I am in the market for a 3+ hp Router with all the usual features – plunge – V speed – soft start etc. I went to my FWW collection but cannot find a comparison article for this size router.
I am leaning toward the DeWalt 625 but am also interested the Makita or any other superior product on which first hand info might be offered.
Your ideas, experiences etc. would be appreciated and will be a big help making a choice before before coughing up the $$.
I should have mentioned in above that I use a Delta Router table with a built-in 3 hp motor. (The one with the horrible corrigated table top which I replaced with a mail order steel top and several other additions) This unit works fine for me and gives me the router table function. I own the 1 1/2 hp Porter Cable plunge which is ok but does not have the suck for heavier hand held jobs which is what I want the new 3 hp for.
Thanks so far you have stirred the gray cells!
Edited 11/1/2005 7:32 pm ET by willknot
Replies
I've used the Porter Cable 7518 which is not a plunge router but has five speeds and soft start. This is my favorite,although in the 3hp class I've only used the Hitachi, Elu,and the PC.If you intend to use the router mostly in a table, the PC 7518 would be my first choice of the three routers I have used. I have used the Bosch 3hp router but for less than 10 minutes, can't really compare this router with so little time of use.
mike
I have the DW625 and have been fairly happy with it. Unfortunately, the variable speed has gone out so I have to get a new switch for it. It accepts Porter Cable style template guides, has good adjustments, soft start, single wrench to change bits, and the collets are locked to the cap nut so that bits/collet does not become stuck. I bought the fence to go with it and it is pretty good as well. Has a coarse and fine adjustment both for getting it just right.
I used it in my router table for many years until I recently bought a PC 7518. It is a much heavier router, but I am undecided whether it has more power or not. I don't have a router lift (might get one which is why I bought the PC), but I think the PC is easier to use in a router table than the DW625. Just my opinion, no facts on that. I did take the plunge springs out when I used it in the table and that made things a lot easier.
Down sides of DW625 - I wish it had dust collection. I seem to have a lot of trouble with Dewalt tools variable speeds going bad.
If I had it to do over again, I would still buy it.
Well, if you pick the 625 you have chosen the tool the others compare themselves too. As good as they get in this price range.
The Big Festool I would not rule out . Notwithstanding, the 625, (AKA Elu 3337/8) has an enormous track (>25 years!) record of excellence.
As the others say, the DW625 is an excellent router. I have had mine for about 8 years and I think it is one of the best hand held routers regardless of size. I liked the ergonomics of it better than the DW622. However, I use it in a router table and in that application, I would not give it nearly the positive review. It does not come up far enough to extend the router bits as far as needed if your table is thick. I have a Router Razer and it improves it for table use (take one spring out--the one opposite the Razer if you use it). The bit extenders increase the vibration. Without the extenders, the thing has almost NO vibration, so even a little is noticable. I am trying out the Jacobs Power Collet and it appears acceptable so far. I built a dust extraction system for it (very easy to do) and that eliminates the concern about that!
You can get a bent wrench for it, so you can change bits from atop the table.
I would be seriously interested in the Milwaukee 3 Hp router with its built-in top of table adjuster. One of the magazines reviewed these this month (Popular Woodworking or Wood magazine, I think). They did mention that the Milwaukee had a fairly short range of adjustment.
I also have a Dewalt 625 and like it a lot, it came with some sort of dust extractor add on and I have not tried it. The soft start works well for me. Others have said they have had problems with the switches or the variable speed controls. I have not yet but I have had problems with the switches in my Dewalt random orbit sander I was able to clean the switches out with compressed air and they worked again. I have been really pleased with the Router and its hard to beat the price. Anyway good luck
Troy
I have three DW625s in a commercial shop (all right two of them are actually Elu MOF177e's, so older). They have all lasted well, the oldest is now 22 years old and has needed two switches, a couple of springs and the usual selection of fence knobs, collets, collet nuts, base plates which have been lost or worn out over the years. I reckon that they are OK - the only real downside is that they are noisiere than the 3HP Bosch we also have and that the build quality isn't quite what it used to be, but I'll still consider another one next time we need another heavy-duty router.
The Dec 2005 issue of Woodworkers Journal has a review of 3 HP routers. The article focuses on use in a router table so don't expect a whole lot on hand held uses. Overall, a pretty good article and I am not one that is real fond of tool reviews.
Steve
I use the Freud fte2000 its got 3HP a good collet and like the Makita it has a height adjustment knob so you can put under the table and adjust from there,no need for aftermarket lifters and will usually cost less than comparable machines macs,dw's,pc's .LOL.
I have a hitachi M12V that I use only in a table. I'm just a weekend warrior but it has held up well and was reasonably priced.
the m12V hitachi was my choice too after seing some of the flexing that other models had. I noted in an non-tautonian routah rag that "street price" can approach 1/2 of list.
