Wow, what perfect timing to find this discussion board. I’ve been trying to find some advice about woodworking but haven’t had much luck. I’ve always been interested in woodworking, but only seriously started getting into it,(buying tools etc) about a year ago. I haven’t had any formal instruction in woodworking, (unless you count 8th grade wood shop,) but I’m always willing to learn more about it.
My latest thing is what kind of router to buy. I bought a Craftsman and used it about three times before the spindle lock broke, (thus keeping my router bit along with it,) so needless to say I wasn’t really impressed. I’ve looked at either a PC 690 LR or a Dewalt 610, (both of which are in my price range). I’ve read that the bid change system for the PC router isn’t too user friendly, any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks
Replies
BOSCH 1600 series
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Hey IMREC,
I am looking at the Bosch 1613AEVS 2 1/4 horse plunge router.
Your thoughts on that model?
SMOOTH... Good balance. Reliable. Good chip extraction.
Other than that it's okay.... LOL
Excellent depth adjust and motor speed / torque control.
Only way to up it one is the #1617EVSPK for the more stuff for your money thing.
Still it's a tough call between the two. One offers what the other doesn't. Biggest deciding factor here what bit diameters you have.
#13 pluses are motor control, larger bits and chip extraction.
#17 pluses are wider range of RPM's, 2 bases and some gizzmoes.
I have both. My favorites are the 19EVS and 18EVS. Runner up is the 13 and 17. All get worked and too close to call for #1 slot.
Compared to the PC they are smoother on start up, when running and the plunge mech is much nicer / smoother. IMO.
I believe the Bosch will out last the PC by years. Al of my PC's have been retired (3) or repaired (2, each more than once). None of my Bosch routers have. More IMO. My oldest Bosch is from the mid 80's.
I don't buy oriental anything because of the companies and not the product. I stand firm on this.
Now are you worse off because you asked?
IIRC the 13A is about 190$. The 17PK is around 230$.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Well thank you, I will gain from your experinece.
I will likely buy that router and direct my old (yukiee) Ryobi to my table until it croaks.
Thanks
Any time....
How about a disclaimer.
I don't work for Bosch and never have. Don't sell the stuff niether. Don't get anything from Bosch for what I say about their tools....
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
The One True Router is the fixed base, 3 1/4 HP, Porter-Cable model 7518. Mine has effortlessly done everything I required of it.
Now let the vituperation begin.
bosch
Gary
I will join Imerc and WmP in the chorus of Bosch 1600 series for the first.
BTW... You might consider making your type on the computer smaller unless you have vision problems. I did the same thing almost two years ago when I came to the forum. I believe the large letters are considered like shouting from what I was told.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new hobby.
sarge..jt
Proud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Way way too many routers (+60) to make an easy choice.
See link to narrow the field some.
You must be sponsered
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Thank you for the info. With a nickname like routerman you should definitely know what you're talking about! haha.
Well anyway, I still haven't bought a router. I think one thing I learned from all the responses to my question was that I need to research routers some more until I find out exactly what I "need" instead of just a brand name that sounds good.
Thanks again, Gary
Gary - I've had a PC 690 for years (actually two). Have used one in my router table most every day for the last 3 years and never a problem. But, I rarely change the height setting; mostly doing one repetitive thing. I also have my DC set up to up-draft through the center of the router to aid in cooling and to keep debris out of the windings and brushes. I many times will have the router running 30 minutes or more before shutting it off. Checked the brushes a week ago and they still look like new.
The one in my router table was bought about 4 years ago and the other one was bought 25 years ago. The old one is on loan to my son.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
I'm also in the market for a router, and have been thinking about the kits from Bosch and PC (1617EVS? and the 890 series) I've heard that one of the few things PC has done right are there routers and the sanders. I'm not trying to start a controversy, I just want to know what to get.
Problem is, the 890 series is so new, you're not likely to find anyone who's put it to the test yet. The Bosch seems to get unqualified "Yes!" from people who own them. My guess is you'd be happy with either.forestgirl Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I bought the Porter Cable router set that includes a fixed base and a plunge base. (you need both to do router work)
Porter cable isn't the best,, but it's good decent stuff.. properly priced
"Porter cable isn't the best,," ..........saw the new 890 in 7 Corners yesterday and it just might change your thinking.
