Replies

1. 
   mschlack | Mar 25, 2021 07:47pm | #1

   Plunge routers are primarily useful, IMO, for routing features such as mortises that must be started in the middle of a board. They allow you to position the router correctly before turning it on, with the base keeping it stable. The plunge takes the cutter straight into the wood at a 90 deg angle, minimizing the chance that the wood will grab the cutter and push the whole router wider than you want it to go.

   A second benefit of plunge routers is that they have an adjustable plunge. Usually, they'll have a small rotating turret stop that can be used to graduate your depth on deeper cuts. For example, if you were cutting a 3/4" deep mortise, you could start the stop at 1/4", move to the 1/2" stop and then to the 3/4" for full depth.

   Many routers are available with two bases -- normal and plunge. I love my little Dewalt 611 (I think it is) router, with the two bases, for smaller work. And I have a PC 690 (I think) similarly dual purpose set for 1/2" shank bits. Of course, you can always use a plunge router as a fixed base router, but sometimes the extra size of it may get in the way. Hope that helps.

2. 
   mikaol | Mar 25, 2021 08:25pm | #2

   Hey,
   I have a Skil with 2 bases as a 3rd router; a table-mounted router and finish router as the other 2.
   Besides cutting mortises, plunge bases can be used for routing circles and board flattening.
   Oh, don't discount the label Skil. We all like different brands, and now the 2-base model is on sale at Woodcraft.com
   Mikaol

3. 
   esch5995 | Mar 25, 2021 08:44pm | #3

   Since you mention your in the the market I assume you already have one but you don't mention what it is so I'll take a blind stab at making a suggestion. Since I currently own 6 of one flavor or another I have a bit of experience with them. In general terms a 2¼ hp plunge router is the best all around router IMO. A plunge base can do everything a fixed base can do plus much more. The 2¼ hp provides enough power to do most operations, even do occasional service in a router table running large panel raising bits if you take multiple passes. I own both DeWalt and Elu(the router the DeWalt's are based) plus 3 PC routers, but the router I bought my son as his first router was the 2¼ Bosch with both a plunge and fixed base and will say I probably like it better than my DeWalts and the motor can be used in all common router lifts if you decide to have a router table.

4. 
   beasleysevin | Mar 25, 2021 09:03pm | #4

   I have several routers. My go to is the Dewalt 618 with both bases. It is an economical way to get 2 routers for only a little more than the cost of one.
   Directly to your question, a plunge router is good to have when you can't start at an outside edge. Also very handy for doing inlay work such as bow ties in slabs. Plunges are also good for pattern work. On the down side, plunges tend to be bigger and heavier.

5. 
   rob_ss | Mar 26, 2021 03:47am | #5

   I use a hybrid solution - Triton TRA001 with the spring removed.
   This allows plunging under far more precise control using the awesome controls in the handles without the spring opposing the action.
   It's also great as it's so heavy you save on Gym fees.

6. 
   lat_axe | Mar 26, 2021 05:27am | #6

   There are 5 routers in the shed, all of the plunge kind.

   The smallest is a now 20 year old Bosch 600 watt item that's ideal for smaller stuff. Next up is the smallest Festool 1010 which can take 8mm as well as 1/4" bits and is more easily set up and controlled than the Bosch. There are two DeWalt 625 3HP beasts, one used for larger free hand jobs and t'other strapped to a Woodrat. The last is a 3HP Triton in the Veritas router table.

   None of these is a fixed base router, which were not seen that much in the UK until recently, when a few fixed & plunge base router kits for the US market began to appear at UK retailers.

   To be blunt, I've never understood why anyone wants a fixed base router. As another poster says, a plunge-base router can do everything that a fixed base router can do and a lot more. If a lighter weight router is needed, there are plenty plunge routers that fit the bill.

   The fixed base models seem like another hangover from the olden days of US woodworking, become ossified (in their design and in US woodworking traditional practice) rather like the US Unisaw table saws design. There are better designs.

   Lataxe

7. 
   concealed | Mar 26, 2021 06:13am | #7

   Thanks for the info. Yes I have 3 routers now. My problem is that none can take the collet for a PC dovetail jig. So a new router was required. None that I have are new or plunge base, so that was why the lack of knowledge. But I appreciate all the info as i now see ways it would be much more useful.

8. 
   _mj_ | Mar 26, 2021 07:25am | #8

   If it is all about the jig, you could just buy a baseplate for a PC router and attach it to one of your existing toys.

9. 
   woodsinwood | Mar 26, 2021 07:36am | #9

   Flexibility is important for a home woodworker. Get the plunge base and you can use it when needed. You also get the fixed base and you can use it when needed.