Harbor freight 2 hp fixed base?

[BerBer5985]

I was looking for just a cheap router to mount in a table since I have a hitachi combo router kit already and I really don't want to permanently mount it in the table in case I need to plunge rout. I saw this at harbor freight for $49 and with a coupon it would be closer to $40, but it looks like a porter cable clone. Almost to a T. I think I might try it out and see how it works. Check out the comparison:

No reviews on the site yet though.

 

[porphyre]

I don't have any experience with that particular router, but remember the basics.

On a table mount router the most important thing is the quality of the table. The fence, ability to attach things to the fence, the router lift mechanism, dust collection, ability to mount the router securely square and flush into the table, and the squareness of any miter slots in the table.

As far as the router installed INTO a router table... the motor should have as close to .000" runout as possible. That's about it for a table mounted router.

The most important thing is the table you mount it into, not the router itself.

If you're talkin' plunge or handheld fixed routers... I've got different advice...

It's HF. Keep the receipt.

 

[BerBer5985]

I think for the price, it's worth a shot. I'm going to be making my own table soon, so I'll spend some time on that making it perfect.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I've got a table-mounted HF one and it works fine for me. But my standards might be lower than some guys' (I'm really not much of a carpenter). I have a Black and Decker I picked up so I wouldn't have to take the HF one out from under the table when I wanted to do handheld work. It works fine, too.

 

[Danglerb]

Routers can usually be picked up very cheap off CL, swap meet, or yard sales. Why not get a premium brand? Most of the money is in the blades etc. anyway.