Replies

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Nov 17, 2006 01:31am | #1

   Serge,

   Recently I purchased 2 PC 890 series routers with 4 bases. They were promoted in kits with 2 bases at competitive prices in the US. If they are sold that way in Canada, you will save buying them that way. Lowe's also has them here in the states in kits. I got PC's thru-the-table lifting tool also. YOU DON'T NEED IT! I mounted one base under a table permanently. I was able to orient it such that THE LIFTING TOOL IS TOTALLY UNNECESSARY. The height changing knob & clamp right in front. It is fairly easy to change bits also. One item I don't have is a crooked collet wrench which is sold together with the lifting tool which I don't need. Without the crooked wrench, I must change the router height to change bits. That hasn't been a problem so far, but I can see that it could be.

   The only problem I had was that dust would collect between the base & motor thus making it difficult to extract the motor from the base. The base has a dust collection port to which I attached a suction hose. Since doing that, the problem has gone away.

   I bought these routers & a PC dovetail jig for which 2 routers are recommended though not necessary. A spare is nice anyway. In order to use 2 routers, one must have 2 base plates which accept PC guide bushings. This plate comes with a plunge base only. I had to call Black & Decker to buy the base as a separate item. It is so cheap to produce that it should be furnished standared with every router they sell.

   Personally, I am very pleased with these routers which are all part of a compatible system. Soft start is nice also. The 690 system is quite good. I didn't care for the rotation of the motor within the base.

   I have a Bench Dog melamine-topped table. It is a good unit, but I wish I had opted for the cast iron top even though it is a bit smaller. The fence will actually slip when clamped to the melamine.

   Good shopping & LOL!! I suspect you'll see better prices after Christmas. Too bad about Amazon & you. Have you tried ebay?

   Cadiddlehopper

2. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 17, 2006 02:49am | #2

   It's hard to buy a bad router these days, so it pretty much a matter of personal taste (ergonomics) and features you like.

   The PC 7518 has been around for a long time. I have one, and it has never let me down.

   I also have a Milwaukee 5625, which I like mainly because you can adjust the bit depth from the top of the table. Mostly it's been a stellar performer, but I did have some chattering problems when I used a long (2" cutting surface) architectural molding bit.

   The PC 690 series in its various configurations (I like the D-handle the best) has been with me for years. I bypassed the 890 routers when they came out because I thought they were top heavy.

   Pat Warner touts a Dewalt router (check his website), which is a rebrand of an ELU router. Pat knows what he is talking about, so pay attention to his recommendations.

   I really don't think you could go wrong with any of the routers you listed. Try to get someplace where you can put one in your hands -- which should help you make a decision.

   Welcome to the world of Knots.................

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Masrol | Nov 17, 2006 04:07am | #3

   Sergy

   If shipping charge is not a variable factor, buy one first - 1/2" Shank and preferably variable speed with soft start. Work with it. Over times you would be able to judge what a router  should be. Buy a plunge one first as I did. Using, learning & working with router by yourself  is a lot of fun. From time to time get advice from KNOT members like I've been doing. They are all good people in a very harmony community with common interest. Do make some search on articles in FW (books & IT) ....you will love it.

   Thanks.