Replies

1. 
   webby | Mar 06, 2006 06:09pm | #1

   Kurt,

   What you buy really depends on what you want to use it for and how much you are going to use it.

   If you want occasional use then you could by like a skil or craftsman brand router for under 100 bucks.

   Pros, they are inexpensive and reasonably powerful and fine for intermittent use on projects not requiring a lot of precision. Cons, they are less powerful than professional brand routers, have a limited range of acessories i.e. template collars, and edge guides, they will take, but probably and most importantly is in my experience they are hard to set up in terms of bit height and accuracy of the locking mechanisms compared to professional routers. I find it frustrating to work with a skil or craftsman with their plastic knobs and levers and the general overall slop in their adjustment mechanisms. Also these units often lack variable speed and soft start features which become more important as you route more. Often they also lack any means of dust collection.

   Profesional grade routers from companies like porter-cable, bosch, dewalt, hitachi, or makita put out heavy duty units with metal construction and very precise bit height adjustment systems, many are accurate to 1/128 of an inch. Professional grade routers usually ofer industry standard template guides for using router bit collars, and better availability of edge guides. The Portercable 690 has pretty much granfathered the standard for the 1-3/16 templated guide collars, and their overall simplicity of design has been copied by dewalt, hitachi, and makita. Professional grade routers often offer variable speed and soft start meaning the router doesn't jerk at start up. Many profesional routers also offer either throught the base dust collection or an add on dust collection hood either of which comes in very handy.

   Proffesional grade routers also have 2 to 3 base options available to their motors. The basic base is just a two knob base that is fine for edge forming, many makers also offer d-handle bases like Norm abrams uses and plunge bases for their motors.

   Usually professional grade makers offer two base kits consisting of a basic base and a plung base. This gives you the optin to mount the two knob base in a table and use the plunge base as your main router and switch the motor back and forth as necessary. Two base kits are generally around 180.00 to 200 dollars. I would receommend the portercable model 690 two base kit it is a good basic unit and has stood the test of time, I know that right now my lowes is offering a free rebate for the dhandle base with purchase of the kit.

   Whatever router you choose they variety and wide selection of good carbide tipped bits will likely be your greatest expense over time. Dont fool around with cheap high speed steel bits they don't last nearly as long as carbide tipped ones. Good carbide tipped bits can range from 25 to well over a hundred dollars depending on the type of bit. Routers are terrific tools and cand do hundreds of things depending on the model and its abilities. Whenever I am reserching a new tool purchase I go ta amazon .com and check out the models and read the user ratings to get an idea of how they perform.

   Hope this helps

   Webby

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 06, 2006 09:25pm | #2

   To add something to webby's post (I don't think it was in there), most bargain routers will only take 1/4"-shank router bits.  Even for casual use, I would much prefer to see a half-inch shank bit in there.  Stronger and safer.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

3. 
   gdblake | Mar 07, 2006 07:46am | #3

   Go with a name brand (Dewalt, Porter Cable, Makita, etc.) 2 HP or higher, variable speed, 1/2" plunge router.  Make sure you can get an edge quide for it and that it can use the Porter Cable/Black&Decker/Dewalt guide bushings.  If you have never owned a router before, you are going to start finding all kinds of uses for it and are going to want the stuff I just listed.  I own four routers, two plunge and two fixed base, both 1/4" and 1/2".  Use the 1/4" plunge router for most freehand work.  Have the 1/2" 3 HP plunge mounted in a table.  The third is only used for with a dovetailing jig.  The fourth is an old Craftsman that I lone out to close friends who ask to borrow one for a weekend (can't believe it still works).

   If I was in the market for a new router I would go with the Dewalt DW621K (I like the dust extraction feature).  Otherwise, get one of the kits with a plunge base (for freehand) and a fixed base (for table mounting).  Expect to pay $200 + for a decent router.  Stay away from the cheap ones, not worth it.

1. 
   ripplecreek | Mar 15, 2006 05:49am | #15

   In response to  not buying the cheap routers,  I found a Ryobi 1 1/2 hp. router at one of those truckload tool sales,  $40,   8 years ago!!  I am a contractor, build homes, remodle kitchens, drywall (yes drywall)  this thing just won't quit. a box of cheap bits came with it, I just had my round-over bit sharpened and a new bearing put on couple of days ago $10, beats $20 to $50 for new. 

   Now for doing stile and rail work a really good table with a 1/2 inch collet will work if it bolted to the floor, highly recomend a stationary shaper dedicated for that type of project.

    

   As for me and my shop  Ryobi works well.

   Good luck wading thru the endless styles, horsepower, and model numbers;  try to find a router that you can easily find attatchments for and I think you will be very happy.

   Good hunting!!

1. 
   gdblake | Mar 15, 2006 03:00pm | #16

   Sounds like you got a deal.  Did it come with an edge guide and can it use router bushings?

1. 
   ripplecreek | Mar 16, 2006 05:30am | #18

   you can get a whole kit from home depot for $90     the plates and bushings and various gadgets  (and the edge guide(just clicked over to check)) come with the kit also a bag that holds a router and all the stuff.

   you can look it up at  home depot.com   the store SKU# is 167584

   .

