Router suggestions

[NXGTS]

I have a winter project that I am getting ready to start. A couple of built ins one on each side of the fireplace. I've been researching this for awhile. I've come down to 2 and can't decide. The one I was set on originally was the Bosch 1671evs... It's 2 1/4hp and has some good reviews but the more I research the more people I find unhappy with the on/off switch failing.

The other is a Hitachi MV12... Same 2 1/4hp and seams to have better reviews. The problem is not knowing what router table it will work with.

This may sound wrong but I wanted the table and router to match. I don't want that to come at the cost of a faulty tool though. I'm new to woodworking and only want to have to buy 1 router.

Anyone had experience with either of these or similar routers?

 

[Mickey O]

I would choose the router you want and buy a phenolic plate for it and make your own router table, most of the ones sold are really crappy. I just sold one yesterday (pic from the craig's list ad below).

 

[FNFS2000]

FESTOOL, watch their videos, find a store that sells them and lets you play with them, nothing else will ever do afterwards

 

[Mickey O]

FESTOOL, watch their videos, find a store that sells them and lets you play with them, nothing else will ever do afterwards

Awesome tools but rather pricey.

 

[woody 73]

Hi,

Ok I have the Bosch 1671evs and yes I just replaced the on/off switch. But when it works it is fantastic...Darn switch is expensive!

See if you can find some router reviews in any of the 2010 woodworking magazines they do a pretty good job at reviewing the pros and cons of the new routers on the market.

 

[hamma]

You can make a router table and fence pretty easily, just use the router to rout out a lip to sit on and put some leveling screws so you can bring it even with the top of the table. The fence does not need to be parallel to the router bit you only need to set it the distance you need away from the bit. I made mine out of mdf but it doesn't hold the leveling screws that well, you would probably be better off using a piece of birch plywood or melamine. My router is an Hitachi (different model) that I haven't had any problems with, works pretty well.

 

[metal1313]

check rockler, they make great tables, pricey tho, but you can custom drill the tops for your router.

that said im almost ready to copy the rockler table design, but instead of a pleunic top insert im going to be using an extra thick Al. top plate, and extra t-rails. i will spend the money on a micro adjustment fence and leveler one day tho.

this is a good bet, http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21291 but i am copying this, and the new yankee workshop router center to suit my needs, as part of a larger table and miter saw station, rolling http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21297

 

[Merkava_4]

Porter-Cable have always been known for their routers and sanders ...

 

[MadMark]

I bought a Rockwell/portercable D-handle about 20 years ago and it is still going strong.
It has collets for 1/4 and 1/2" shank bits. the 1/2 shank is the way to go.

I've made router tables simply by bolting the router base upsidedown to a piece of plywood.

Be carefull putting it down after you finish a cut and wear eye and nose protection. they make an unbelievable amount of dust.

 

[Monte]

Mafell

www.mafell.com
www.mafelltoolstore.com

 

[bronc3buster842001]

I bought a Ryobi router and table a couple weeks ago. So far it has work great. I dont use it much. Just needed to make a few speaker rings.

 

[Current Resident]

If it's just going to live in a router table anyways...

The Porter Cable 7518 means never having to wish you had more power to swing the big bits.