Help me pick a router

[byoungblood]

I'd like to get a good router this Christmas. I'd primarily be using it for building my model rockets, but I'm also going to be building a home in the next 12 months so I'm sure it will see some other use for some general woodworking projects as well.

I think I have it narrowed down to the following:

Bosch 1617EVSPK
Dewalt 618PK
Makita RF1101 kit w/fixed&plunge bases

Festool isn't an option. Too much money for the level of use it will see.

I've handled the Bosch and Dewalt in store locally and I had a hard time getting the Dewalt into the plunge base, though it could just be because it was a display model that had been handled roughly a few times. I will probably end up mounting them in a table as well for a few tasks, so if anyone has feedback on which are easier to setup and use on a table, it would be appreciated as well.

 

[gungatim]

I prefer the old workhorse PC690 series but most of the newer routers are all pretty decent.. Both Bosch and Makita are always at the top of the comparison lists...

whichever way you go, I definitely recommend getting the kit with the fixed and plunge bases. I keep the fixed base on my router table, and usually use the plunge when I freehand. it will get old fast taking on and off the base from the table when you need to doo something freehand...

 

[jakemac]

My standard is still the old Porter Cable model 100.

 

[acer66]

Do you need a big one?
Since they stepped up the power of some of the smaller ones I use the one I got a lot.
Led light and clear base are icing on the cake but you are limited to 1/4 inch shanks only.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049ZFUK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[DonPowers]

I have an old Stanley that came with both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets. Though most router bits have a 1/4 inch shank, there are many speciality bits that are only available in 1/2 inch. Spend a few extra dollars and get a machine that can use both, you won't be disappointed.

If I was to buy another router today, it would be a Porter Cable 3.25 hp to use in a router table.

 

[firworks]

I have the 1617EVSPK. It's got a lot of power, and feels really solidly built. However, it lacks a few of the niceties of some of the other Boschs and I would assume other brands.

The power switch is on the back of the motor housing, so you always have to reach up and hit that to turn it on or off. Some of the nicer models have the power switch located in the handle assembly so you can get ready to make your cut, get in position and turn it on. Likewise if the bit grabs and tries to jump out of your hands or your bit breaks it's a lot easier to turn it off with the handle mounted switch over the one on the back of the housing.

The 1617EVSPK base plates require a bizarre adaptor in order to use Bosch's own template collars. I don't really understand why they did that.

Some of the other Bosch routers allow you to use the micro adjust while the router is setup to cut. With the 1617EVSPK you have to unlock the base in order to use the micro adjuster. Then lock it back down. In doing that things move a bit and so you can't really set a precise depth. You're best off using the plunge base and the rotating castle to get a precise depth.

It's a pretty nice kit for the money but I think if I was buying it today I'd try to find one with the switch in the handle and had micro-adjust without unlatching the base.

 

[TomB19]

Do you need a big one?
Since they stepped up the power of some of the smaller ones I use the one I got a lot.
Led light and clear base are icing on the cake but you are limited to 1/4 inch shanks only.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049ZFUK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That little DeWalt 611 is a real nice router. It's my favorite router. 1/4" bits aren't a problem. The idea that 1/2" shank bits make cleaner cuts is generally bunk. It only matters when cutting really hard wood and taking aggressive passes. I don't do either of these things.

I've handled the DeWalt 618 quite a bit, although I don't own it. It appears to be a classoc, PC690 style router. That isn't a slam. That's high praise. Simple. Effective.

The same comments go for the Bosch 1617EVSPK as the DeWalt 618. I've used 1617 routers more than I've used a 618. I seem to recall both the Bosch and the DeWalt routers were quieter than both of my PC690 routers but my newest PC690 is 30 years old so the newer ones could be quieter.

I'd suggest throwing the Hitachi M12VC into the mix. I bought my last one at Menards for $110 (single base kit). They are nice and quiet, soft start, and come with both collets. The only slight negative I would say is having to center the base. It only takes a moment and you only have to do it once but the others come centered. If you use collars, this will cause you 90 seconds of annoyance once. If you don't use collars, you'll never know about this issue.

If you're looking for a premium router, the big Milwaukee 5625 is an 800# gorilla. I question this purchase as I don't need the power but it's a beautiful machine and a treat to use. The smaller Milwaukees are really nice, also. A few Milwaukee routers come with a case that converts into a router table. The big one comes with a base centric height adjustment that makes it easy to adjust height when mounted in a table position. That would be a game changer, if I didn't already already have a nice router table and about 15 routers.

Check this out:

https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AG...3197!&ef_id=VFzwPgAABX04nLbV:20151124170401:s

 

[guy48065]

I can't imagine a router appropriate for general carpentry that would also be a good choice for model work, so I can only suggest getting a standard-size router that'll accept 1/4 & 1/2" bits (the Bosch), and a small trim router (Ridgid).

 

[allenb12]

I have both the pc100 and pc690. Both are outstanding.

