Has anyone had a chance to take this new router for a test drive? It’s the only router in the 3 HP+ fixed base range other than the Porter Cable. I’m in the market for a heavy duty router and am quite interested in hearing from anyone that can compare and contrast the two routers.
I know the PC is a true workhorse and will run forever. I’ve used it before in set production shops, but I’ve always felt there were some shortcomings in it’s design. Milwaukee’s description caught my attention, as it sounds like their new unit has addressed the shortcomings of the PC. All my Milwaukee tools have been really solid so I’m inclined to give some consideration to their claims. Thus far, I’ve not seen one in the flesh so I can’t form even a basic impression of it from handling it in the store. If anyone can share some first hand experience, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks!
Replies
Miles: Cannot admit to trying the Milwaukee.
However, just got an e-mail from Rockler that they have a Father's Day sale on the 7518 for $269.
That is the best price I have ever seen on a new router. In fact, even demo's and reconditioned models are typically more at Woodcraft.
I would buy the PC at that price in a heartbeat, if I was in the market.
Robbie
Thanks for the heads up on the Rockler ad. I got the same email myself. That's what really ratcheted up this debate in my head. Been thinking about it ever since I saw the new Milwaukee in the TCOTN catalog early in the year. As long as everything was priced in the $300-$350 range I was content to continue mulling it over until I could get some feedback and get my hands on one. I was kind of waiting for the wood show in the fall, but at a price like that, the debate has suddenly taken on a new level of importance.
I've had one for a couple months. Absolutely delighted. Things I like: Smoothness, lack of vibration, soft start, heavy duty collet, smooth and accurate depth adjustment, overall rugged construction. I've just used it freehand so far and without adjusting the variable speed down from 20,000 rpm but am building a table for it. Of course you can adjust bit height through the base with the supplied T-handle wrench (going to be another big plus).
There's a guy named Lar who posts on here that seems to know a lot about routers and Milwaukee. Maybe he will post more info. He got me to buy from http://www.internationaltool.com which had excellent shipping, sales and service and was about $50 cheaper than amazon.
Good luck, Ed
Edited 6/14/2003 9:46:39 AM ET by Ed from Mississippi
Edited 6/14/2003 9:47:39 AM ET by Ed from Mississippi
Lar,
Are you out there? Thanks for recommending this router. I'm thinking that the bearings that hold the output shaft within the motor must be heavy and substantial because it runs so smooth. If it weren't so dang heavy, I would be confident enough to start it and use it one-handed. Have a good day,
Ed
Edit: Well I guess the old Lar is no longer a member or has a different call sign.
Ed,
Sorry I haven't been at this site in awhile. It is a dang heavy router and a dang good one too. Haven't heard nor seen anyone using it one handed. I've gotten into handplanes alot lately so I haven't had the need for the router in awhile.
Have a good day,
Lar
Edited 6/16/2003 9:59:27 AM ET by Lar
Miles,
I got to use one of the pre-production ones. I also built a testing fixture for Milwaukee Tool for that very router. I like it so much I think I'm going to buy one for myself. It's a very HD tool.
Jon
Miles, could you give us a quick list of what the shortcomings of the PC are? I try to keep aware of these things in prep for future tool-purchasing decisions. Thanks!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hi FG. How'd your splitter turn out? Been eyeing one myself for my Jet saw.
I should preface my comments on the PC by saying it's a tank. It will run for ever and a day and you simply can't kill it. It will take anything you throw at it and will ask for more. Having said that, it's shortcomings are nothing that takes away from it's performance, but have more to do with it's ease of use, IMHO.
First, I said it's a tank and it weighs about as much as one. Not a big deal if you put it in a table, but if you ever use it out of the table, you'll notice it. It's still controllable, but it's a big fella. The switch location is on the flat top of the motor, so unless you're ET and have eight inch long fingers, you have to take one hand off the router to switch it on, again, not a big problem if it's in the table, but otherwise, a bit tricky and potentially dangerous if you're not paying close attention to what you're doing. It was never a problem when I've used them, but more about personal preference. I like to keep both hands on a router at all times when it's turned on. Also, it shares the features of the PC690 series, in that the motor spins through the base to raise and lower the cutter. Subsequently, fine tuning the depth can be a bit tricky and the power switch location is always changing. Also, I always disliked the feel of the handles (bare metal), which was easily remedied in the scene shop by wrapping the handles in gaffers tape.
