Replies

1. 
   Napie | Apr 05, 2007 08:01pm | #1

   I can only say that my Porter-Cables, (all six of them), have never let me down and they have seen some pretty hard use.

2. 
   user-196729 | Apr 05, 2007 08:19pm | #2

   Just purchased the Ridgid R-2910 from Home depot.  It has the fixed and plunge base.  This is solid and easily used.  You can get plans for the stow and go router table from this website.  Built that and am pleased with size and portability and setup.  I believe that they had a router comparison in one of the recent Fine Woodworking issues.  This router was at the top of the list of the models presented.  They also had the Triton.  Others on this site will give you plenty of feed-back on their choice.  If you are getting one for detailed routing and major work, you should consider a routing table for safety and ease of use.  The stow and go has a dust port, and the ridgid has a dust port attachment.  For $200.00 and cost of materiels for the stow and go, you have a complete set to do whatever work you have to do.

3. 
   Routerman | Apr 06, 2007 01:34am | #3

   One tool for all but upsidedown occasions.

4. 
   Knotscott | Apr 06, 2007 02:21pm | #4

   The right router for you is very subjective and their are dozens of good choices from a half dozen or so manufacturers. If you plan to do mainly handrouting, get one that feels good to you.

   There are several good fixed/plunge kits available with interchangeable bases that offer alot of versatility. Most are ~ 2hp.

   My favorite hand router is the BodyGrip design from Milwaukee, but is only available in a fixed base....which is fine if you don't plunge much.

   My favorite table router is the Freud FT1700. It has excellent above table features, enough power for most applications, and is still a pretty good hand router. A plunge base has been available as a rebate...not sure if the offer is still valid.

   DeWalt is known for their effective dust collection. PC has the most accessories available. You should do well with any from Makita, Bosch, PC, DW, Milwaukee, Freud, Hitachi, Triton, or Ridgid.

5. 
   mike_b | Apr 06, 2007 03:27pm | #5

   Vic,

   Here are two worth considering. I find the body grip design very comfortable in use, and Milwaukee tools have a reputation for quality and durability. I don't own either, but have used the 1 3/4 HP and really like it. I do own the big Milwaukee and am very satisfied with that as well. Good luck and hope you enjoy a little woodworking when your not playing Vegas.

   http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_27_40028_-1_684392_192199_192137

   http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_27_40028_-1_684395_192199_192137

6. 
   terrylee86 | Apr 06, 2007 03:55pm | #6

   I agree with the Generationman.  Ridgid did get good reviews (Triton was #1 for router table) and you cannot beat the waranty with HD.  I own Bosch, Triton, Festool, Elu and Ridgid and each has their quirks.  I would stay away for Porter -Cable after Black & Decker bought them my tools store guy said it has been chaos working with with B&D.  Dewalt make a real good router, but I have no experience with yellow. 

7. 
   Sasquatch | Apr 06, 2007 04:13pm | #7

   I recently bought the Ridgid and enjoy using it.  I think it is a great value because it comes with both bases, soft start, adjustable speed, a vacuum attachment, a centering tool, and an above-table adjustment wrench.  Other manufacturers charge extra (a lot) for some of these features.  One of the best features is the dual and very bright lights that come on when the router is turned on.  I don't know of any other router that has these lights.  My very old B&D router has an incandescent light, but the buld never lasts very long due to vibration.

1. 
   Knotscott | Apr 06, 2007 06:05pm | #8

   My old $40 Craftsman router has a worklight...I always wondered why the "better" routers didn't offer some of the features that little cheapie does!

8. 
   QCInspector | Apr 07, 2007 05:00am | #9

   I'm going to buck the trend and advise you to go and get a trim router. The reason being that you have been using a small (probably fixed base) router to this point with I assume 1/4 " shank bits, so it's power will be familiar. The trim router will only set you back about $100.00 or so and will allow you to get your work done while you research the larger more costly ones. They are great for lots of small jobs and I always look to mine first before I go for the bigger ones. A slightly larger base can be made for stability if you think you'll need it.

9. 
   Vic Damone | Apr 07, 2007 07:39am | #10

   Thanks everybody for your responses.

   I never realized just how useful and specialized routers can be. My little Skill was fine for small rounding over but that's it. After a short email discussion with Pat Waren I decided to get a router that would best suit this project which is the DeWalt 621 equipped with Mr. Waren's Offset Base and a collard Round Base. Down the road I'll get another small fixed base or a trimer. But for now I think I'm in the groove. Thanks again for your responses

   Vic

1. 
   wiskytango | Apr 07, 2007 06:18pm | #11

   I have a older Bosch Plunger, it works great. My advice is go get your hands on some and see how they fell. See if you like where all the bells and whistles are located.

10. 
    a_Furnitologist | Apr 07, 2007 06:50pm | #12

    Like others, we've all got most of one kind and one of another!!

    For a first time buy, I'd go after the Dewalt plunge with dust extraction, have one dedicated to one og my jigs and loved it enough to get another.

     

    Neil

     

     

    My video blog......... Episode 5

    http://furnitology.blogspot.com/index.html]