Replies

1. 
   THintz | Aug 29, 2007 09:50am | #1

   You really will have a hard time going wrong with Milwaukee, Bosch or PC kits. All are very popular with good reason.

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

2. 
   Jfrostjr | Aug 29, 2007 03:30pm | #2

   I purchased a mid-sized (I forget the model #) DeWalt because of the dust collection. I am not happy with it for reasons too numerous to mention.

   Any buyers out there?

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

3. 
   trackersoft | Aug 29, 2007 05:21pm | #3

   I have returned two PC 890 routers because they stopped working. Dead. The service center is REALLY good but I would not buy again.  Store employees who watch returns and problems agreed. Also the plunge is very 'sticky' feeling and hard to use.

   I would buy the Bosch (or the Festool if I had the budget -- I am sure that that will get some responses!!). Seems to be the best tool. Bosch kit is on sale at Rockler for 219 this week.

   The Triton gets good reviews and is on sale at Woodcraft with an edge guide but I have not used one.

   Scott

    

4. 
   Routerman | Aug 29, 2007 07:57pm | #4

   ~ the best compromise.

5. 
   9619 | Aug 29, 2007 08:19pm | #5

   Solan,
   I agree with the routerman (Pat Warner). But it bugs me the way he takes so long to make his point. :-)

   For router issues in general, his website is a good place to visit.
   http://patwarner.com/

   Have Fun.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

6. 
   troys | Aug 30, 2007 12:10am | #6

   I have the big dewalt and have had no problems with it.

   Troy

1. 
   Michael | Aug 30, 2007 10:33pm | #7

   Dedicated plunge, the DW621 is my fav.  Multi-Base, DW618.

   Both are 2hp (2.25) units and perform very well.  I'm not a fan of yellow tools in general and my shop shows that (makita, milwaukee, Festool, Bosch) but I do generally get tools that I'm satisfied with and have a good track record.

   The 621 and 618 are both well liked.  The Festool is an impressive little beasty and if it were available when I bought my 621 I would have look hard at it (either the 1010 or 1400) but they are SPENDY.

   Pat's site is a great resource as mentioned above.  Good place to start :)

   michael 

7. 
   Cheatah | Aug 30, 2007 10:49pm | #8

   One word...one brand-----TRITON

   I LOVE mine and highly suggest it. Ihave the 3.25 HP plunge. Great product!

   Thank you,

   Cheatah

8. 
   Vic Damone | Aug 31, 2007 02:34am | #9

   I'm not a big DeWalt fan but here's another vote for the 621. I was pleasantly surprised by the dust collection.

   Vic

9. 
   douglas2cats | Aug 31, 2007 05:44pm | #10

   Festool OF1400 or DeWalt 621. I've got both. I'd like to take DW's depth adjustment mechanism and graft it onto the Festool, but otherwise the Festool wins out for dust collection and other features. The 621 has lasted a long time but recently developed some cracks in the housing where the depth adjustment locks down so I decided to get a new one, but opted for the OF1400 for better dust collection instead of a new 621. I still think the 621 is a VG router though.

    

   If you build it he will come.

10. 
    royh | Sep 01, 2007 01:54am | #11

    Freud makes an excellent product.

    RoyH

11. 
    hammer1 | Sep 01, 2007 02:47pm | #12

    One thing you may want to consider is the interchangeability between different set ups. With some models, you can have a variety of bases that are in jigs or tables and you can move the motor around as desired. I have a collection of, what are now PC 690 series routers and bases. My oldest routers are Rockwell but they fit all the new PC bases. If a motor stops working, I have others that can easily replace it. If I had all different brands and configurations, and one goes out, I'm stuck.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

12. 
    [email protected] | Sep 03, 2007 04:03am | #13

    I tend to agree with Hammer.  The PorterCable 690/890 series are hard to beat for reliability, interchangeability, and after market accessories.  The various bases show up on eBay consistently, and it is nice to be able to buy one and dedicate it to a certain jig or fixture.  And, keeping multiples in more than one router table to save on set up time is nice. 

    I have one dedicated to a woodrat, and have an 8-mm collet for it.  Not that you will need one, but it is nice to have them available. 

    Just about anything made for a router is made for the 690/890 series. 

    I have had one since the redwoods were saplings, second set of brushes and it is still going strong.  The only things that have broken have been my bad.  The only one I managed to break, I set it up in a table with the fence crowded in on the bit and turned it on.  Which bent the end of the shaft, and jumped the height adjustment pins out of their helix in the base.  Like I said, my bad. 

    If you get one buy either the 690 variable speed, or the 890. 

1. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 03, 2007 06:18pm | #16

   I have had one since the redwoods were saplings??Hell, Half of us in here and helped cleared the ground to plant that seed!

1. 
   [email protected] | Sep 03, 2007 06:37pm | #17

   Ah yes, but probably not with power tools.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 03, 2007 06:40pm | #18

   Power tools! The apprentice did all the hard work!

13. 
    donolee | Sep 03, 2007 04:18am | #14

    You should at least take a look at the Triton. I have the 2 1/4 hp and I cannot say enough good things about it. If you plan on table mounting your router this thing will make your life much easier. You can adjust bit height from above the table and changing bits is a snap with only one wrench needed. The dust collection works great and it comes with an assortment of extras. It also is priced very reasonably. My only beef with it is that the power cord is too short (pretty minor). Its worth a look.

     

14. 
    Knotscott | Sep 03, 2007 02:54pm | #15

    The two Milwaukee routers I've had were very well built and have done a terrific job of everything expected.

15. 
    BruceT999 | Sep 03, 2007 10:53pm | #19

    Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25HP plunge/fixed kit including edge guide goes for something like $209 at Amazon. Great value.

    I just got mine at local dealer for $219.

    Very smooth plunge base with 6-step depth turret and micro adjustable stop rod.

    Fixed base is micro-adjustable from below table or with hex rod from above.

    Comes in a sturdy case that holds both bases and also has slots for several 1/4" and 1/2" bits as well as some templet inserts.

    BruceT
16. 
    BruceS | Sep 04, 2007 04:22am | #20

    DeWalt and Triton are my choices.

    If you go DeWalt one edge guide fits them all,  the 621,625 and combo kits plunge as smooth as silk.

    Both Tritons  are gems, though there is an initial learning curve on the use of the right knob(plunging system lock) Great safety features, spindle lock, and the collet extends out past the sub-base so bit changing is a snap.  Plunges very smoothly(as well as the DeWalt) The smaller Triton comes with their own version of template guides,   not the standard  1 3/16 PC style.

    Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

    Bruce S.