Again, these shortcomings are really more incidental to it's performance. It's an older design (aka tried and true) that has "defeated" every other entry in the big fixed base router category, but in the last few years, there have been some rather impressive new designs in routers that have made it's quirks seem more like obvious shortcomings than I perceived them to be before. Before they were more like, "gee I wish they would have done this a bit differently." THe Bosch and new Milwaukee routers leap immediately to mind. THey have micro adjust, the power switch is convenient to the handles, they have great VS circuitry, and they're very comfortable to use from an ergonomic perspective. Also, now that the Milwaukee routers have "on board" table top adjustment, which I'm sure many other manufacturers will incorporate into their new designs, the big PC seems a bit lacking in that area. I really like the idea of not having to buy another $100 piece to make the router really friendly for table use.
I hope that clarifies what I meant when I referred to the PC as having shortcomings, but again, I don't think any of them have any immediate impact on it's actual performance, just it's user friendliness.
Thanks Miles, I appreciate the specific information. It sounds like PorterCable is getting a little competitive "goose" from Milwaukee, et al., to keep them on their toes and spur them to further improve the PC offererings. I have two PC routers, a plunge which I bought used including the microadjust, and the 690 which also came with the microadjust as a rebate offering. I know that they each have some shortcomings (e.g., the knob instead of lever release on the 690), but like you I'm impressed with their longevity and quality.
The Milwaukee sounds like the ticket for a table-mounted larger router though. I love the idea of the above-the-table depth adjustment. I've heard real good things from a couple of people who own the smaller version.
Customers! Gotta go!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
PS: The splitter -- It's installed and a couple of test cuts are fine. Haven't had a chance to really use it yet, but the click-and-release features is very slick.
What type of Jet saw do you have? They make a Beisemeyer for most of the current versions I think. It has more of a riving knife design I do believe.
I'll let you know if I have any problems with the Merlin, but if you don't hear anything in the next couple of days, you can assume it's living up to my expectations! Will be cutting a couple of MDO panels and ripping some oak over the next couple of days. Had a great retail day today, so already thinking about some more wood!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
"Had a great retail day today, so already thinking about some more wood".
Had a run on John Smoltz cards, aye?? he..he..
sarge..jt
Ooohhh, you are too mean! forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
I posted that before I read the compliments on the shop over in the other thread. My first thought was when I saw the compliments, you just blew a "free barbecue". Don't expect any more nice comments. ha..ha..
Have a good day and good luck with Sunday's game. Our guys have been in a 3 day hitting slump. Maybe they will wait till Monday to re-cover.
Have a good day, "m'lady of the forest"...
sarge..jt
SARGE: Roarr your on Jamies bad side now,I just moved up another notch on her Best Buddies List.ha ha
ToolDoc
Doc, he's just lucky it's a pretty, warm sunny day outside and I have some new jingle in my jeans from yesterday -- I'm in such a good mood, it'd be hard to find a bad side!! Gil Meche is pitching today's game for the Mariner's, the Braves are seriously out of luck!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
I lost interest in baseball till this year. Got disgusted after the last strike with so an so moaning about only making 6 million a year while his team-mate made 8 mil. They should make all those young'uns work on an assembly line about a month. You wouldn't hear all the whining.
The first two games have been excellent, with the winner being the team with the fewest mistakes. If Braves come off the slump, you will see power from 1 to 8 hitter. This is something I have never seen with any Braves team. We gave up some good pitchers to get there and it generated a new interest from me. They actually play as a team instead of a bunch of over-paid individual stars.
Good luck to Gil to-nite, he'll need it me thinks... he..
sarge..jt
"They actually play as a team instead of a bunch of over-paid individual stars." That's what makes the Mariners such a joy to watch -- they are really dedicated to the team concept! When Melvin (new mgr.) took over, he said he was feeling pretty guilty because this group of guys is so good and so professional, he hardly had to do anything. Sharp, error-free (or nearly so) defense is fantastic too. Whoever wins, I'm sure it'll be a good game. I'll think of you at 5:05 PT!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
forestgirl, Sarge, ToolDoc, and others,
Do all topical discussion groups degenerate into chat rooms, as exemplified by this thread?
