router

[webbs2jzgte]

I need to find a cheap router for doing some custom coffee tables im going to be making does anyone have any good ideas im looking to spend about $65. I am taking solid coffee tables and cutting a section out of the middle to make way for small tiles that I will be making sports team logos out of. anybody have any inputs on a cheap but decent router

 

[Stick Figure]

I would almost say used would be better than cheap new. I think even my cheapy Craftsman was $100.

 

[metal1313]

i got a very good craftsman for 29bucks on clearance a few years ago. i bought it becase it was cheap, turns out 2 months before it was a 300buck router. but i have been more than pleased with it.

look for a decently powerful one, and if your not using it all the time it will do fine.

 

[MarcSeattle]

Buy a good router, then keep it for years. You won't remember how much it cost, and you'll be happy how well it works. I haven't checked Craigslist or eBay but I bet in these economic times you could find a Porter Cable or Bosch for decent prices.

I took a minute to check. I love my Bosch 1613EVS Plunge Router and a used one sold recently for $75. Now that's a deal on a $250 router.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bosch-1613EVS-Plunge-Router-/280547659463?pt=Routers_Bits

 

[scott37300]

I need to find a cheap router for doing some custom coffee tables

You used cheap and custom in the same sentence. Not sure you will get what you are looking for that fits both those requirements. I have a smaller dewalt router for hand held work and like it. You will want something that has some decent power, it will cut a lot better than a cheap one.

 

[isr2kba]

I need to find a cheap router for doing some custom coffee tables im going to be making does anyone have any good ideas im looking to spend about $65. I am taking solid coffee tables and cutting a section out of the middle to make way for small tiles that I will be making sports team logos out of. anybody have any inputs on a cheap but decent router

I think you should borrow a good router from someone in order to prove your work method.

If you buy a cheap, underpowered router and the job doesn't come as anticipated, you won't know if it's because you bought a cheap underpowered router instead of a good one or your methodology is at fault.

 

[Rickster55]

Buy a decent router but but excellent bits! CMT and Frued rate at the top of list.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Pawn shops may be a good place to look. Do you have a Cash America Pawn near you?

 

[Bolster]

Get a router with 1/2 collet if you can. Avoid those that only take 1/4" collet if possible. The 1/2" bits are safer, heavier duty, less likely to break, stabler, and generally of higher quality.

 

[Torq'er]

Pawn shops may be a good place to look. Do you have a Cash America Pawn near you?

There's your answer.
Every pawn shop I've been to in the last year is so packed with power tools that they wont buy another no matter how low people are willing to go.

A guy brought in a Makita miter saw and a Milwaukee angle grinder, and they said "no power tools" before he even got to the counter.
I followed him out the door, and bought both in the parking lot for $20 cash.

Got a stack of saw blades and a few flap-disks along with the deal.