 

[Frank Dukes]

bosch colt is a great trim router as well. I have a 1617 as well but it is relegated to router table use. in that, its been just fine.

 

[byoungblood]

I can't imagine a router appropriate for general carpentry that would also be a good choice for model work, so I can only suggest getting a standard-size router that'll accept 1/4 & 1/2" bits (the Bosch), and a small trim router (Ridgid).

These aren't your run of the mill model rockets. 2.5"+ diameter, phenolic or fiberglass tubes. 1/8-1/4" ply fins, etc. I'd be using jigs for most things for the model building.

Now, I was looking at the PC690 earlier, but it looks like they aren't quite what they used to be. Are you guys talking about the newer models, or the ones from 20 years ago?

 

[theoldwizard1]

The only thing I can imagine you might need a 1/2" shank for is using your router with a table and making raised panel doors. Those are usual a set and the one cutter is quite large.

 

[dave*99]

I have 2 PC 690 motors and 3 bases. The plunge, the standard 2 handle and the D handle. I use the D handle the most. They are great tools. And mine are 20 years old, so I can't speak to recent changes to them.

 

[stioc]

I bought one about 3 months ago after researching about 6 or 7 of them including the ones you listed above. For me I ended up with the Craftsman and am very pleased with it. Have used it on several projects already including building a portable "table" for it which sits on the saw horses and takes up no room in the garage.

This is the one I got: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-amp-2-hp-fixed-plunge-base-router/p-00927683000P

But I noticed it's almost twice as expensive now! I paid $109 for it and at that price for the features it was an awesome deal.

 

[exmaxima1]

I'd like to get a good router this Christmas. I'd primarily be using it for building my model rockets, but I'm also going to be building a home in the next 12 months so I'm sure it will see some other use for some general woodworking projects as well.

I think I have it narrowed down to the following:

Bosch 1617EVSPK
Dewalt 618PK
Makita RF1101 kit w/fixed&plunge bases

Festool isn't an option. Too much money for the level of use it will see.

I've handled the Bosch and Dewalt in store locally and I had a hard time getting the Dewalt into the plunge base, though it could just be because it was a display model that had been handled roughly a few times. I will probably end up mounting them in a table as well for a few tasks, so if anyone has feedback on which are easier to setup and use on a table, it would be appreciated as well.

I've got a a half-dozen routers, and it really makes more sense to consider multiple routers rather than trying to get a "jack-of-all-trades" model. For a table you want something that is easy to adjust from the underside and a simple on/off switch. Variable speed is desirable for larger bits and hard woods. I use an old Ryobi 3hp commercial model. For hand held, I rarely use a top heavy model like the PC690 or any of those you listed. I much prefer a D-handle router so I can better control it with one hand---and you will absolutely want to do that at times. I've never owned a Milwaukee router, but they have a smaller D-handle model that looks to have a low center of gravity. Plus it has micro adjustment for the depth. Not sure if it has soft-start, but that would make it the ultimate as it lessens the strain on your arms at startup.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-3-4-Max-HP-D-Handle-Router-5619-20/202947887

 

[PelicanPines]

I have the Dewalt 618 with all three bases... love it. It has all the power I want or need with plenty left over.

For smaller jobs I have a DW673 with all the bases. It's pretty old... came in an all metal case.

Most of my bits are 1/4 but all of my expensive bits are 1/2 and require the 618.

My router table is a classic craftsman aluminum table with a pretty good craftsman router in it but again... it only spins 1/4.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I have the Dewalt 616, which is the single speed version of the 618, which I mainly purchased because I found it for $80 or so brand new. I haven't used it too much but so far it's been great, especially compared to the crappy Craftsman I had prior.

 

[cgv69]

When talking non-plunge type routers, the one that doesn't get mentioned near enough IMO are the "D" handle style. Trust me when I say they are much easier and more comfortable to use then the standard 2 handle types. I personally would never go back to the regular 2 handle type.

I have a PC 691 which uses their workhorse 69x series motor but its kind of old school as far as features and adjustment method. If was buying today, it would get the Milwaukee 5619-20. D-handle, 1.75HP, soft start and a really good depth adjustment design. It's basically the D handled version of their 'Body grip" model #5615-20 which if for whatever reason you just don't want a D handle type router, their Body Grip grip version is a decent compromise between the 2.

FWW latest tool guide ranked the Milwaukee one of the best current models in that class.
ETA - There is a plunge base available for that motor as well but I personally prefer having a dedicated plunge router as opposed to "kits" with multiple bases

 

[ChargerRT]

Buddy has a dewalt that has all the features I would ever need. Seems like a great product

 

[alfazer]

Not sure how common they are in the US, but Triton would be worth a look.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

I have a DeWalt 621 that I love! Great router, highly recommended.

 

[tarbellb]

I highly recommend "soft start" for any router.

If you are considering a palm router (super useful btw), HD is doing a awesome promotion on the Ridgid model w/ Free 1/4" sander. Ridgids palm router is best in class imo.