Replies

1. 
   BG | Jan 24, 2007 02:07pm | #1

   dlspeak,
   I just went through this process (ie. 'the best router configuration')over the past couple of years and was highly influenced by the folks here and "the router guys" on http://www.thewoodworkingchannel.com

   A couple of years ago, after building Norm's router cabinet, I installed my Dewalt 621 (2hp)in the router table and flipped it out when needed in handheld mode. It worked reasonable well except the height adjustment, when in router table mode, took a while to set and I needed to buy an offset wrench to remove bits easily. The bigger issue was the plunge would not work with the height adjustment adapter in place and swapping them out was a real pain. Lastly, the 621 is smallish for the router table but great in handheld mode..so I wanted a solution that was a better fit to the needs.

   Many here have installed the big PC(7518?) in their router tables and appear to be quite pleased. However, many have also installed a lift mechanism with that router to facilitate height adjustment and bit changing. It's a great setup but a bit expensive for my needs.
   If you install a smaller router that has two bases I doubt the lift mechanism would work; without a lift mechanism I'm not sure how convenient the height adjustment mechanism is.

   I've been impressed with the 'router guys' and how they take the whole router with router table plate attached and use it that way in handheld mode....might be the best solution.

   Recently I bought the Triton 3.25 router and installed it in the router table (Woodcraft was least expensive). So far it is working well and very convenient. Except that it's rather large, I could easily work this in either mode (handheld or table mount)without any modifications to the router and have full capabilities available.

   Good luck with your decision.

2. 
   groucho | Jan 24, 2007 02:42pm | #2

   DL

   I've had the same Freud plunge router for 10 years. Primarily dedicated to my router table. Reasonable price; great performance, adequate power, no problems.

   Not the fanciest out there, but a proven workhorse. Take a look at the Freud site. I'm just a hobbyist woodworker and have no loyalty to Freud. Just a satisfied customer.

   Good Luck

3. 
   [email protected] | Jan 25, 2007 05:42am | #3

   I run a herd of Porter Cable routers, and because of the number of jigs, fixtures, and spare parts I have, I haven't considered changing to any other brand.  I've got  a couple of 890s and will probably buy another shortly, (tax return time).

   The 890 is a good midsized table router that is still useable outside the table.   It is a modernization of the 690 series, which has been one of the industry standards at 1-1/2 horse for decades.  The 890 comes in several kit formats:  The 893 kit is a fixed and plunge base; The 894 is the plunge base, the fixed base, and dust collection grip handle for the fixed base; the 895 kit includes the plunge base, the fixed base, and the adjuster for use in a table.  It provides for above the table one wrench bit changes. 

   The 7518, has been the standard against which most others have been compared for table use for years.  But hasn't really been updated in years, and is showing it's age.  It is big heavy and durable, and with an aftermarket lift is as good as anything out there for use in the table, but the big and heavy work against it outside of the table. 

4. 
   Routerman | Jan 25, 2007 06:45am | #4

   Lots of choices.