Replies

1. 
   BG | Nov 28, 2002 01:53pm | #1

   Framer,

   I bought the Dewalt 1 3/4 horse a couple of years ago and have not been disappointed.  It's got plenty of power and the depth of cut is easy to set. The soft start feature is nice and, when I use it, the dust removal features do work....  Compared with my old Black & Decker bits are easy to change (only one wrench neded), but they are really still a pain especially because you cant stand the Dewalt on its head. In that bit catagory, dovetail bits are, with the collars, just damn tough to do with a plunge router.  Lastly, I like the quasi-rectangular base.  The base seems to make it a tiny bit easier when used up against a fense to avoid comming off line.

   Probably all of the above features can be found in all the top line plunge routers.  If I were buying new today I might consider the two base models because the the collar issues with plunge routers.  These routers pretty much use all the available power a 110volt line can provide...so that may be another issue for you to consider.  good luck  

2. 
   RW | Nov 28, 2002 05:35pm | #2

   To some extent what you're going to do with it can make a big difference. If you're planning on spinning large bits like panel raisers you need to go with the horses that can accomplish that, but if that's not in your future, there's really no sense in driving the SUV on Sunday to the supermarket, if you get my drift. The weight of them makes them joyful in some applications and unweildy in others. And of course they're more money. If you're looking for mid-range, the PC is a decent choice. I know they also make a 2HP but not sure if it comes in plunge. When the PC combo set came out and had the older style switches on it, the motors were rated at 1 1/2hp and my biggest gripe with the plunge mechanism was it didn't lock adequately without some brute force assistance from the user, which got worse with time. I'd also take a look at Bosch if I was in the market. I have yet to be disappointed with their wares. Best thing to satisfy the personal preference is to get where you can put one in your paws and feel the grips, see where the cord is and whether or not its in your way, how easy the switch and the locking mechanism are to get at while your hands are on the router.

1. 
   LeeEschen | Nov 29, 2002 10:23am | #3

   I've had a Bosch 1613EVS (2-1/4HP) for about 9 years now and have been very pleased with it. I particularly like the extremely secure depth lock. It has never slipped on me.

   The router does all I have asked of it, but I do not spin any humongous bits with it. I use vertical panel raiser bits with the router horizontal in a shopmade fixture. I plan on a Sunhill 3HP shaper in the next year or so for the bigger jobs as I hope to build more exterior doors in the future.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   On the Redwood Highway

3. 
   user-135888 | Nov 30, 2002 11:48am | #4

   Hi

   I also have a 1316 and I've abused it for a long time, raised panels all the time. I actually had to replace the trigger switch. the new version has a bigger opening to accept larger bits I made a clearance shoe to get big bits in because it was my first real router and it had to do it all for a long it as in hand hald and under table work. I haven't used a hitachi but they have a light weight 3 1/4 hp for $200. 

   john g 

1. 
   sailalex | Dec 02, 2002 03:55pm | #6

   Ditto on the Bosch; I purchased the 2hp kit that has 2 bases ( plunge and fixed) and while a light user it has been good.

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 30, 2002 06:58pm | #5

   I'm not sure if model changes are in the near future, or if there's a lot of competition, but you can get a very good price on a Bosch or Freud right now, less than $200 at the big box stores.

   Jeff

5. 
   user-212595 | Dec 02, 2002 10:48pm | #7

   I just picked up the new Dewalt 2 1/4 hp kit, its great.  I did a lot of reading on this prior to my purchase and at one point was considering a 3hp plunge router, but was always torn between the flexibility a kit offered in going from plunge to table and bakc with relative ease.  Many of the reviews knocked the kits as being compromises, which they are to some extent, due to the lack of a good plunge mechanism, slop, stiffness, etc.  I have always loved Dewalts plunge mechanism, and their new kit retains most of the action of their dedicated plunge routers, 621, etc.  And at 2 1/4 hp, soft start, and variable speed, its all I will need for quite a while.