I have periodically dipped into this forum over several years. My memory is that there used to be an abundance of useful woodworking questions and answers. The bulk of it now seems to be old pals joshing around or wandering off into topics far removed from woodworking. I would guess that most of the serious woodworkers have been driven off by that sort of frivolous chatter. One participant has posted over 3000 messages in a little over a year. Few of those messages have anything to do with fine woodworking.
Compare the Fine Woodworking forum to Fine Woodworking magazine. Just look at the letters section of the magazine and compare it to this forum. See any difference in quality?
I don't want to spoil anyone's social fun. But have you considered that you are discouraging participants who actually have a woodworking question or a serious contribution to offer?
Adrianna: I noticed you have 11 posts,yet you state you have been here for a few years.. HMMM Big Help you have been here..HUH????
ToolDoc
Ah for goodness sake, Adrianna, cheer up. Are you the same Adrianna who sought to correct a reference that I made to The Dark Lady of Shakespeare's sonnet cycle? So you would jump into a nonwoodworking discussion at the drop of a hat if you thought you had a chance to post a correction to someone else, I guess.
Everyone that posts here is a woodworker which gives them an automatic amount of respect in my book. I don't care if they post 6 times or 6000 times and want to talk about crop cycles or how to best remove ticks, I got time to listen to them just because I respect anyone who whacks at wood and tries to make the pieces fit together (okay, except for Dick and Splintie - just kidding!)
Post a question if you got one - they'll answer it! Post an insight or a contribution - I guarantee you'll get some serious feedback and quiet contemplation in amongst the banter.
Ed
"have periodically dipped into this forum over several years. My memory is that there used to be an abundance of useful woodworking questions and answers. The bulk of it now seems to be old pals joshing around or wandering off into topics far removed from woodworking."
Adrrianna,
This is a forum about the free exchange of information. Not to sound....rude,..but what's you beef (to quote Sean Connery in the "Untouchable's").
Were it not for the "regular's," answer's to questions would be far and few in between. Be thankful,
BTW,
"Compare the Fine Woodworking forum to Fine Woodworking magazine. Just look at the letters section of the magazine and compare it to this forum. See any difference in quality?"
I have a letter I wrote in the current issue. Took two hours to compose and edit. You think anybody's going to do that for a forum post?
Jon
Edited 6/16/2003 6:15:13 PM ET by WorkshopJon
Oh, for pity sake, Adrianna! I count 5 exchanges between myself and the author of this thread that were on topic and freely encouraged by Miles. The topic of the router has been pretty well covered and Miles seems happy with the response. [BTW, you should have added Miles to your list of addressees -- after all, he was talking about "soda and free hot dog" at one point]. If you don't like my posts, then simply put me on "Ignore." (Hover over "Options" at the bottom of this post, and select "Ignore this author."
I, personally, choose to now forget your grumpy post and instead to fondly remember the numerous emails I've gotten in the last year and ??months from people who have appreciated my participation in the forum and my willingness to help them when I could.
Sarge, ToolDoc, Miles, Ed, Jon -- brewskies are on me!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
Brewskies on you! I quit drinking about 25 years ago except for an occasional beer. I will take up that occasional in this case. Since your Mariner's got the job done, I'll buy!!
Have a good day on the isle...
sarge..jt
Folks Ive been here for a long time as you all know..believe me when I say
Adriana = Troll and leave it at that.
Troll = someone who just enjoys stiring the pot and leaves.
Darkworks: No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.
No doubt you're right, Ron. Now, a comment on our topic -- a complaint, really. My little PC690 just doesn't look right in the Veritas router table. I keep seeing visions of a big 3+ HP fixed base monster in there. All this talk about power! Oh well, this too shall pass.
Can't wait to hear from Miles when he's got his upgrade rolling.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
First Lady of the Forest: Hey I will Gladly Quaff a few Brewskies with You & SARGE. anytime.. Big router hmmm why aren't you mountin that Beast of a Freud you have??or do I see a New Toy err I mean a New Biggie Super Dupper Max HP Router coming your way hehe..
