Wood working routers?

[rodm1]

I'm some what a beginner to wood working (Decks and other handyman type stuff) and I'm going to need a router probable soon. I'm looking at plunge routers Festool or Freud will they work in the NONE plug configuration?

What are good general purpose models and brands under $500? No third world makers please.

 

[Addrock]

I personally like Bosch, Milwaukee, Porter Cable. I would personally say get 3 routers; fixed and plunge bases, and laminate trimmers. I would suggest paying no more than about $150 for the routers. You can then figure out which type you like to use most then upgrade. This strategy gives you a few advantages; you can set up 2 bits, you can table mount one use the other, you can use one with a common bit always set up (round over) and use the plunge router for the bit of the day. Just a thought.

 

[Vicegrip]

Addrock is giving good advice. I too would go mid level to start out. If you stay with woodworking you will find that you spend far more on the bits than the routers. I have 6 routers from small laminate trimmers to 3.5 HP.

ELU is Swiss made and top shelf. I have a 3 HP DeWalt that is a rebadged ELU and was much less $ for the same router. 100% the same machine. This was purchased 18 years ago or so and has done countless jobs from little stuff to making 200 doors while mounted in a shaper. ELU makes very good routers. I also have a variety of other brand routers and have found most to work well when used within their design. For stuff like decks you need power. Unlike table saws the final produce from a router is fare more influenced by the hand than the tool. the things to look for are ease of use things like how well the collet is made and what you need to do to change bits. Does the lock work well? does the motor slid smoothly in the frame with no slop? Is there a good way to adjust the depth? I find the depth indicators less important as I test the cuts rather than rely on the gauges.

What is plug configuration? Plunge?

 

[JeremyManning]

I have a milwaukee and it works as a fixed or plunge router the heavy duty version is definately under 250

 

[TexasT]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4157MNG5JEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I have a Milwaukee like this one that I use the most. plenty of power for what I do. 1/4" and 1/2" collets and easy to use.

I also have a Porter Cable kit that has a plunge and fixed bases.

 

[Stuey]

Bosch's 1617 is generally very, very well recommended. They did release a new one somewhat recently, but it will take some time before enough reviews are out to see how it fares in comparison. Porter Cable is also very highly regarded for their woodworking routers.

You will be better off purchasing a router that includes both fixed and plunge bases. If you find yourself using the router a lot, you can always pick up another spindle or a second single-base router kit.

If you're looking for a router table, don't cheap out and settle for one of those $50-75 combo kits, the quality and results are often questionable.

I would actually recommend against a laminate trimmer/compact router unless you specifically think you will need it. A full-size router can do everything a compact router can do, but the reverse is not true.

Also, don't cheap out on router bits. That's not to say that you should go broke, there are a lot of decent sources that are also affordable (e.g. MLCS). I started off with a Freud router bit set that I got on sale and definitely appreciate the quality of the bits.

 

[MN4x4]

A full-size router can do everything a compact router can do, but the reverse is not true.

I respectfully disagree. I have TWO laminate/trim routers and I grab them FIRST almost every time. If I am rounding over an edge, I find it to be smaller, lighter, and MUCH easier to control. And I can do it all with one hand.

If you are ploughing rabbets or removing large amounts of wood, a larger router has more power. But you'd be hard pressed to control one reliably with one hand.

Just my 2¢...

 

[jkeyser14]

I just went and did a ton of research on routers a couple months ago. Visit some woodworking forums and see what other people say for yourself. I wound up with a Triton 3 HP for my router table. It's a beast! No complaints.

 

[woody 73]

All great advice,the router bits are indeed very expensive,if you ever find any whiteside bits buy them,they are very nice!

 

[Stuey]

I respectfully disagree. I have TWO laminate/trim routers and I grab them FIRST almost every time. If I am rounding over an edge, I find it to be smaller, lighter, and MUCH easier to control. And I can do it all with one hand.

If you are ploughing rabbets or removing large amounts of wood, a larger router has more power. But you'd be hard pressed to control one reliably with one hand.

Just my 2¢...

I can't really argue with you there, you do make several valid points. I suppose it all comes down to preference. The biggest shortfall of compact routers are that they only take 1/4" shanked bits, and I mostly use 1/2" bits.

 

[scott37300]

I have a few routers, a porter cable plunge that is 3 HP, a dewalt that is 1.5 or 1.25 HP that is a fixed base, and a porter cable laminate trimmer with all the adapters.

I built my own router table for the porter cable. It is a great router but if I was going to buy a new router I would buy a freud because of the built in height adjuster that lets you raise and lower it from the base while it's in a table.

I use my dewalt for pretty much anything that I don't use with a table. It's a nice powerful compact router that will handle most bits but still control it pretty easy.

