Replies

1. 
   pauld | Mar 28, 2003 06:42am | #1

   You can't go wrong with a two-for-one package (from a reputable maker) that includes a motor, fixed base, and plunge base. The Bosch 1617evspk is a terrific package, and I'm very happy with it (I admit to being partial to Bosch gear). Porter Cable, Makita, and Dewalt also offer these kinds of package deals. Prices are the the neighborhood of $200.

   Good luck!

2. 
   davidh | Mar 28, 2003 06:49am | #2

   I agree with Paul.

   I have the Bosch 1617EVS and  find it outstanding for all the work I have i need to do, at least up to the present. I do believe that it would not be a good choice for mounting under a router table. The think Porter Cable 3 1/2 HP fixed base router would be a better choice for that purpose.

   davidh

1. 
   Robbie | Mar 28, 2003 10:18pm | #3

   Redtree:

   Good review article in a recent FWW.  The comments from the two previous messages corroborate the author's opinion regarding the Bosch. 

   I have a DW625 and a vintage B&D (like the Dewalt Classic).   Like the Gap wedge in golf, I want an intermediate hp router.  I am going with the 1617 fixed / plunge combo.

   Good luck in whatever you decide.

3. 
   forestgirl | Mar 29, 2003 02:17am | #4

   The tips on getting a combo-set are right on the money.  Unless you're doing raised panels, or for some other reasons using very large bits, 3-1/2 HP is more than you'll need and soak up some significant money.  On the other end of the spectrum, anything under 1.5 HP is . . . well, not useless, but ver limited.  Porter Cable, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita -- they all make good routers.  IMO, stay away from Ryobi, Craftsman, Black and Decker.  Accessories are probably easiest to get for the PCs.

   Be sure to get:

   • 1/4" and 1/2" collets (not adapters, but actual collets)
   • an edge guide

   It's nice to get:

   • 1-wrench bit changing (i.e., a collet lock)
   • lever-close on the height adjustment  as opposed to a screw closing mech.
   • 1-3/4 min. HP

   Buy 1/2"-shank bits rather than 1/4" if at all possible.  Much stronger and safer to use.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   pauld | Mar 29, 2003 03:27am | #5

   All of the items Forest Girl mentions are included with the Bosch 1617 EVSPK (two wrenches are included: one for the motor shaft, and one for the collets), plus a heavy-duty molded plastic case with steel latches.

   I also bought a set of their toolless rub collars and a centering cone (useful for precisely adjusting rub collars) - all of which fit in the nicely in the case.

   I like the fact that the soft start and variable speed, and appreciate the fact that the housing doesn't rotate when you make height adjustments - the power switch is always has the same orientation to the handles.

   Be vigilant in checking out the exact model numbers when shopping. I recently saw what appeared to be a very sweet deal on a Bosch 1617 at Lowes - until I checked the model number carefully and realized the package they were selling did not have variable speed.

   You might also want to check out the deals at Woodline USA for router bits: http://www.woodbits.com

   Their Telephone is (800) 472-6950

   I just purchased a 60-piece set, in a fitted wooden case ready for wall-mounting, for an unbelievable price as a special offer for students of the woodworking school I'm attending (Palomar College -- school of Cabinet & Furniture Technology, San Marcos, California).

   Good luck,

   Paul

4. 
   billl6 | Mar 29, 2003 03:49am | #6

   Pat Warner has great information on all phases of routing including choosing a router.

   Check out his web site: http://www.patwarner.com/selecting_router.html

5. 
   TomFerreira | Mar 29, 2003 04:39am | #7

   redtree,

   I just went through this and was hot on the multi base router kits, but in the end the most important problem you need to consider is dust/chip collection. None of the multi base router kits do this. That said, there is nothing you can't do with a plunge router that can be done with any other type of router. I agree with FG that you should stay away from the low end HP routers. I think you should look at the 2HP plunge routers. I just bought the Bosch 1613AEVS because I liked th feel over the Dewalt 621. Either one is a great machine with excellent dust collection.