Member of the "Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club"
ToolDoc
The Freud is certainly available for table use, and "just one more" router is way, way down the priority list for sure, but I have liked the Milwaukee design right from the get-go, when it first came out. Don't know why PC didn't come up with that above-the-table thing first! Now that there are a number of positive reports from Milwaukee users, the temptation lurks. I'm sure the Freud will do a good job, but in the long run a fixed base under there with above-the-table adjustment seems ideal.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
First Lady of the Forest: Yup the Freud sure is a Dandy, But that Milwaukee is a Powerfull Beast for table use & its going to be hard to find something to beat it.. unless like you said Porter-Cable gets off there Duffs & brings out there own version just for Table use.or keep your eyes peeled on E-Bay for a used but not abused older Stanley 3 1/2 hp model they were Beasts too..I have a old 1 1/2 hp model can't kill the dang thing..
Proud Member of the "Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club.. ToolDoc
Hi Jamie! The Milwaukee 3.25 does look sweet under the Veritas! Performs beautifully too.
Wouldn't mind poppin a couple 'skis with you guys too!
Brian
I dunno Brian, you were way too straight-laced and "on topic" in this thread to qualify for the Bad Boys and Girls Club. Note that you weren't anywhere to be seen on Adrianna's shame-on-you list! Awwwww, what the heck, c'mon -- we'll make you an honorary member!
BTW, I haven't forgotten about the pictures of the cases -- the ones I took last week were terrible, have to get better light. Nothing fancy anyway, just a shadowbox with a $300 jersey in it, hah. Now if he can just make it through the rest of the season without getting hurt again!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hey!!! First Lady of the Forest & I might add Club President.. if your going to be signing up new members for the Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club be sure to get certified checks from them for $19.95 for Club Dues.. PS send checks to me LOL.....
Proud member & Vice President of the Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club...
ToolDoc
Sorry, Doc, our charter clearly states that you can't be treasurer and VP both! You and Sarge will have to duke it out on those two positions, in the meantime I'll keep the dues in "trust" (trust me.....LOL).forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: hmm I knew we should of never let you dang tool totin gals in the club..<G>cause you gals would out vote us,its always something you gals want to change, but hey I gots no problem with you handlin the $$Cash..just no buying Walnut with the cash reserve.. oh ya Sarge can be Sargent of Arms..
ToolDoc
Ron: I liked your post.. thanks for stopin in from Break time..
ToolDoc
"Sarge, ToolDoc, Miles, Ed, Jon -- brewskies are on me!"
Cool, I still can't get Taunton to offer me anthing for free, not even a free hat (see post below in BT). Not that I mind as they have been doing a fine job by me.
28494.1
Jon
Edited 6/16/2003 6:30:02 PM ET by WorkshopJon
FG-
You got me. Guilty as charged. Deviation from thread topic. It was a momentary lapse. I certainly hope Taunton doesn't cancel either of my subscriptions. :-)
As far as I'm concerned, it's just fine to keep things friendly. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer it that way. Much more fun. As long as it doesn't degenerate into flame wars , a little friendly banter amongst like minded folks can't hurt anyone.
BTW- I'm in complete agreement. My 690 looks a bit undersized in my table too, but it's been a champ and has done everything I've asked of it, but I'm expecting to have to do some heavier stuff in the future, so, it's about time for more power. I'm still up in the air about which one to buy. I did get a raincheck from Rockler on the PC since they couldn't find the one the computer said was in stock, so I've bought myself a little more time to decide. I'll keep everyone posted.
On the subject of the Hitachi, if anyone has a Lowe's nearby, check their price. Last time I was in Lowe's it was $179.00. Take that price to Home Depot and watch how fast it turns into a $160.00 router. I very nearly bought it, but just wasn't all that crazy about the feel of it.
Since you're buying, I'll have a pint of Red Hook. Thanks very much!
Edited 6/16/2003 9:28:11 PM ET by Miles
Edited 6/16/2003 9:30:15 PM ET by Miles
Well I'm voting for you to spend your money on the Milwaukee! What a dream it would be to just turn a little handle to adjust the bit height! Sounds like the Hitachi is a bit of a pain to change bits.
Gotta run out and put the 3rd coat of paint on my new store sign. "Miami Yellow" -- Yikes!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I picked my foot peddle up at shhh (very quiet wisper).... sears yep its a shhh come close...craftsman... but it only cost me 25 bucks and i can plug it and change it with about any machine I want. My closest friend who passed this year (who was also a awesome woodworker) used to use a foot peddle with his TS and RT but I just use it with the RT myself.