I only use the laminate trimmer for trimming laminate and smaller bits that need to get in tight spaces. I bought it used for a decent price and didnt' think I would use it that much but it deffinately has it's purposes.

If I was to start from scratch I would buy a freud plunge router since it can do most jobs. I think you can get the freud with dual bases also. I was looking at them about a year ago to put one in my router table because of the height adjustment feature. When I was looking at routers I found freud to be a great value, lots of features and great reviews and good prices.

If you get into woodworking you will end up with a few different routers.

 

[Monte]

ps:
Elu = Dewalt

 

[Frank The Plumber]

You will use the Plunge the very least. Get a nice Porter Cable fixed router asa starter. I actually have a Porter plunge that I never use. It has about 4 hours use on it. It listed for 350 I would sell it for 150. Want to discuss it PM me and I'll post up some pics for you.

 

[MN4x4]

I respectfully disagree. I have TWO laminate/trim routers and I grab them FIRST almost every time. If I am rounding over an edge, I find it to be smaller, lighter, and MUCH easier to control. And I can do it all with one hand.

If you are ploughing rabbets or removing large amounts of wood, a larger router has more power. But you'd be hard pressed to control one reliably with one hand.

Just my 2¢...

I can't really argue with you there, you do make several valid points. I suppose it all comes down to preference. The biggest shortfall of compact routers are that they only take 1/4" shanked bits, and I mostly use 1/2" bits.

Agreed - I totally forgot to point out that laminate trimmers only accept 1/4" shank bits, which many of my veining and round-over bits are. Like you, most of my quality 'larger' bits are 1/2" shank, and require the power and two-handed control of a full-size router. And then there are cutters larger than those, which go on the shaper.

Isn't it funny how a simple question about a $100 router can lead one to thinking about buiyng a $3,000 shaper some day? This site (and you, Stuey) are a bad influence. Thank you!!!!

 

[ZRX61]

I have Dewalt with 2 bases. Fairly compact, does everything asked of it so far

 

[Stuey]

Isn't it funny how a simple question about a $100 router can lead one to thinking about buiyng a $3,000 shaper some day? This site (and you, Stuey) are a bad influence. Thank you!!!!

Mission accomplished. =)

I've lost count as to how many times I've heard that!

I also agree about how something as simple as wanting a router for basic cuts and profiles can explode into a huge investment. I have a laminate trimmer, Craftsman router (rebranded Bosch 1617), and a $99 ryobi router table, and there's at least $500 worth of gear on my wishlist. As soon as I have the space I'd like to pick up a nice Woodpeckers router table for more precise work.

Then again, many woodworking tools and tool types are similarly upgradeable and expandable.

 

[route246]

I prefer one that doesn't require two wrenches and has a lock mechanism. My DeWalt plunge is this way but my ancient P-C is not. I'm forever misplacing the P-C wrenches. They are quite expensive when you can find them, too.

 

[redneckprofessor]

I love the hell out of my Freud plunge router, though I agree, a smaller one would be more helpful. I actually resent having to pull that heavy Freud out just to trim something up.

 

[c_mccann]

I've got Makita routers (1101, and a plunge 3hp) and one Porter Cable. Makita are smoother, but the Porter Cable is a close 2nd. The key is a 1/2" chuck unit. You will spend 5 times the router cost in bits if that can help illustrate the importance of bits. It is like stereo receivers and speakers. Variable speed is important only if you are milling floating panels or cutting 1 1/2 quarter rounds. Don't get caught up in features like plunge, I have only used my plunge a couple of times, kinda awkward if you don't practice with it. My 1101 is plenty. If you want the good bits, CMT and Amana are bucks, but are the commercial standard and have quality carbide- spend your money on bits, that is what touches the wood.

 

[Tom Hintz]

I have full reviews of most of the popular router kits. The Bosch 1617 kit is by far the most popular and probably the best value overall but check them out at the link below.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/index.html#routers

 

[Monte]

How about Scheer

www.scheer-elektrohandwerkzeuge.de

 

[GarageEnvy]

I also have a Freud plunge router and love it. It's big but I like the depth setting, soft start and one hand lever lock. Locking in fine adjustments is pretty quick and easy. Ideally I'd have a drawer full of these things in various sizes and configurations but for a single router Porter Cable and Freud are good choices. Also, my father has a Dewalt and it is darn near a twin to my Freud.

 

[5toes]

So plunge routers are not good? Im starting to build sub boxes more and more for friends, etc.

I need a good router.

SO, I was looking at the Bosch 1617 and a Makita. The Makita RF1101
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=276

Makita looks great, but I am worried about quality versus the Bosch. Porter cable 892 looks like the third similar model.
http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11089

What do you guys say? I know a plunge is cool, and for cutting circles it is great to be able to go in 1/4" increments, but I can suffice. I can always upgrade the base later.