   Take a look at http://www.toolseeker.com

   TDF

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/28/2003 9:40:48 PM ET by Tom Ferreira

6. 
   BG | Mar 29, 2003 01:14pm | #8

   Redtree,

   One more thought.  I don't know anyone who uses a router and owns only one router.  It's certainly not required to have more than one but once you get into it you'll want to have another with different features or just so you don't have to change bits and loose settings.  Lastly, faceshield, hearing  protection and mask ...and if your going with a dust collection feature a small vac will do nicely too...   

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 29, 2003 10:31pm | #9

   That router dust-collection is the only thing that's kept my small indoor/outdoor vac from a trip to Goodwill!  It's the only tool that doesn't require mega-suction -- just that small little hose with a 2-inch nozzle on the end, tucked into the hole over the bit, and it works great!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

7. 
   stancalow | Mar 29, 2003 10:52pm | #10

   redtree

   when I went through this decision, I bought the small 7/8 hp Porter Cable and was immediately disappointed.  You need to use 1/2 inch shaft bits whenever possible.  I still use it, but bought the PC 693 kit, later.  It has both fixed and plunge base.  I have yet to use the plunge base after one year, so you really have to think about what you are going to do with your router.  I mounted it in a table and it has done everything I have asked, so no complaints. 

   Starting over, I would buy the Bosch kit with the variable speed and soft start. 

8. 
   Dad | Mar 29, 2003 11:37pm | #11

   Hi hope this helps. I have 10 routers and the best for price and all around is the 3 1/4 hp Fured plundge router. The reason I have 10 , I can put a but in each one and set the bit hight and don't have to change bit each time for set up. As you know we all like toys.   ...........David

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 30, 2003 04:52am | #13

   I have the big Freud plunge router also.  It was just too big for me to want to use it for everyday edge dressing and such, and I didn't really want to mount it in a table.  So, picked up the PC 690 for table work and a PC plunge router (used) for basic plunge work.  Almost put the Freud up for sale, but then figured that if I ever did want to run any big panel bits or similar, I'd rather not have to go out and get a new router for that work.

   What's been your experience looking for parts?  I finally learned just to email Freud when I needed something, because if I called the various tool stores and asked, I got this HUGE blank stare over the telephone.  forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 30, 2003 06:30am | #15

   Jamie

      Why did you decide not to mount the big Freud in a table? Was there a problem, or just a personal thing.

      BTW, I had my old 690 table mounted for awhile. As long as you don't need the horse it is a workhorse. Those PC's got longer spindle travel than any routers I've encountered. Don't usually have to worry about coming up short on height. The old PC had a knob release that was a pain. Also, it was a bear to adjust in the table, even when extrating the entire insert with it on it.

      Just curious about the Freud?

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 30, 2003 06:22pm | #16

   I just wasn't up for building a full-blown table and wasn't enchanted with the idea of mounting a big plunge router for everyday work.  At the time I was pondering the problem, I had an old and lightweight B&D router that fit OK in the little table that's mounted to the Jet saw.  The Freud wouldn't fit it.

   Ran across the PC plunge for sale used, and really liked it.  About the same time, PC had a rebate thing going where you could get the precision guide for free, so I picked up the fixed-base new.  The B&D and other old weanie routers went to Goodwill (all 3/4HP or less and not working well).

   Now, I have the Veritas tabletop, so I can mount anything I darn well choose without any hassle at all.  Just have to get it on the Jet and make a fence for it.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   hmthomas | Mar 31, 2003 04:31am | #17

   Sarge,

   Thought I'ld chime in here. I've had the Freud for about 5 years. Its been a workhorse. I use it in my table or handheld. Its a bit heavy but no big deal.  I've hogged out some heavy cuts with no complaints.  For the $$ it was a great value. Variable speed, electronic soft start, and enough power for the big panel raising bits.

   I have others but seem to grab the Freud first.

