Hi there,
new to wood working and have a general question about plunge routers. Currently, I have the Makita RT 0701 trim router. I’m just wondering if buying the plunge base accessory is worth it or if I should buy a dedicated plunge router. Most of the wood working I will be doing is hobby/home improvement but will definitely be using the plunge for joinery. Anyway, just thought I would get some opinions. Cheers!
Replies
My inclination would be to look at a larger router with a plunge base. Trim routers are great for what they do but won't replace a larger, more powerful router. You can get one that is specifically a plunge router or get one with a motor that can be swapped between plunge and fixed bases. I have both and like them for different reasons.
I would also recommend getting a router that can take bits with 1/2-in. shanks.
Everything Dave Richards said above I concur with.
Trim routers are good for what they are called as, but you won't be making mortises with them.
A second router with higher power gets a lot of use. You can also mount it in a table doubling its usefulness.
Mike
I'm with both of those guys. And make sure it has variable speed.
Awesome, thanks everyone. That’s what I figured but just wanted to get some professional opinions.
If you want to maybe use it in a table, get a plunge model. Many fixed base units don't go up / down / lock perfectly centered. This can mean a depth of cut change also moves the cutter in relation to your fence.
I would like to set up a table eventually but right now I’m limited on space. I’m definitely going to get a plunge model because I want to use it for mortising. Nothing large, just want to learn and get good with joinery on small tables and such. Does anyone have a preference on model? Like I said, right now I only have experience with my Makita RT 0701 trim router.
I've had good service from my DeWalt routers. I have a DW625--plunge router which has been mostly dedicated to my Router Boss, a DW621 in my router table and a DW616 with plunge and fixed bases for the handheld work. I expect you'll get responses from others indicating what they have and like. Best is to go and handle them somewhere to see what you think. At least with the major brands, I don't think you'd go wrong with any of them.
Sounds great. Thanks again!
I have the smaller DWP611PK model DeWalt router with a plunge base and it does well for mortises, although now I have a mortising machine. I have a Bosch 1617 in my router table and it does really well, although I have pondered getting the plunge base for it. It spends almost all its time in my router table. The 1/2" and 1/4" collets make it far more versatile than the small DeWalt. That smaller router can't handle the bigger bits, but it handles a LOT of different things and is lighter.
Thanks for the info. I almost pulled the trigger on a 1617. I just need to find something at a good price and buy it. It seems all the name brands perform similarly just depends on personal preference.
Something else to consider is what kind of optional bases you can buy that fit the router you will get. I found many for the Bosch, but not so much luck for the little DeWalt. Also if you might do router work that requires bushings, a plate that can handle whatever bushing set yo may get.
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