Sarge I use the bent wrench the CMT (Marc Sommerfeld) sells with my PC also. That wrench (since my RT has a cast Iron top) and the foot peddle made my routing life easier.
Darkworks: No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.
OK, Ron, I'll keep it quiet!
Sorry to hear about your friend, I'd bet you two shared some great times.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Ron
The bent wrench is a must. It's cheap and well worth the cost. I have been eyeing the foot pedal you mentioned. I might give that a try. Though about it for the RT and the scroll-saw. I have switches added at strategic places on both, but the foot pedal could add a little safety on the router table.
Have a good day...
sarge..jt
Where can I find one of those bent wrenches "cheap"?? The only one I've seen (for Porter Cable) was at the local machinery dealer, and it was somewhere around $25.00!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
This thread is a hoot! Made me laugh out loud on a slow Tuesday afternoon.
To get back to the original topic, I hear good things about the Triton. Already set up for above-table height adjustments, soft start, variable speed--all the trimmings.
And NOT on topic, a question. I'm building a couple of jigs for BS and DP. I bought some T-slots from Rockler and I need more screw holes to secure these to the tables. Can anyone recommend a tool to countersink the holes in the narrow gap? My countersink tool is way too wide to fit.
Finally, Sarge, your photos of your shop in another posting demonstrate your awesome shop. The photos are a bit dark, so I took the liberty of doing some PhotoShop work to lighten them up. Send me your email address and I will forward them to you.
[email protected]
BJ
Bert
Try a standard HSS drill bit if you can't find any counter-sink that small. Use what-ever size the diameter of the screw head is. Just be very careful as that track is very thin. If you do this as I did, be sure to move the rpm on your DP down low for that aluminum. Take it slow and careful.
Will send the e-mail address a little latter (meaning my wife will when she gets back cause I'm illiterate with this thing).... ha..ha..
sarge..jt
Sarge,
Thanks for that tip re countersinking holes in T-slot. I'll give it a try.
Photos are on the way. I sent them all in a single email, and sometimes that doesn't work. Let me know if you don't get them all (eight of them) and I'll send them one at a time.
BJ
Jamie
The one I was referring to was at http://www.somerfieldtools.com an it was for the Hitachi. I caught it on sale for $14.95. Just to think of it, the PC probaly does take a different size hex. I guess it comes down to $25 or co-pay with your health provider for the back treatments. ha..ha..
Take care...
sarge..jt
Time for an update: After careful deliberation and a generous offer from my better half to contribute to the purchase as my birthday gift, I finally settled on the Milwaukee. I should be able to pick it up this weekend. I can hardly wait to drop that in the table and take it for a test spin. I'll keep you posted, but if all the other comments are true, it sounds like I'll have a winner.
Your "better half" is a champ! We'll be eager to hear how you like the new router.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Adrianna
If you have a WW question, ask. After 30 years of being "shop-bound", I will make a serious attempt to answer to the best of my ability as I have done in the past. But, I will continue to have a good time while I do it. At least till someone from TP tells me we have new "rules of engagement".
Lighten up, life's a lot more fun...
sarge..jt
Adrianna, maybe this linked to thread on planer/thicknessers is dry enough, and suitably dull enough for you, ha, ha. Slainte.Website I just didn't like being 'me', so my alter-ego is back, ha, ha.
You are a mean man, Mr. Dubh. Other than that, keep up the great work!!
Now, about your trademark legs. If I copied them and turned the thicker portions to the top instead of the bottom, how many lawyers will I need to defend myself in court?? I promise I would tell everyone they're Richard Jones "Upside Down Legs". ha..ha..
sarge..jt
Sarge, if Adrianna actually wants to talk about woodworking subjects in depth, and her history here doesn't bode well on that score, then I'm more than willing to correspond with her. If all she has is an inflated ego and an air of self importance, then I'll pop it in double swift order. I've probably forgotten more about woodworking subjects than most people will ever know.
Meanwhile, I'd like to enjoy a convivial beer, and tell a few lies, talk a little bull, and generally goof about. Woodworking is what I try to do for a living. And twitting about here is just a wee bit of fun-- what was the question? Slainte.Website I just didn't like being 'me', so my alter-ego is back, ha, ha.
Sgain
And I enjoy your twisted slant. Sometimes things get so dry, we could end up with chapped lips. I think Adrianna's best bet might be to check into a convent forum for a few months. They stick stricly to the point. That kind of discipline is rare outside the Marine Corp.
