Replies

1. 
   MiKro | Oct 31, 2005 07:06pm | #1

   Hello Mowog77,

   I have a 1617 that I used until recently, changing to the PC7518. It will do the work but, I would suggest that you use vertical raising bits for the raised panels. It is a little unweildly though unless you setup a good tall fence. Also add a speed control as this will allow finer adjustment for the type of bits being used. You will need to adjust feed rates accordingly and take more passes with less bite. Otherwise you shouldn't have a problem. I now use my 1617 as my hand held and have the PC dedicated for the Table. Makes for a good combo.

   Hope this helps. Just adding my .02cents.

   Mike K

2. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 31, 2005 07:28pm | #2

   I'd say any (well most) will.. I have a bunch of RYOBIES and two PC..

   I can do almost anything with them.. I take light cuts.. But I have ALOT of spare time though..

   I'm from the school.. Easier to take small bits off that put it back on!

3. 
   Routerman | Oct 31, 2005 07:55pm | #3

   1617 MOTOR: A good one, especially for hand routing. Also good for stationary use but not for cutters much > 1-3/4" in diameter or length.

    

   Routers

4. 
   John_D | Oct 31, 2005 09:38pm | #4

   I have a 1617 too, and I'm putting it into a table.  I know that there are some bits I won't be able to swing effectively.

   Still I'm going forward, because common wisdom is that I'll end up with additional routers.  I figure I'll put a hefty 3+HP under the table eventually, and out will come the maneuverable and versatile 1617, permanently devoted to handheld use.

   Then I guess I'll feel compelled to pursue a laminate trimmer, but I'm hoping I can put my 5.5A RotoZip to use there.  With its 1/4" chuck, hopefully it'll save me another purchase!

   I love my 1617.  I don't know what "serious routing" you'll be unable to do, but I've never tried to raise a panel.

1. 
   Bepperb | Oct 31, 2005 10:27pm | #5

   Out of curiousity, and because I also have a smaller 690 router in a table...

   Has anyone tried a speed control to use larger panel bits with a 1617?  I had thought you could just take more passes.  Haven't done it yet, but thought this be an option for you guys wanting to do "serious routing" with a smaller router.  A quick search didn't turn up too much: 19678.1

   Edit: nevermind.  You might want to take a look at this: 20424.1 

    

1. 
   John_D | Oct 31, 2005 10:37pm | #6

   Honestly, I've just read too many suggestions that trouble's ahead if you swing a big panel-raiser in the 2 1/4, so I've not tried it.  I have a panel project lined up next and I'm gonna raise them on the saw.  I'll save routing panels until I get a nice burly router.  The thread you pointed out is the sort of caution I'm heeding!

5. 
   whiteoak590 | Nov 01, 2005 01:24pm | #7

   I have been using the 1617 for three years now and love it both inside and outside the router table. I sue a vertical bit for raising panels a find it to work very well. It's micro height adjustment is especially nice in my router table.

   I think it is asking alot for one router to perform all router tasks so a couple of years age I bought a Dewalt 625 as a plunge router which does a great job. The 626 is a 3hp but I have not had to put it in the router table yet. I would ber curious what other users of the 625 feel about using it in a router table.