Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 03, 2007 03:12pm | #1

   The FT2000E is a good value and a good router but has a small throat opening that won't pass 3" bits.  You can still "nibble" in from the edges but it's a pain that shouldn't exist in a large router.  They've since addressed that issue with the new FT3000 and smaller FT1700. 

   http://www.epinions.com/content_144873000580

   I've sold my FT2000E and since purchased the FT1700 and Milwaukee 5625, both of which I like better than the FT2000. 

   http://www.epinions.com/content_245903494788

   http://www.epinions.com/content_228357738116

    

    

1. 
   Syma | Jan 03, 2007 08:20pm | #2

   I have the Freud FT3000 3 1/4 hp variable speed plunge and I also have about every Bosch and PC ever made, back when they were good routers.
   I reach for the Freud 3000 every time now. Great ergonomics, plenty of power, smooth and quiet. I will be buying another Freud for my portable jobsite router table because of the above table tool changes and adjustments. Great price and 5 year warranty. How can you go wrong?

1. 
   CarlJunior | Jan 04, 2007 12:39am | #4

   back when they were good routers

   This part confuses me. I was just reading another post where somebody was complaining that PC hadn't changed their designs in many years.. so if they were good then.. ?

   One other issue that I wanted to ask about was noise. Some of the reviews of the PC 7539 mentioned that it was extremely loud. This could become an issue for me, as I'm usually puttering around in the basement until the wee hours. If it's loud enough to wake somebody up, I'm going to be in trouble.

1. 
   Syma | Jan 04, 2007 12:51am | #5

   While only minor cosmetic changes in design have occurred on the outside, the one change that took place that effects PC the worst is that they are now manufactured in Mexico and QC has been hit hard. In fact so hard that they had a massive recall not too long ago. Faulty electric windings and switches.
   Try the Freud, don't like it return it.

1. 
   CarlJunior | Jan 04, 2007 01:07am | #6

   I'm leaning in that direction.

   Other than some extra clearance around the base, are there any other significant differences between the ft2000 & 3000? There's a blurb in the review about "easier above-the-table adjustment", but I can't really tell from the picture how that works.

   I notice that the 3k is $100 more..

2. 
   Syma | Jan 04, 2007 01:21am | #8

   I am not 100% sure of the difference between the Freud 2000 and 3000 except for the 3000 has the nice above table feature, I don't think the 2000 has that.
   I went to the International Woodworking Fair or IWF in Atlanta a few months back and studied everyone's offerings for 4 days. I gotta say Freud is a company to watch. I have their new Premier Fusion 10" 40 tooth ATB blade on my PM66 and I have yet to see a blade perform like this in 22 years, even some of my nice custom grinds on old Forrest blades are serious old school comparred to the new Freud blades.

3. 
   CarlJunior | Jan 04, 2007 01:52am | #10

   Thanks for all the info, Syma.

   There's a wood show coming up in St Louis in February that I was thinking about going to.. maybe I should hold off on buying anything until then. Hopefully I can hold one in each hand and figure out what features I really want or need.

   It's nice to pick something up and play with it a little bit before putting your $ on the line.

4. 
   Knotscott | Jan 04, 2007 03:54am | #11

   I'm not familiar with all the features on the 3000, but it has a bigger throat opening than the 2000, plus some above table features. If it has the same above table features as the FT1700, it'll be extremely table friendly.

5. 
   Syma | Jan 04, 2007 04:12am | #12

   I'm telling you the Freud is one heck of a router! Can't vouch for the Milwaukee, they look decent. Won't buy another Porter Cable though.
   Happy tool searching.

6. 
   Knotscott | Jan 04, 2007 04:34am | #13

   I can vouch for the MW...it's a nice router too, but I use my FT1700 in the table far more often than my MW5625...

7. 
   CarlJunior | Jan 04, 2007 05:25pm | #14

   plus some above table features

   That's the part I'm wondering about. I can't figure out from the ad exactly what those features are, and there's nobody around here who sells that model. I'm ok with paying the extra $ if it'll save me from a few hours of fabricating and customizing.

   Do we know if the screw jack and lock setup are the same as the 1700? I think Lowe's just got that one in..

2. 
   pzaxtl | Jan 04, 2007 01:11am | #7

   Any router, regardless who the manufacturer is will make enough noise to raise the dead (or at least the sleeping).  If it is quiet you need when you putter around late at night, might I suggest hand tools or serious sound proofing for your basement (if you have duct work that's gonna be a challenge).

   Michael

1. 
   CarlJunior | Jan 04, 2007 01:42am | #9

   if you have duct work that's gonna be a challenge

   Yep. I've got a big trunk line that runs from the shop at one end straight to the bedroom at the other. There are already certain tools that I can't use at certain times.

   What I'll probably end up doing is building a heavy cabinet under one end of the table saw to try and contain as much of that sound as possible. I think it would still help tremendously if the router didn't make a lot of un-necessary noise to start with.

2. 
   shopmate | Jan 04, 2007 12:22am | #3

   I own the FT2000E and I will agree the throat plate was a bit small. But a few minutes with a rotary tool and a file and I could use the largest bit I owned in that thing. I love the router, power and ease of use. I would recommend it.

3. 
   stevemorris | Jan 07, 2007 06:35am | #15

   what about the hitachi 8 series? while we're on the subject