   I've been wondering how you like the sunhill jinter now that you've had time to test it?

   see ya, Hugh

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 31, 2003 06:46am | #18

   Hugh 

      I was curious to why FG didn't want to table mount it. I can see it would be a handful for her on free-routing. One of my routers is the Hitachi MV12 and it weights a ton. Tiring for free-hand if used a lot. I table mounted it. I have a DW 621 plunge and Bosch 1617EVS for those duties.

      I forgot she has a TS mount and the Freud won't work in it. I was just curious to see if there was problems with it she didn't originally mention. Obviously not.

      I love the Sunhill jointer. Excellent buy for a small amount of money. I did take the pulleys and machine balance them and added a different belt. Not that it needed it, but when you have a BIL that is a machinist at Delta Air Lines- why not. ha..ha..

   Have a good evening Hugh...

   sarge..jt

9. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 30, 2003 04:19am | #12

   redtree

      I agree with those that recommend a kit. I have the Bosch 1617 EVS individual router ( I have 5 different routers ). If I were just starting, the Bosch 1617EVS kit would be my choice for the first go. Get variable speed and handle a few to make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. Also, make sure you like where the controls are, especially the on-off switch being easy to get to.

      I have an old PC 690 fixed base. It's a good and time tested small hoss router. But the on-off switch is scary to turn off. I learned to turn it off with my nose. ha..ha.. That's how scary! 

   Good Luck...

   sarge..jt

10. 
    TomFerreira | Mar 30, 2003 05:24am | #14

    Got to use my new Bosch plunge router today for the first time and it is great. Like FG, I religated my old Sears shop vac to it with a new hose kit. The dust collection works wonderfully. I really like the soft start. This is the first router I have owned with soft start. It makes the process much more controlled. No more jerking when you start the router. The other feature that is really cool is the self releasing collet. no more banging the collet to get the bit out.

    TDF

11. 
    warrenspahr | Mar 31, 2003 01:37pm | #19

    For a router , bigger is better as it gives yiu the power to handle any bits. I agree with the 1/2" bits over the 1/4". Look at the Makita 3612. I have one that is 15 years old and has routed a lot of lumber. It is mounted in a router table where it spends 95% of its time. It is a plunge router. I don't know where the "you cant use a plunge router in a table" came from.   Good luck.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 31, 2003 07:19pm | #20

   I don't think anyone  has said you can't use a plunge router in a table.  Generally, they're reported to be awkward due to the plunge mechanism working against the user during height adjustment.  And, in my particular case, it simply wouldn't fit the small table I was using. 

   Once I get the Veritas table set up, the Freud will easily fit into it, and I'll just deal with any awkwardness presented by the plunge mechanism.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

   Edited 3/31/2003 12:23:07 PM ET by forestgirl

1. 
   garth | Apr 01, 2003 05:46am | #22

   If you are going to leave the Freud in the table you can remove the springs to make the adjustment easier.

   Scott T.

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 01, 2003 08:00am | #23

   Yep, I know.  Right now, it's hibernating in a cabinet.  Don't know when I'm likely to do any frame and panel stuff.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

12. 
    JamesC67 | Apr 01, 2003 03:46am | #21

    Redtree,

     I have a PC router and I also have an old Craftsman along with a Ryobi all range from 3/4 hp to 2hp but then not to long ago I was at one of those traveling tool sales and had a chance to pick up a 3 1/4 hp plunge router with 1/4" , 1/2" and 3/8" collets it also has a straight edge guide and a fine adjustment knob the best thing about it I got it all for under $50.00. The name of it was Woodworker now I know that it's not a brand name but for the life of me I can't see anything differant from my other routers. I figured that it must have to do with the brand name routers being heavier duty or somthing but apon further inspection even the motor brushes and the springs in the plunge portion of the router are bigger and heavier than the brand name ones. This thing is a real brute infact it has taken everything that I can throw at it including my big door sash making bits and its like it just keeps wanting more.  I don't know if a cheaper router is rite for anyone else but remember this it's not the router that does the work but the guy opperating them.

    Good Luck and happy routering

     Sincerely James Clark