4. 
   kenney66 | Mar 07, 2006 06:21pm | #4

   i suggest a dewalt plunge router, with some accessories it can be really handy

5. 
   Ricks503 | Mar 07, 2006 08:08pm | #5

   For the home handyman/workshop, I would go with a 2.25hp KIT where you get a plunge base and a fixed base.

   Things to look for (not in any particular oder) are:

   Ability to make above the table height adjustments, if you plan to make and use a router table.

   Has both 1/2 & 1/4 inch bit capability.

   Bit change method - 1, 2 or no wrench.

   Location of the on/off switch - can it be accessed without taking you hand off the router handles?

   Dust collection options

   A flat top is real nice for bit changing

   An led light in the cutter area is nice also but I would not buy just for that.

   When getting down to the final choice, I would look at availability of parts - such as extra/additional bases. A D-handle base is a nice to have, and an extra plunge or fixed base is nice to permanently mount to a router table.

   Look at some of the more recent reviews in the magazines, and then make a list of those that have the features you want.  Then look at parts availability on the internet and on eBay and then look for the best deal on a new or refurbished one of your choice. I know some people will disagree, but I have had real good luck with refurbished tools.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
6. 
   Routerman | Mar 08, 2006 04:05pm | #6

   Some tips at the selection link.

7. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Mar 10, 2006 06:39am | #7

   I second (or third  or 4th) the motion on the Portercable 694vk? kit. For less than $200 bucks you get a variable speed  1.75hp(more than enough for 90% of your needs)router, a fixed and plunge base-a cupon for the d-handle base free and  a case.

   This is the router that I have seen in almost every job site box in NYC in the last ten years or so. I has the life span of the B-52. Pat

   btw, I gave a set to my son and one to my son inlaw so that they wouldn't fight over mine when I go. Mine go to my daughter-she's a better mechanic than both of them, HA.

8. 
   MBerger | Mar 11, 2006 12:17am | #8

   Here's a very basic, yet helpful article on Router basics. It might help you narrow your choices.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

9. 
   kix | Mar 11, 2006 06:43pm | #9

   Hiya,

   I would suggest  going to a couple of local pawn shops.  If you're just starting out, buying a combo kit with a bazillion options is just going to get frustrating, you will end up spending more time setting up than having the tool powered and the money you spent will tick you off as well.  

   I haven't seen any hybrid/combo/multi use item in this world that functions as well as a specific use item designed for that purpose. SUV's aren't as effective as trucks/family wagons, hybrid bikes aren't as effective as mountain/road bikes, and my very nice radial arm saw does most of it's time as a storage table... two table saws and a compound miter saw later.

      Look around, you can prolly find something fairly clean and basic for $40 or so.  Talk the guy down to half of whatever the price is or so and go home.  Make sure of what you buying, as there is no warranty, and they wont take it back most likely.  Then take the time to play with it, route some scrap wood, build some jigs, buy a couple bits, figure the darn thing out.  Fall in love with it.  

   You'll figure out what you're interested in fairly quickly and what features/options are going to be deal makers for your hard earned cash.  Everyone has something to say on the board, but experience is going to be your best guide. 

   You'll prolly end up with three or four routers, most woodworkers do.  I would suggest thinking about collet size when you start off.  Getting a 1/2" collet to start is better because then as you buy more routers you can stay with 1/2" and just buy 1/2" bits and not play any tomfoolery with the whole set up.  Except of course when you get your little handheld and then you'll get the little bits for that. 

   As far as bits go, when you're ready to buy just get a carbide starter cheapo kit from one of the big box stores.  You'll figure out over time which bits you use enough to buy really hi quality and which ones you only use once in a while.

   Next you'll want a plunge router, then a router table, then a mini.  Have fun!

     

10. 
    gb93433 | Mar 11, 2006 07:02pm | #10

    You will spend a lot more money on router bits than on the router. So buy a nice router. You will never regret it. Good routers are well balanced and the noise level is lower. Turn the routers on as you are considering them and you will immediately feel the difference.

    In 1980 and 1981 I bought some Stanley 7/8 routers which have had the bearings replaced many many times. The shop I was working at had some of the same routers for several years. I am still using mine after 25 and 26 years of use. Sometimes those routers will run for several hours each day.

    One thing I would seriously look at is how the bearing at the bottom near the collet is protected from dust. I had a router once which had bearings which were not very well protected and they could hardly last but just a few months without changing them. It wasn't very long and I almost spent the price of the router on bearings. The man at the bearing supply showed me how to clean them and it saved me a bunch of money on bearings. But I still had to clean them often which took time. Since that time I bought another router to replace it and have not replaced the bearings on the new one.

    Once I bought a Craftsman because it would hardly get used and I was using it for one application and would modify the base. I brought it home and turned it then all of a sudden I began hear things rattling around inside. When I turned it off and took a look I realized that parts of the motor armature had come loose. So I took it back to the store and the man told me I would have to take it to their repair shop. That meant I would have to wait a week for the warranty work to be done. So I just returned the router instead and bought another of the same router later. After using it a few hours the nut on the end of the shaft which hold the shaft tight to the bearing on the collet end came loose and the cutter lifted up. So I took out my reliable Stanley and finished the job. The craftsman got tossed.