The question was the Richard Jones signature legs. Could I copy and turn them upside down so the thick part is at the top. I mentioned that I would hang a neon flashing sign on them that stated, "Richard Jones Upside Down Legs". My best shot at table legs so far is taking a 2 x 4 and stroke all 4 sides with a 80 grit sanding block about twice. Drive some nails directly through the table top into them and you're set to go. Works well unless you get a wind over about 6 knots.
Nah, I'll just come up with a better idea. Might drill some holes in my legs to cut wind resistance. That will keep them original. ha..ha..
Cheers...
sarge..jt
Oh, that was the question was it, Sarge. In the moment of being a smart mouthed erse I lost track of it. If your design sensibilities, or limp-wristed artistic bent takes you that way-- whichever you prefer, hunny, means expressing yourself artistically by inverting my hairy legs so that bottom is top, or vicky vercky (sic) and a neon sign, and a couple of nails through the table top to fix them, then just go ahead, ha, ha---- ha, ha, ha.
Did I see the tool manufacturer's name, Milwaukee, in the opening preamble to this thread? Never used a Milwaukee anything, so I have no opinion-- but their tools do have a generally good reputation.
Sorry, Adrianna-- but woodworking forums and my contributions to them are goof off time for me-- furniture making has been my living for nearly thirty years now-- I someteimes train for, play a bit still, study, and watch rugby with all my ex-pat cronies at odd hours of the day as a hobby. I seldom lift a chisel or plane at nights or weekends. If you look around you might find serious answers from me to serious questions here and there, but you'll have to separate those answers out from my verbal chaff. Slainte.Website I just didn't like being 'me', so my alter-ego is back, ha, ha.
Sgain
Now that would be original. I suppose I could just raise the grain on the 80 grit sanded 2 x 4's with distilled water. That would simulate the hairy part. Next time you shave your legs, post a pic of a leg hair so I can play with the dyes and see if I can duplicate the color. ha..ha..
Yep, the Milwaukee is pretty, tough stuff. They haven't sacrificed much quality over the years as many have to raise profit margins.
Go watch some rugby and have a beer, have some fun for a change. Yeah, right.....
sarge..jt
Jamie:
And how 'bout them Cubs??? If we could only keep the cork in Sammy's bat instead of all around the plate, maybe we wouldn't have to "wait until next year".
Still wondering if anyone took advantage of the Rockler ad for the 7518 for $269. If I didn't fell compelling to use the DW625 I own and hate, I think I would have jumped on that. Still love Tom F.'s set-up. I think Sarge turned him on to that.
BW
FG I have the PC and have had it for a long time. I wore the bearings out in it and had them replaced and now its running like new. I have no complaints about the PC. I dont like the placement of the on/off switch on the motor so I added a switch on the rt. I got tired of fooling with the switch on the rt so I use a foot peddle now and love it. both hands on the work can stop and start the machine at will.
But If I had to do it all over again I would go for the hitachi for the price 179 at tool crib ya cant beat it. When I go to the wood shows I walk around and guess what almost all the demonstrators are useing(the ones I saw remember their are exceptions)???? The Hitachi so if they rely on it to use it to sell you and me stuff they must have confidence in it and it must be durable cuz they use the heck outta them. Just my opinion...
Darkworks: No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.
Yep, I was told at the last WWing show in Seattle that the Hitachi was great -- came from one of the veterans at the BenchDog (BullDog? whoever) router table venue. I asked him "What's the best router to put in a table?" and he sort of leaned over and whispered: "You probably won't believe it...Hitachi...." giving me his take on it.
I'll go straight to the foot peddle when the time ($$) comes. Would really like to have one for the table saw (with a guard) but I guess I'll have to make one of those knee thingies for it.
Ooops, weather report's on -- that's what I'm waiting for. Bye!)forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Ron
You are correct about the Hitachi being used as a demo by most. It's a powerful router. If one went that route, the company that sells the CMT router bits (forgot the name at the moment) has an angled wrench to assist with bit changes while in the table. The Hitachi can be a bear without that wrench when still in the table. Also, if you use big bits, 2" or better; the ears inside the base have to be clipped unless you have removed the whole base-plate for the mount to insert.