I've seen too much Porter Cable stuff that is pure junk to ever get excited about Porter Cable. I wish they'd fire the damn cost accountants for about a decade..
They used to make some pretty decent things.. Now it will take a lot of convincing to get me back....
You must own a Bammer ......... ;o). The PC stuff I have I've been happy with. 690 router, 347 saw, 352 and 333 sanders ...... no complaints. What stuff has been pure junk?
I hesitate to call it a nail gun, most call it a nail starter gave it to my nephew.
tried their reciprocating saw and wound up with a Hilti
some of their jigs and cutters have displeased me as well..
The Tiger (recip) saw isn't bad but I like the 11 amp Milwaukee a lot better. I think just about all brands have their dogs. I still like PC's old routers, the 310, 100, and 690. Simple and reliable. Some of PC competitor's newer routers are more powerful and have some nice features like soft start and variable speed but they feel top heavy to me.
I think that rather than consentrat on the tools they are great with Porter cable tries to be all things to everyone..
They aren't the only one and I guess I can understand the logic, once they've spent the development money to bring a tool to market, it costs little to leave it on the market..
As for some of the older models being better tools I have to agree with you..
It seems like there was/is a differant approach to tools back then and now..
Hope I'm not sounding like everything in the good old days was better, heck there is a lot of stuff on the market today that is better than the "good ol' days"
it just seems that Porter cable doesn't have any. I'll stop by Seven Corners and check out their new offering, maybe I'll need to eat my words..
(won't be the first time )
Welcome to the forum Gary. Before you give up on the PC, take a look at the new models that replaced the 690 series (I think it's 890 or something like that). They have responded to feedback, finally, on the 690 series and improved things quite a bit (so to speak).
forestgirl Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Just finished rereading Pat Warner's "The Router Book" and would highly recomend it. Lots of useful info you might find helpful.
I love my Milwaukee. Simple, straightforward, accurate, built like a tank.
Charlie
Gary,
Great question. I think the one point most of us will agree upon is to buy the very best you can afford even if it appears to me "more" than you can envision at the moment. If you buy based on cheap and low quality, what happens is that you quickly become discouraged when your tools prove adequate for the tasks at hand. A router happens to be, IMHP, one of the most important tools in your shop and I think it is the one area where you defnitiely do not want to go on the cheap.
I recently purchased the 3.25 HP 7518 PC to supplement my PC 690 and Bosch ???. The new PC will go in the new router table and the other routers are for hand work. Why the high horse power, I'm very unskilled with hand tools and most of the older routers will not swing a raise panel cutter. The lack of that capability has limited some of the projects and design considerations. While I was deciding on which router to get, I was impressed by the new PC 2.25 HP combo kit with both the fixed base and plunge base. I think for the price it is probably one of the best bangs for the buck since it will give you power and flexibility of interchangeable bases. The Bosch is also great and either will not let you down.
Good Luck.
Doug
the porter cable 690 series is a good reliable small router for many use
panel raising will push its limits, but edge routering, laminate trimming, jointing veneer panels etc its a good tool, i have three of various ages, oldest is about ten years and no problems
for serious router work such as templating or panel raising consider a 3 hp, i have the hitachi and works great
caulking is not a piece of trim
Very good guys, thanks for all the info. I think I have to keep in mind two things; what I will use the router for now and likely for in the future, and how much I can spend. The latter is probably most important with Christmas rapidly approaching, it's simply out of reach for me to spend $230 +. $140 is much more realistic and I'm convinced from the information I have received that I would be much happier with a PC router than with my "not so trusty" Craftsman.
Anyway, thanks again for all the help. I feel I can hit the router market with a little more confidence now.
Gary,
All the guys have given you great advice. My suggestion is to get the Hitachi M12 for use in a router table. It gives you the most bang for your buck. If it is to be handheld most of the time, I would get the PC 690 combo with the D handle trigger. My 3 cents...
Rick
Forgot to mention....Amazon.com
Hitachi M12 159 free delivery and coupon for $25 off makes it about 135
amazon coupons.com
Rick
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