Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 02, 2004 05:54pm | #1

   The big advantage of the fixed/plunge combos is that you can mount the fixed base in a router table and slip the router motor out when you want to perform a hand-held operation, using the plunge base for that.

   The plunge base is more versatile, enabling you to plunge into stock away from the edge, making mortises for instance or a series of holes for bookcase sides.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Robbie | Apr 02, 2004 07:26pm | #2

   Do yourself a favor and call Amazon and buy the Bosch 1617 kit.  They have a $25 off orders over $200 right now, so you can get the whole thing, including shipping and sales tax for around $204.  It is an awesome router.   Lightweight (magnesium), substantial horsepower, with handling and balance of a smaller router.

2. 
   Routerman | Apr 02, 2004 08:03pm | #3

   I think this plunger can get you fixed and plunge function in one tool.

   Not a problem to fashion a ply or MDF subbase, like the one shown, and stabilize the tool.

3. 
   sailalex | Apr 03, 2004 02:17pm | #4

   I have the Bosch combo plunge/fixed and for a while thought it was great (that was before I used the plunge router much). I find the on/off switch is too far away from the handle to be able to turn it off without removing at least one hand from the router; holding a router with one hand that is on and in material gets tricky and dangerous if the router gets away from you. Also, the depth gauge device is too light weight; the rod that drops down on the stepped device after some use seems to hang over the step so I have to sight the proper depth as opposed to having it come down on a solid stop( not accurate time and again).

   All to say, after using this router for about a year (and not all that much) I would recommend looking at some other brands. I was in Woodcrafters yesterday and happened to notice the Porter-Cable which had a switch near the handle and a much beefier depth stop. The motor on the Bosch is fine but the features needed on a plunge router I have mentioned are not very good. 

4. 
   lynnroy | Apr 04, 2004 08:28pm | #5

   Flip a coin and jump in. All the high profile routers are worth the price. After a year you will be unhappy with anyone you purchase. Get started that is the important issue.

   L. Roy Porter

5. 
   CajunDan | Apr 05, 2004 08:29pm | #6

   Yes, a plunge router is more versatile in theory. But, I find the balance much better on a fixed base router. The center of gravity is lower and the base is usually smaller.

   This is especially helpful on edge routing, where you don't need plunge capabilities.

   Regards,

   Dan

6. 
   rogermwade | Apr 05, 2004 08:39pm | #7

   I agree with forestgirl. I use my standard base in my router table and most other work with my plunge router. There are some bits and operations that are also more suited for a fixed router. i.e. rounding over an edge. Usually fixed base routers are also smaller and lighter. Combinations seem to be the best buy, except for the time needed to keep changing the motor from one base to the next.

   good luck Roger

7. 
   gpasewicz | Apr 05, 2004 11:49pm | #8

   Well, thanks for the advice.  Unfortunately, the reality is that I'll end up with something from Sears or of comparable price.   It's doubtful I can justify even the $100 for the Craftsman plunge/fixed combo.   I'm a hobbyist, who generally finances his projects by convincing the wife that it's a moneysaver to DIY.  The router would probably only be used a few times a year.

1. 
   CharlieP | Apr 06, 2004 05:54am | #9

   The first power tool my wife bought me (as contrasted to my wife giving in to my begging) was a Crapsman router.  I used it far more than I expected, and literally wore it out (in 20+ years).  The bad news was discovering how much better the replacements are, and how long I used the Sears unit without realizing that it could be so much better. ________________________Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texashttp://www.plesums.com/wood