New router time..

[BellyUpFish]

Pretty sure I'm going to order a router in the next couple days..

I'm also pretty sure I'm going to grab a Milwaukee 5616-24.

Before I do, anyone want to attempt to sway me to something else?

 

[alfazer]

I'm not familiar with the model you've chosen so I had look on line and it seems to beat the Triton TRA or TRB 001 which I use. It looks like an excellent machine.

 

[whitedogone]

Try to find a nos pc690. Or a used one in pawn shop. Lots of near new ones on ebay as well.

 

[Scsmith42]

What are you going to use it for and how much HP do you need? I have 5 different routers - from a Bosch Colt to a PC 7518 and each one fulfills a specific need.


Scott

 

[Duker]

Pretty sure I'm going to order a router in the next couple days..

I'm also pretty sure I'm going to grab a Milwaukee 5616-24.

Before I do, anyone want to attempt to sway me to something else?

That looks like a nice setup for most general routing needs and it comes with some nice extras. I have the Bosch equivalent and it does about 90% of what I need aside from using my router table (where I use a PC 7539) and a Bosch Colt for a trim router.

 

[BellyUpFish]

What are you going to use it for and how much HP do you need? I have 5 different routers - from a Bosch Colt to a PC 7518 and each one fulfills a specific need.


Scott

I wish I knew how much hp I'd need. It's going to be used for general, hobby shop type use.

The project that is pushing me over the edge involves a couple round bases I need to make.

Figured I could make them with the router.

 

[thewatusi]

Porter Cable is to routers as Snap On is to ratchets

 

[SCscoutguy]

You know you work in IT when you open this thread expecting to discuss 802.11N or AC.

 

[SMKS]

Porter Cable is to routers as Snap On is to ratchets

So Porter Cable routers are overhyped by people drinking the Kool-aid and outclassed by their competitors?

I kid, I kid...

 

[McFarmer]

Just make sure it has variable speed, soft start and both 1/4 and 1/2 collets.

 

[acer66]

For lighter duty I am very happy with the DEWALT DWP611P set, even it is small it is powerful, but no 1/2" collet.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Just make sure it has variable speed, soft start and both 1/4 and 1/2 collets.

Check, check, check, check.

Horsepower (rated): 2-1/4
Amps: 13.0
No-Load Speed: 10,000-24,000 rpm
Collet Size: 1/4" ,1/2"
Fixed Base Adjustment: Linear 1/64"
Plunge Base Adjustment: Linear 1/64"
Plunger Depth: 2-7/8"
Zero Reset: Yes
Zero Reset Stop: Yes
Electronic Feedback: Yes
Soft Start: Yes
Dust Collection: Yes
Turret Stops: 6

 

[dnschmidt]

Routers are a sickness of mine. At last count I had 37 of them. I have both the small http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QV1CXW/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and the large Milwaukee. Both are fine. The small is pretty much you're standard PC 690 type hand held router the large http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007FPJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20 is the best router for router table use that exists in the world INCLUDING Festool.

I would advise to you read my review on Amazon for the plunge adapter for the smaller Milwaukee. It's the second review down on the page I linked above. It has what I consider to be a SERIOUS design flaw. This problem only applies to the plunge base. With the normal base it's not an issue. When P-C changed the 690 from a toggle switch to a rocker that to me was a mortal error. Standard base routers are inherently dangerous (which is why they are illegal in Europe where only plunge base routers are permitted) and the ability to turn one of these off as quickly as possible is imperative. With the shrouded rocker switch design on the new 690 it's too difficult to turn the router off in an emergency.

 

[ez-duzit]

I am a big Milwaukee (drill) fan. But for routers, Bosch and Porter Cable (ex-Rockwell).

 

[rharman]

I have a Porter-Cable 690 and really like it. Got a combo deal with a PC trim router from Rockler. I actually use the trim router more often. Would like to get a plunge base for mine.

This Milwaukee kit looks pretty good though.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Routers are a sickness of mine. At last count I had 37 of them. I have both the small http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QV1CXW/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and the large Milwaukee. Both are fine. The small is pretty much you're standard PC 690 type hand held router the large http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00007FPJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20 is the best router for router table use that exists in the world INCLUDING Festool.



I would advise to you read my review on Amazon for the plunge adapter for the smaller Milwaukee. It's the second review down on the page I linked above. It has what I consider to be a SERIOUS design flaw. This problem only applies to the plunge base. With the normal base it's not an issue. When P-C changed the 690 from a toggle switch to a rocker that to me was a mortal error. Standard base routers are inherently dangerous (which is why they are illegal in Europe where only plunge base routers are permitted) and the ability to turn one of these off as quickly as possible is imperative. With the shrouded rocker switch design on the new 690 it's too difficult to turn the router off in an emergency.

I read your review last night when I was reading reviews on them.

I'm really happy with everything Milwaukee I own and thought I'd just look that direction for the router.

I'll keep looking before I make a decision.

The PC 690 sure has a following.

 

[never enuf time]

I have a pc 690 & its a great reliable tool. The Milwaukee looks to be a more refined router.
I would get the Milwaukee if I were you.

 

[BellyUpFish]

I have a pc 690 & its a great reliable tool. The Milwaukee looks to be a more refined router.
I would get the Milwaukee if I were you.

That's the direction I'm leaning.

I have no doubt the 690 is a great tool, something about the Milwaukee grabs me.

 

[cheechi]

Well the 690 is not 'better' than its Dewalt or Bosch equivalents. No reason to suggest it would be better than its Milwaukee equivalent either.

Out of the 4, none are a bad tool. Some aspect of one might be slightly easier for you to set up while some part of one of the others might be easier for me to set up. Part of it is the cut you're making, part of it is how you prefer to work. None of them is really capable of anything the others aren't and vice versa.

If you want the red one go for it. I would say the Bosch 1716 is the best for my preferences in the 690-sized models.

 

[Zeke]

Porter Cable is to routers as Snap On is to ratchets

I've always owned Porter Cable but that's not as true nowadays as it was 20-30 years ago. There are many fine routers out there now and there is still some junk. Bosch and Makita are the first to come to mind for quality. A soft start feature is good and dual bases with one plunge and one fixed is a good buy.

 

[McFarmer]

something about the Milwaukee grabs me.

Let's hope not.

 

[ggielen]

Since you didn't mention a budget.. Festool OF2200. I have butterflies in my stomach every time i use it. I can just marvel at the engineering, Festool pays attention to detail. Except for the on/off switch on their Carvex jigsaw which is quite possibly the most stupidly placed on/off switch in recorded history. But the router, i'm drooling just thinking about it.

 

[BellyUpFish]

That is a pretty nice looking unit.

I don't really have a budget, but I'm not sure if get my $$$ out of a unit that nice. I'm just a hobbyist.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Well, I wound up with the Milwaukee 5616-24..

Hopefully it'll rock.