I’m looking at getting a new router. The one I have now is a Ryobi 1/4″ collet router, and it works well, but I got a set of 1/2″ collet bits for Christmas, and am faced with the dilemma of either returning them, or getting a new router. Guess which one I’m voting for…now I only have to convice my wife. “Honest, honey. We already have the bits. It makes sence to get a router to go with them”
What I’m getting at is this. I’ve seen several combination kits, from DeWalt and Porter Cable, that allow you to swap the motor back and forth between a fixed base and a plunge base. Are these worth the money, or am I better off just getting a plunge router, and sticking with my old router for fixed base applications?
-MP
Replies
Get the combination to start then later you can buy just the motor to go in the fixed base. Soon youll be just like me. I wore out three Sears routers (One the bearings went on, other two the cheap collets wore out in the end of the shaft) I got a PC690 in 79, later bought the plunge base the first day I saw it. Bought a spare motor when Schlosser surplused some, then a laminate trimmer. then...then... . Now I have four 690 motors in all four bases a spare base, 2 7519s, a 7529 and four laminate trimmers. I'm was going to challenge Norm Abrams untill I saw him with a wheel barrow load on one of the recent shows!!!
Paretsky,
Part of your answer depends on what do you planning to use your router for. (e.g. an occasional user, heavy use for cutting joints, shaping, etc...)
The combination kits can be a definite value, and those offered by companies like Bosch, DeWalt, and Porter Cable are highly regarded as hard working, quality machines. Be aware that the motor supplied with these kits tends to be 1 HP - 1.5 HP, which may suit your needs just fine. Most of the units come with a 1/4" and a 1/2" collet.
Unless you are looking to replace the Ryobi entirely, buying a combo' kit may be a 50% redundant purchase (two fixed base routers). I would recommend stepping up to a dedicated plunge router. The cover article in Fine Woodworking issue No. 149 - June 2001 was a full midsized plunge router tool review. Their top recommendation, and one that I own and is also my top recommendation, is the Bosch 1613 AEVSK 2 HP (plunge). I have a series of Porter-Cable routers in my shop, but the Bosch is the hands-down favorite.
No matter what you choose, make sure the router you end up with has a port to attach a shop vac for dust collection!
Please let me know if I can be of any additional assistance.
Dan Kornfeld, President/Owner - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
I, too, have a Bosch 1613, but the older EVS version. I've used it for about 9 years now and it has done everything I have asked of it.
I have not used any super-sized bits like horizontal panel raisers (I use the vertical panel raisers), just fairly standard stuff. The really big bits call for 3+hp.
I do not see a need for a standard base. I use mine for all types of routing and the plunge lock has never slipped one iota.
Go with a 2+hp plunge and you won't go too far wrong.
--
Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon
On the Redwood Highway
Hi,
About a month ago there were a couple sets of Bosch routers and I got one of those at Rockler. This was an all time bargain and would be worth searching for. For $279 you got the 2hp Variable speed motor, a fixed base ( cool one with wooden handles) a plunge base ( that works great!) a router table base, and a nice guide. All in a case with wrenches and a few extras. These are very good routers, soft start and avriable speed makes them incredibly versitile. I don't imagine having to up grade for some time.
Beware the new PC 690LR. They replaced the "T-Handle" with a lever release and of the dozen or so I tried at HD and elsewhere most were very sticky. So much so you'd have to fool with it each time. I bought one anyway and low and behold the same problem. I returned it the same day and hunted for the "older" T-Handle which can be had for a bargain if you try that route since it's not a production model any longer. Check Sears.
But the Bosch is awesome!!!
Good luck convincing wifey!
N
The router combo packages are very tempting and a good value. Its versatility is very attractive. For example, you could use the plunge base to do fixed and plunge routing and mount the fixed base underneath a router table. If I had to do it again, I'd get the Bosch 1617EVSPK (I just have the fixed-base one, before they came out with the package).
However, the value comes with a compromise, namely that since the motor is detachable, the power switch is located on the motor, forcing you to hold the router with one hand when you turn it on and off. With dedicated plunge routers, the power switch is usually a trigger on one of the handles, allowing better control and safety. And there's no rule that says you can't use it like a fixed-base router.
paretsky,
Go with power! I have a PC 7518 3.25hp variable speed and love it. The only problem is the weight, although I did buy it for a router table only. I thick it is about 7 lbs., dangerous if you are cutting wet wood and the router is not mounted.
Take a look at the new Triton router from 'Down Under' (Australia), ever review I have read is positive. It will cost you the same as a PC 7518, around $325. It has 3.25HP and if you mount it to a table you can change bits without removing it from its' base, no need for a router lift which could cost you another $300, it has a built-in dust collection attachment that you can hook-up to a dust collector or shop vac.
Also take a look at the Hitach plunge router, around $200. Nice machine, almost purchased this model over the PC. Smooth controls, good name in Hitach, great price, and 3.25hp.
I would agree with the others on having a 'plunge', I don't have one but need one.
Good luck with the search!
Paretsky,
I did that, put the 1/4 BD router in the table and bought the dewalt plunge router for the hand work. Drives me crazy. I really don't want ot buy 1/4 bits anymore so the table becomes less and less effective. I use the Plunge router too frequently to have it tied up in the table. Do it right the first time...take the punishment from your wife like a true woodworker...and move on to 8" jointers....lol
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