Suggest a router

[gtivr4]

So I am in the market for a new router. I want a good tool that will last me a long time, although it will likely only get ocassional use.

Budget: MAX $250, under $200 would be best

I plan on being able to both mount it in a workbench I have with a homemade fence, and also would like to have a plunge base. So a fixed base with the ability to adjust height from above would be very useful along with a way to remotely switch it on/off.

So far I've been looking at Bosch, DeWalt and Porter Cable, but frankly there are so many models just between those three that its confusing to a newbie.

 

[KenC]

The old PC model 690 in one of the kits with both bases is hard to beat. That is if 1 1/2 HP is enough for your needs.

 

[gtivr4]

I'm thinking I'd rather have a more powerful router just for future proofing purposes.

 

[rlitman]

Bigger routers aren't as easy to hand hold.
Whatever you get, I suggest finding something with variable speed and a soft start.

For most of what I do, my Bosch Colt is plenty (but that's neither plunge, or big enough to table mount). But I've got access to my father's 1/2" monster routers for when I need something bigger.

 

[buick215]

I am not a router expert but I generally prefer the Bosch, Makita, and Porter Cable the most. The best is the Festool but their prices are always insane and out of line with the market.

 

[bmcdowell40]

I would suggest the 2HP craftsman combo shown here:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927683000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

It has a soft start, work light and variable speed. I have the older version of it (2 years old), and I've been very happy with it. Best part is, its only $120.

 

[volunteers]

today's hot deal bosch for $157 is a good one

 

[PowerGenGuy]

Porter Cable, you will not regret it. I have bought cheap ones in past, Ryobi and not impressed, wished that I had spent more the first time around!

 

[robarosa]

I have more routers than I need. Just picked them up cause they looked pretty. Couple things I can say.
Get something around 2-1/4 HP
Get variable speed.
Get soft start.
Get router able to use 1/2" shank bits.
Get the fixed and plunge base set.
Sears are (or use to be) Porter Cable 892 (for the one I own.). Both are great. The one Sears sells with their name on it has a non-standard base. Base accessories must come from Sears. If that isn't important you can save some $ going that way. Look for the kit.

I like the Freud, but don't think they are made anymore.
I would pick one of these.
Bosch 1617EVSPK
Porter Cable 892 with both bases.

If you like to read got to woodrouterreview.com

Good luck.

 

[KenC]

Well, if you want big and would like a new 13 year old router, send me a PM. I have a Freud FT2000 that I bought new in 1998 and have never used. planned to put it in a table but wound up with a small shaper instead.

 

[american lockpicker]

The best is the Festool but their prices are always insane and out of line with the market.

Festool is the best and their prices are the way they are because its made in Germany not China, Taiwan or Mexico like the other brands.

 

[rallenc]

Keep your eye out for a Porter Cable, I believe, 7538. 3.25 HP, soft start, plunge base. Real Beast.

Somebody had one in the classified 6-9 mos ago that if I recall he wound up selling for less than $150. Most people with one of these probably also have a 690 that is probably their do to router. With a little patience you can probably find one in very good condition.

Also, the older ones were USA made...

 

[Monte]

Festool is the best and their prices are the way they are because its made in Germany not China, Taiwan or Mexico like the other brands.

 

[srmofo]

I believe this is my router . I picked it up last year at woodcraft or rockler for $200. The thing is a beast, I had originally planned on putting it under a table, but that just hasnt happened yet. Im also in the market for a smaller more manageable router when I just need to nip something off real quick

 

[muibubbles]

a bit off topic but seems like a lot of you recommend porter cable... i thought the were a low end company of another brand?

i have a basic ryobi that ive used maybe once or twice, its not a common tool for me. i never really liked to handle it as its kinda awkward and one of the scarier tools for me. Idk your needs but at work i use a rigid trim router and LOVE the comfort of it. if your looking for a hand held one, the rigid one is nice and is 100 at homedepot and comes with a free sander (online only)

 

[JimDon]

MuiBubbles,
You're actually right and wrong kinda at the same time. Porter Cable, at least as I most recently read, is under the ownership of the Black & Decker Empire, therefore qualifying P-C as a piece of cr-p. Porter Cable used to be a stand alone co. back in the early 90s, and they were a hell of a good tool company then. Pro woodworkers idolized P-C stuff, especially their cordless drills and their routers. They just made a real solid tool aimed at the pro market. And actually, back in the 1950s and 1960s, B&D made some real quality power tools, including some 1/2 inch drills and Wildcat 9-inch angle grinders which can still out perform some of the stuff made today.
Cheers,
JimDon

 

[rallenc]

MuiBubbles,
You're actually right and wrong kinda at the same time. Porter Cable, at least as I most recently read, is under the ownership of the Black & Decker Empire, therefore qualifying P-C as a piece of cr-p. Porter Cable used to be a stand alone co. back in the early 90s, and they were a hell of a good tool company then. Pro woodworkers idolized P-C stuff, especially their cordless drills and their routers. They just made a real solid tool aimed at the pro market. And actually, back in the 1950s and 1960s, B&D made some real quality power tools, including some 1/2 inch drills and Wildcat 9-inch angle grinders which can still out perform some of the stuff made today.
Cheers,
JimDon

Can't agree more. First thing you look for on a Porter Cable tool is COO. If not US made, pass....

 

[Kenwc]

If you want a hog, get the Milwaukee 3-1/2 hp Variable Speed. Love mine but it's mounted in a table.

 

[woody 73]

Bosch 1617 is the way to go.

 

[Punkinhead]

It's counterintuitive, but when hand routing heavier is better. A bit catching or a motor spinning up is less likely to move a heavy router. I have a Bosch 1617 mounted in a table and a 3 hp Dewalt plunge router I use by hand. Even the little 1617 will swing the large cope & stick bits for cabinet doors. Both have routed hundreds, if not thousands, of linear feet and keep going. The 1617 with interchangeable bases would be perfect if you're only going to own one.

 

[yost69]

I have the hitachi KM12VC. Picked it up at lowes i think, a couple years ago. Have used it alot and still holds strong.

It has the soft start, variable speed, comes with a fixed base and a plunge base, and takes 1/2" and 1/4" bits.

I think its like $150 maybe cheaper.

I have a craftsman that stays in the table that was just under $100 and I have no complaints with it either.

I dont care what anyone says I think Hitachi tools are great. Of course I don't buy the cheapest ones, maybe thats why.

 

[boiler7904]

I've got a Bosch 1617EVSPK that came with a 2 1/4 horse motor, fixed base, and plunge base. I keep the fixed based mounted to a Woodpeckers router table insert and use the plunge base for hand work. Bosch recently came out with an update to the 1617 that seems like it may be a better unit. I got a Bosch Colt a couple of months ago and almost like it more than the bigger one.

 

[msnow]

Another vote for the PC set as well and you can probably find one used on ebay or clist. The new bosch routers are nice but nothing cuts like the festool. Festool is expensive but you only have to buy it once and if you are making money off something their tools seem to quickly pay for themselves.