 

[scott37300]

So plunge routers are not good? Im starting to build sub boxes more and more for friends, etc.

I need a good router.

SO, I was looking at the Bosch 1617 and a Makita. The Makita RF1101
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=276

Makita looks great, but I am worried about quality versus the Bosch. Porter cable 892 looks like the third similar model.
http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11089

What do you guys say? I know a plunge is cool, and for cutting circles it is great to be able to go in 1/4" increments, but I can suffice. I can always upgrade the base later.

I have built hundreds of speaker boxes and a plunge router is great for that. Using the jasper circle jig to plunge cut the speaker and port holes is wonderful, I can't stand wavy jigsaw cut speaker holes! I used a fixed router for round over bits on trim rings and what not. Also a router table is great for custom boxes, made a lot of rings for fiberglass boxes. I built my own router table and used my plunge router in it. In reality the more routers you own the better, you can never have to many! A small one for free hand work like round over bits, a plunge for a circle jig, a plunge for a router table. If I were you I would start out with a combo kit, comes with the router and a plunge base and a fixed base.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

porter cable..is all i'll buy...

 

[5toes]

Let me rephrase this. I want a router. I want to spend less than $200, if Im buying it new.

Sounds like I need about an 11 amp deal. Ill be building other things too, and my Mom might pay half because she will get some use out of it.

I dont really like Craftsman, but are their power tools (routers specifically) worth a **** nowadays? Id buy a router used, but nothing ever pops up on Craigslist. Maybe Ill check forum here.

 

[5toes]

I have built hundreds of speaker boxes and a plunge router is great for that. Using the jasper circle jig to plunge cut the speaker and port holes is wonderful, I can't stand wavy jigsaw cut speaker holes! I used a fixed router for round over bits on trim rings and what not. Also a router table is great for custom boxes, made a lot of rings for fiberglass boxes. I built my own router table and used my plunge router in it. In reality the more routers you own the better, you can never have to many! A small one for free hand work like round over bits, a plunge for a circle jig, a plunge for a router table. If I were you I would start out with a combo kit, comes with the router and a plunge base and a fixed base.

Oh Also... how can I round the edge of angled part?

Like on this box, the edge that goes down at a 40 degree or so angle?

 

[Regnar]

I have had a few routers over the years and will never own a Porter Cable or Dewalt again. Dont get me wrong they work just fine but they are incredibly loud. I try and enjoy my hobbies and dreaded to pick up either.

I will recommend the Milwaukee 5625-20. Not silent but a hell of a lot quieter than the Porter Cable and this thing is a beast. I can plunge straight down and plow a router bit through just about anything without a flinch. The collet wrenches are actually wrenches and not some stamped steel. Collet system reminds me of a ER-20 System which grips a hold of the bit nice and tight.

I have just a little over 200hr of running time with no complaints with it. Here is a video of it in action just ignore the machine.

I also have the Rigid trim router. Nice piece of equipment. Spindle lock, LED light, Round and Square plates, Edge Guide and right now comes with a free Ridgid Sander. Life Time warranty. http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...googlebase-_-D25X-_-202488411&locStoreNum=256

 

[dink]

I absolutely love my Festool OF 1400...It beats every other router in every test that it goes up against

 

[scott37300]

Oh Also... how can I round the edge of angled part?

Like on this box, the edge that goes down at a 40 degree or so angle?

Are you talking about the top edge between the top and the "front"? If so I would screw a fence board onto the top of the box and use a bearing less round over bit, this should clear the front angle. You won't want to deep of a round over, just enough to take the edge off since the front is already angled. I made a fence out of 2 pieces of 1x4s screwed together in an L shape and I clamp it or screw it to things. You will have to line the router up and then secure the fence. It will be a little tricky and you won't be able to take much due to the angle. But since the front is already angled you don't need much of a roundover.

The other option would be to do it with a belt sander. How are you finishing the box, carpet, vinyl, paint? Another you need to watch with router bits is your fasteners, nails and screws. You hit one of them and the bit is junk.

 

[5toes]

Yeah, the part of the box where the edge meets the sloped face and the top.

Festool out of price range.

The Makita seems to be most quiet in its class, so they say. Makita makes a good tool too, right?

 

[scott37300]

I looked at a bunch of routers last year and freud is one of the better values out there. Lots of features for a decent price.

 

[DrunkSmurf]

All good advice here.

I just want to add watching Craigslist. There's literally dozens on ours daily.

 

[5toes]

Cause you live California.

There's a few on mine. There is contractor tool sell off Bosch one. Hmm

 

[5toes]

Hmm and THIS

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/2346037175.html