I can say all this cause the Hitachi is one of my table mounts. The bad news is I still want a Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP. Must be an addiction. Like I really need the 5th router. ha..ha..
Have a good evening...
sarge..jt
Robbie
That PC coupled with that WoodPecker is a piece of nice work. He had already chosen the PC, I just checked out the WP lift for him at the Atlanta WW Show. It was everything we had heard and more. Definitely the best lift system I have seen. Built solid as a rock an engineered well. The WP will work with several routers. The PC fixed base is an excellent choice to use with it as it a built for the table router when coupled with a lift system.
Have a good one...
sarge..jt
Doc
Just wait.... The cream always rises to the top. ha..ha..
Have a good fathers day, my friend...
sarge..jt
I have one of the more recent white ones with the 52" Xacta fence. Actually just finished building it into a mobile cabinet earlier this week. It's kind of similar to the ShopNotes mobile contractor's saw cabinet, although more my own take on the basic concept. Really glad to get all that extra storage space back, not to mention, it's much easier to move around now. It added a substantial amount of weight/mass to the saw, as well, so it seems to absorb what little vibration there was, so it's an all around win-win.
I have a love-hate relationship with the factory splitter/guard. Mostly a hate relationship, though. I try to use it as much as possible, but it's such a poor design that I use it far less than I should. Subsequently, that's the reason for the interest in the aftermarket splitter, so please share your impressions after you've had a chance to work with it for a while.
Glad to hear you had a good day. More wood is always good! Spent the day cleaning out the shop and returning everything to it's proper place. Plus I somehow found the time to hit the Tool Peddler annual sale and picked up a couple of new air hoses and fittings along with the obigatory cup of soda and free hot dog, so it was a pretty good day on my end as well.
Edited 6/15/2003 1:44:29 AM ET by Miles
Miles
Just got through eyeing it in ToolCrib catalog (Amazons source). It retails for $329. They have a code for $25 off till July 15. No tax with out of state payment (they're in ND) and free shipping. Total now, $305.
I like the PC. I also like the Milwaukee. I would choose the Milwaukee for this reason. The Mil has a patented system that allows adjustment above the table when table mounted. It comes with a sheild that keeps debri out of the motor when table mounted. It is also a workhorse like the PC, but the built-in above table height adjustment is a distinct advantage.
If you get the PC for table mount, you need a router-raizer or some more expensive device to make above table adjustments. Cost around $89. If you add a WoodPecker or a heavy-duty precison raiser, you're looking at around $250 to $300. You do the numbers...
I wish you hadn't posted. I had talked myself out of ordering it to replace my current table mount. I have 4 routers curently. Looks like the 5th is on the way for $305. Now, to break the news to the first-lady. Factor in the extra bucks for dinner, movie and a concert and the whole thing only only cost around $500.
Good luck with the decision, it's cheaper if your single BTW. ha..ha......
sarge..jt
Thanks to Ed, Jon, and Sarge for your comments. That eases my mind a bit hearing some good feedback. The only other feedback that I've gotten was a bit mixed. The local Woodcraft shop had one which arrived broken out of the box, so they couldn't tell me anything about it other than to say that it's little brother, the Bodygrip was a real champ and if it performs like a bigger badder version of that, it should be a winner. Based on some of the commentary, I don't think I'm the only one who has been thinking about this topic. If anyone else has anything to share, please chime in. Since this one is so new, the more the merrier.
Hi Miles, Have had the new Milwaukee for a couple of months now and love it.
I can't really say much about it's freehand capabilities cause I've had it as a dedicated table router the entire time.
Above table bit changes are a breeze (even though I still prefer popping it out of the housing and changing it that way. Also simple)
Went through some ash with a ogee bit full profile like butter.
I also have the smaller Milwaukee combo kit. Both the 1 3/4hp and the big boy are very easy to control.
I highly recommend Milwaukee.
Brian
Thought you might like to see this posting from "telemiketoo" on a different thread.
"I just bought the Triton router to replace a 35 yr old 1 hp craftsman in the wing of my table saw. I bought it because it has knob controlled bit height adjustment (coarse AND fine) and I can change the bit above the table. So far, it's worked out great. I don't ever expect to remove it and use it as a plunge router because I now have four routers of various vintages.
Buy the triton, or wait a while until the other firms come out with table-friendly routers like the triton. If they don't, they're asleep at the wheel!"
BJ
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