The reason for being concerned with "flex" is that sometimes I use larger bits, and when, not if, they "dig in" that little bit of flex amounts to a whack of scraping and sanding.
There may be better.
I was really buzzed out by the "soft start" feature. I't like something out of star wars.
Eric in Cowtown.
I have a Bosch 1619EVS that I mostly use table-mounted. The few times I've use it hand-held has been with bearing-guided bits. I thought it was well behaved. My only complaint about it is that the handles flex quite a bit. I'm not sure I'd trust it for free-handed use where fine control is desired.
American Woodworking did a router review last year that includes 3 H.P. routers. The URL for the review is http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/toolguide/TT_Routers.pdf.
I have had the Makita 3612C for a few months and really like it. I use its plunge feature for making mortises and also use it in the router table. I don't bother w/ a lift, just use the adjusting knob. Not the most convenient setup, but only minimally annoying. It is super smooth, has variable speed, etc. The plunge lock needs to be firmly engaged or it will slip, but that is about my only complaint.
It would be nice to have dust collection, but I just mount the shop vac hose near my work and have a connection for the table's fence.
I am using it now to make raised panel exterior shutters and I got the free 3-piece cope & stick and panel cutter set. You can get the whole setup for just over $200, so it was a no brainer for me since I needed to get the bits as well. There are probably better routers out there, but the Makita w/ the bits is a major bargain and is a good piece of equipment from my experience and from what a lot of past comments have said. Even w/out the bits it is still a good price for what you get.
I HAVE ACCUMULATED 6 ROUTERS now and have just purchased the Triton 3 hp .
It is , by far the best handling and best laid out router that I have in my shop.
You really have to pick one up and handle it to feel the ergonomics and quailty of design built into the machine.
As for the motor , well a motor is a motor and this appears to be a quality one.
Would I buy it agian? Yes and I am going to do just that when I find a new home for my Hitachi 12 mv
http://www3.telus.net/public/ident/Drews%20woodstuff/toolrest/triton-router.jpg
Bob
Edited 11/2/2005 10:21 pm ET by Drewpeacock
Edited 11/2/2005 10:22 pm ET by Drewpeacock
I was at Woodcraft last night and asked them if they still carry the Triton. I was told they do not stock anylonger since it is not a good router. but the associate would not give out details. However, I have always heard that is an excellent router.
Do you use yours for hand routing or table mounted use? Do you think it is a great router to put in a table.
Later---Thank you,
Cheatah
Currently I am using it on a project outside my Lee valley router table.I have a Hitachi 12 mv in there and it is a real nuisance to lower and raise . In addition, it would not be easy to tag on a router raiser or the like.With Tritons the raiser is built right into the right hand handle, you just press and twist the release the handle.
It's ideal!
I also has, on the same side, a micro adjustment to come with in a hair of true.The built in dust cup is convenient in both the table position as well as hand held and saves blowing a lot of crap at you when you have to cut at eye level outside the table.I haven't heard of any particular problem with Tritons . Perhaps the store you went to was getting pressured from one of the industry whales not to carry them or they don't like the commitment of having to support the line properly with decent inventory.
I am finding more and more info at the clerk level unreliable personally.
Don't take my word on this - please do a search on Google for Triton problems.ps Then do one for another brand. <vbg>pps Did I mention the guide fence doubles as a circle cutter and installs in about 10 seconds with quick disconnect spring loaded butterfly screws? ...MMMMM Triton!
Drew
Edited 11/3/2005 6:58 pm ET by Drewpeacock
Drew:
Good info on Triton. I did not put much credit into the Woodcraft rep's opinion. I agree that clerks can not be trusted as a good sole source of data on products. You gotta do the research yourself.
I am going to go out and research some more. Glad to hear that you are having good experiences with Triton.
Later--
Thank you,
Cheatah
Here's a good article with a fellow with more experience than I have with this router
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/tritonrouter.htm
Good luck on your shopping.
Drew
Drew--
Thanks--- I jusst got doen reading the review. I found after I did google search based on your suggestion.
Good stuff-
I am going to ask Santa to bring the Triton for Christmas. I think I have been good boy.Thank you,
Cheatah
I have an Hitachi MV12. Plunge is not smooth, but perhaps if you lubricated the rails it might be - I put mine right in a table, added a Router Raizer, and am quite happy with it as a "router-zilla". For plunge I don't find I need as much power so I use a Dewalt DW621 with Pat Warner base for most stuff, and a little Porter-Cable 7/8hp laminate trimmer for lots of edge work (like 1/8" roundover, etc.).
Roger
I'd rather be making cabinets and friends....
Will,
I have a Hitachi M12V, 3hp, that I put in a table with a lift. I've been very pleased with it, including making raised panels. For handheld operations, I have three Bosch 1617EVS, 2.25hp, routers that work great.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Mensa Member
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