Hi,
I would like to purchase a router to mount under a table. I really don’t want to splurge on both a router and a lift so I’m looking for a router that will best help me bypass a lift purchase. It seems that the Milwaulkee 3 1/2 hp has a built in capability to raise and change bits above the table as does the new Porter Cable 2 1/4 hp router kit. I’ve also heard that it’s fairly easy to build a homemade lift for any 3 hp plunge router such as the Makita, Bosch, or Hitachi. To minimize cost, it seems the Hitachi M12 is the best bet. So my questions are: can a 2 1/4 hp router work for raised panels or do I really need a minimum of 3 hp. Is it worth trying to build a homemade lift mechanism for a plunge router or am I better off getting the Porter Cable or Milwaulkee? Is the Hitach M12 a decent router compared to the Makita or Bosch? Any and all help will be appreciated.
– Peter
Replies
I bought the Milwaukee reconditioned at Amazon for my new table last year ($100 off, same warranty). Works great. Bore a 5/8" hole in your mounting plate for the above table wrench and chamfer the under side to allow the rubber flappers relief for the wrench head when pulling back through. Push one button and it falls out into your hand. Bought the cabinet bit set from MLCS and haven't turned on my shaper since. Buy an extra base and go from table to hand in seconds.
Joe
"... can a 2 1/4 hp router work for raised panels or do I really need a minimum of 3 hp."
Peter,
I guess the answer to your question is, "It depends."
A smaller router is capable of spinning a panel raising bit, provided you nibble away at the panels, instead of trying to raise them in one or two passes.
The amount of work do you do using massive bits, and the way you approach that work, will have an effect on the life of your router; only you can predict how much work your router will be subjected to, and under what circumstances.
At school, we require 3+ HP variable-speed routers to be used when spinning larger bits; to allow them to be used in PC 690s in our environment would lead to their premature deaths.
Pay now for a large router capable of doing the work easily, or pay later when you have to replace your smaller router prematurely - I think that's the choice you're asking us to help you make.
Good luck,
-Jazzdogg-
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." Bertrand Russell
Peter,
I have the Porter Cable 3 1/4 variable speed, I bought a simple square base plate for mounting it in the router table and it's performed wonderfully for years. The base plate that I bought has several inserts for different sized bits. It's simple and effective and the big porter cable adjusts accurately and easily without the need for fancy lifts. Although it was expensive it was worth the investment. It takes on the big panel raising bits easily.
Good Luck,
Brian
Do you have the 3 1/4 PC fixed base router? If so, do you need to remove the router to change bits or can you just rotate it enough to raise the bit for above table removal?
- Peter
I bought a bent collet wrench for minewhich enables me to change bits w/o removing the router. I got through marc sommerfeld/cmt
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Peter
I have the fixed base router. It's simple to change bits without removing the motor housing from it's base and the fixed plate gives excelent visibility with the inserts removed. Simple, strong, few moving parts to break. I wouldn't change this system for a fancier unit.
Good Luck,
Brian
Some tips on selection and a sample at the selection link.
the Milwaulkee 3 1/2 hp has a built in capability to raise and change bits above the table ....
Just me so take this with a 'grain of salt'..
I have several Router tables for various things that I use all the time...
I do NOT have a 3 HP.. Just 2 1/2 I think..
Whatever you get for the router think of the thickness (more is better I think) of the table you will make... I have one 'THICK' and some 'skinni' ones..
My favorites is the THICK one.. Dang... I can't get some bits high enough! Poor planning..
EDIT: Even if I had a 3 HP router I would STILL make all my cuts in several passes...
If you mess up somehow it is nice to have some wood left for that final cut that may 'fix' it!
Edited 7/5/2005 1:35 pm ET by Will George
I have a 3 hp dewalt I think its the 625 and I have been happy with it in the router table.
Troy
"My favorites is the THICK one.. Dang... I can't get some bits high enough! Poor planning.." Hence my choice of the Veritas steel router table top! Won't sag, but only 3/16th thick!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Forest... I ALMOST got one but then got the BenchDog for my TS... I like it alot...
The Hitachi M12V works great for me!
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Mensa Member
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