    I am more inclined to buy Bosch just because I have never had a problem with one. I owned two Porter Cable routers and had problems with both. One of them had a set screw that expanded the end of the split shaft to tighten the end of the shaft onto the bearing. It was on a panel router and came loose inside of the case. It made a lot of noise. The other router just never lasted very long and when I opened it up to get some bearings I found out I had to order them because I was told it there were an odd size. That router finally got tossed because the wires to the brush holder broke regularly.

    I have not been happy with the PC routers when I have opened them up to replace the bearings. They seem to be more cheaply made inside than others I have owned. I have bought some Bosch routers which have outlasted any of the PC routers I owned. My Stanley routers are still going strong while my PCs were tossed a long time ago. Not one of my Bosch routers have had a problem.

    Since 1990 I have been buying Bosch. But last year I bought a Makita 2 hp with a fixed and plunge base to take to jobs when I need more power. I have been very happy with it and have not had any problems or complaints. I like how the motor is balanced, the power, the noise level, and soft start.

    Good routers just keep performing well. Many poor quality routers will not last as long as one good one nor will they perform as well while they steadily drain your bank account as you get disgusted and then buy another and another.

    When price is long forgotten service is long remembered.

11. 
    JMadson | Mar 12, 2006 07:38am | #11

    Ebay - look for a PC 69x series router. It will do everything you need, get a fixed base and a plunge base. There's a lot out there. I got a combo kit that looks new when I got it home for $170 (including shipping).
    Joe

12. 
    csacoe | Mar 13, 2006 03:21am | #12

    Kurt,

    Everyone has given you excellent advice. Personaly, I use only Porter Cable and Festool routers. For your needs you can't go wrong with the PC. Like Forestgirl mentioned, you'll be better off running 1/2" bits. The PC 690 kit system will come with both the 1/4" and the 1/2" collets. I reccommend  Frued or CMT bits. Stay away from the bit kits, they're mostly junk.

    In the future you might consider makeing or purchasing a nice router table. You'll really enjoy it. And they make useing  the router alot safer.

13. 
    user-77297 | Mar 13, 2006 06:53pm | #13

    Thank you  "All"  for the great advice.  I knew I could get some answers in this forum, and everyone was helpful, I thank you for taking the time to reply.  I have lots of good info to go and make my router purchase, and I am looking forward to many years of service.

    Thanks again,

    Kurt in MPLS. (actually Bloomington, MN)

    Now if you all can make the snow melt........ 

1. 
   Scott1955 | Mar 13, 2006 10:09pm | #14

   Hey Kurt,

   I'm a bit new to the woodworking program although I got a exposure with my Dad's furniture making escapade's over the years.  My dear bride got me a DeWalt two-base kit a couple of years ago.  616K I think.  I didn't specify and didn't research so she just went with the name brand.  The annual tool review rated it real good and it has been a great tool.  I've used both the fixed and plunge bases.  The dust extraction is pretty good and overall they are good performers. 

   If I knew what I now know I would have specified a Bosch or PC.  The primary consideration is that aftermarket components are a little tougher to find for DeWalt where PC has a ton of folks making attachements and jigs.  These little jigs can make life real easy.  The only other think I would do different is make sure I got a variable speed or soft start.  I haven't done much to require a slower speed, like with large diamter panel bits but I did buy a speed control to allow for this later.  The slow start when you fire the thing up is a nice feature though.  The tool doesn't try to jump out of your hands.  Parts may or may not be an issue.  I can always get parts ordered via email.  I just can't get them in town.  Your chances of finding the PC parts dealer or repair shop close to you is probably a bit better thant I can for my DeWalt model.

   All the best and enjoy....

   Scott

1. 
   csacoe | Mar 16, 2006 03:33am | #17

   You made several excellent points. 1. soft start, 2. variable speed, 3. accessories. PC  is the best choice in his case becuase he'll get the soft start and the variable speed. Quality, and a base system to expand on with the accessrories avaiable. Or save a little more and get the ultimate system...Festool.

14. 
    Spalted | Mar 18, 2006 05:19pm | #19

    I bought the 1-3/4 hp kit from PC and it's great...only problem i've had is that i bought a panel raising bit (not one the vertical ones...DOH!) on i found that spinning it at full speed kinda scary. Buy a variable speed one if you can afford it, you will be able to tune the speed so that it feels safer (however you percieve it)and more importantly you can change the speed to reduce tearout or prevent burning. If you buy the best tool you can afford and use it properly you will be capable of anything. The better the result the more rewarding the work will be. I'm looking at getting the pc690lrvs to add to my collection.

    ps. I just scored some 3/4" solid surface countertop scraps and they made an awesome router table and fence - dead flat and really slippery, taps and holds screws like a champ, although the dust it made while i did it stank realy bad!!