Replies

1. 
   Toolfreak | May 23, 2005 07:01pm | #1

   Get the Bosch 1617EVSPK. You'll never know how you got along without it. It replaced my Craftsman not very long ago. It has both a fixed and plunge base. Get it on Amazon with the free accessory kit (edge guide, vac attachments, etc.)

   By the way, Sears sells the exact same router but it's red instead of the Bosch-blue. About $200 I think.

   - Toolfreak
1. 
   MarkRD | May 23, 2005 07:50pm | #2

   Keep an eye on Ebay. Quite a few PC routers out there. Many new, some refurbs. The prices are quite good too...Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

   View Image

1. 
   Ricks503 | May 24, 2005 12:09am | #5

   I LIKE refurbs!  companys do random spot checks of items on the regular line so you are never sure if a lemon slipped past.

   Refurbs, they go over each one with a fine tooth comb and make sure it meets or exceeds specs before releasing it for sale.  may a ding or a scratch, but it would get that soon enough and the assurance of good workability and lower cost is worth a few cosmetic blemishes(if any)

    

    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

1. 
   polarsea1 | May 24, 2005 06:06am | #10

   I'm with Rick, I like refurbs and I really like the Bosch 1613 plunger. The multi base kits are all compromises get the real deal: Either the 1613 or the DW621.

1. 
   silver77 | May 24, 2005 07:51pm | #12

    

   The multi base kits are all compromises get the real deal: Either the 1613 or the DW621.

    

   I've been looking for a new router for quite a while-right now I'm using a 3hp Freud -not bad..but I want gooder...

   Are these 3 hp? Do either work well table mounted-I'm pretty sure the dw621 requires a 50 buck handle to adjust below the table...

   regards,

   silver

    

2. 
   polarsea1 | May 25, 2005 12:08am | #15

   I wouldn't buy either of those routers for table use, I believe both are ~2hp. I have the 1613 and use it for a handheld router. My table router is the Hitachi M12V which works well enough.

3. 
   silver77 | May 25, 2005 01:42am | #16

   My table router is the Hitachi M12V which works well enough.

   That's one of the routers I'm thinking of buying...is it easy to adjust? would you recommend it?

   thanks,

   silver

    

    

4. 
   polarsea1 | May 25, 2005 08:16am | #20

   I like it well enough but I don't knowif it would be an upgrade from the Freud. I've only owned 3 of the big routers: 2 Makitas and the Hitachi. I like the Hitachi better for the table 1) I can change bits from the top 2) Single wrench. Lazy I guess.

   Edited 5/25/2005 1:19 am ET by POLARSEA1

5. 
   silver77 | May 25, 2005 04:17pm | #21

   doesn't sound too bad...those are high on my priority list...I'll have another feel of the Hitachi...thanks for your opinion...

   silver 

2. 
   daveinnh | May 25, 2005 04:03am | #18

   I'd agree. My dad still has a 7/8 HP Sears router. I gave him a Bosch 3.5 hp plunge about  8 yrs ago for router table use.

   The only reservation I have is that the Bosch requires 2 wrenches to change bits, whereas my Fein has a built-in shaft-lock (somewhat helpful, but the Fein plastic dust fitting broke after little use).

   I'd try them side-by-side.  Does Makita offer a kit too? One vendor promoted their router as ideal for table use w/ an inverted wrench access port, but I forgot which?

1. 
   troys | May 25, 2005 07:33am | #19

   For what its worth I have a 3hp Dewalt a 625 I think. Have been happy with it. It could have a bit more plung capacity. Also it came with a fence and plunge ajuster when purchased from toolcrib.

2. 
   woodworker3301 | May 23, 2005 08:07pm | #3

   Urban,

   I agree with Toolfreak.  The Bosch 1617 evspk is a great router.  I have two small Craftsmans on (2) different bench top router tables.  I cut a lot of 1/4 and 3/8 radius roundovers so I leave them permanently installed then use the Bosch for all my free hand work.  Good luck.

   BigDaddy.

    

3. 
   Routerman | May 23, 2005 09:52pm | #4

   PC has no 7259.

   The 7529/8529 plungers have had a history of electronic/microprocessor problems. Some folks don't like the switches. Both are reasonable tools, powerful and ergonomic. Tool was first introduced with brakes that did not last long. 8529 first plunger to have depth control from face of base casting.

   Most interesting plunger in this class 2HP is the DW-621.

1. 
   JeffHeath | May 24, 2005 03:05am | #8

   routerman

   Dead on.  Mine turned on only when it felt like it.  Rockler replaced it, and the new one releases the plunge in the middle of a cut.

   Jeff

1. 
   UrbanRedneck | May 24, 2005 06:01am | #9

   I checked out the offering at the local WC.  The guy there told me that the quality is slipping with the PC & Delta stuff, since the take over.  He recommended the DW621.    Looking at the web site provided, (now a listing in my fav's list, Thanks!!!)  THey seem to like that one, too.  Looks like I'm going to be putting my pennies away for a little while and pick one up.  The guys at WC have given me so much free advice, that I'm planning on purchasing from them.  The money I've saved with their advice, more than makes up the difference between internet ordering and keeping a good store in business.  Thanks for all your help, everyone!!!

1. 
   Toolfreak | May 24, 2005 06:57pm | #11

   Seems strange that he recommended the DeWalt, considering what he said about Delta/PC (they're all owned by B&D now).- Toolfreak

1. 
   UrbanRedneck | May 24, 2005 10:02pm | #14

   I thought they were owned by the same company, too.  Too many choices...starting to drive myself nuts over what to buy. 

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 25, 2005 01:53am | #17

   RE: Pat Warner's recommendation of the Dewalt. You may have missed it, but in his piece on this router, he says it is an Elu router, that was simply rebranded when B&D bought Elu. For years, Elu was the class of the field, so I can understand why Pat likes it.********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

4. 
   vertis | May 24, 2005 12:24am | #6

   Have you seen the freud router its got about 3hp,plunge with a built in height adjuster knob,solid machine,collet, springs, motor, etc for under 300 dollars.lol.pete.

5. 
   Tom7 | May 24, 2005 02:22am | #7

   Before you decide, go to http://www.patwarner.com and read his extensive router reviews.  These are the best reviews I have seen.

6. 
   WillGeorge | May 24, 2005 08:14pm | #13

   Ryobi Home Depot.. plunge/soft-start/1/2" shank with 1/4 adapter.. 2 Hp(so they say?)..  $99 .. plus tax...

   I have several I use ALL the time.. I also have a PC that is nice but hardly use...

   Nothing like any big 3 HP router.. but for the price you should be happy with it..

   Just my 2 cents...