of styles and bit types has been drastically reduced, at least in the USA. There are other sources for 8mm shank bits but most sources are just going to be mail order. Lee Valley is one source, and in Canada they actually have retail locations.
The advantage to the 8mm shank bits is they have about twice the metal in the shank over 1/4" bits, which reduces chatter and vibration. 1/4" will work for lighter cuts and smaller bits.
Unless you just need a very lightweight router for edge trimming or inlay, the Festool OF 1010 EQ is a great router. If you may need to use the router for a lot of heavier cuts you'd be better of with the Festool 1400 router. It can use a number of the same accessories as the 1010, but also takes 1/2" shank bits. It is heavier so it's not as ideal for light cuts, or situations were user fatigue could come into play.
ishiboo
Well-known member
Another vote for the 1617EVSPK.
I have the Colt as well, love them both.
I have the Colt as well, love them both.
velocipede
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Festool prices will go up on the 1st of April. The OF 1400 price will increase by $20. It looks like the price of the OF 1010 will remain the same. Anyone considering a Festool purchase should check with their supplier to see what possible price increases will be.
I received the DWP611PK kit from Amazon yesterday. Nice little router. Fixed and plunge bases. I ordered vacuum/dust collector adapters for both and they appear to fit the hose on my Festool vacuum. Haven't had a chance to try it yet.
I received the DWP611PK kit from Amazon yesterday. Nice little router. Fixed and plunge bases. I ordered vacuum/dust collector adapters for both and they appear to fit the hose on my Festool vacuum. Haven't had a chance to try it yet.
Last edited:
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Bosch 1617
Solid, stable, proven design.
The only thing more expensive than the Festool Router is Festool bits.
Solid, stable, proven design.
The only thing more expensive than the Festool Router is Festool bits.
Another vote for the Bosch 1617EVS kit. The Festool is a bit better, but not enough so to make it worthwhile unless you're going that direction for the dust collection. If so, then I don't think I've heard of another router that has better DC.