Replies

1. 
   RW | Nov 08, 2002 01:51am | #1

   PC 7518 3 1/4 hp has my vote

   cheap router tables aren't worth much when it comes to using them

   Building your own is a satisfying project, saves dough, works as well as the $500 models

   Search recent threads for lots more.

   "You're all entitled to my opinion" - me in a past life.

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 08, 2002 05:19am | #2

   Nick

      I use the Bosch 1617 EVS on my table. I do agree with RW that the 3 HP plus would be better if you're going both ways with it (table and free-hand). I have a bigger PC plunge.

      I definitely agree with RW on building your own. You can put any feature on it, where you want it. Buying the table you have whatever the manufacturers decided was best for you. At there price, I may add. Ha..

      I built and designed my own table, split fence and router cabinet for about $90. Less than most tables. Would I do it different if I had to make the decision again. If you can direct me to a store-bought set-up better than mine for around $100. I'll let you have a look and see if you can answer for me.. BTW, I like color in my life..he...

   Good luck Nick..

   sarge..jt

   
1. 
   RW | Nov 08, 2002 05:36am | #3

   Yours is way purtier. Darn it.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 08, 2002 07:14am | #4

   RW

      Ha... I got a feelin' yours is probaly just scuffed from a lot more use. I like to paint to relieve frustration. Got a teen-age son and that gets a lot of painting done. Ha...

      Plenty of paint on hand. Maybe I'll drop by your shop sometime and brighten things up a little. <>Grin...

   sarge..jt

3. 
   Lar55 | Nov 08, 2002 09:09am | #5

   Nick,

   I was told by good sources that Milwaukee is coming out with a new 3.5 hp router next week.  Price should be the same or a little lower than the PC 3.25 hp.  I would think either one would be a good choice with plenty of power.  I'm getting more into handplanes so I can't comment from experience on any of the 3+ hp routers.

   Good Luck with whichever you chose.

   Lar

4. 
   user-135888 | Nov 08, 2002 09:36am | #6

   Hi

   Heres my table, it's the best I can do. Very functional and since it's an incra you can do dados like a table saw(great for small projects), It stays parallel, and it's a twin linear. As far as the  plate it's a presion router lift, It's also is too accurate. I did good, and enjoy using it.

   john g 

   
   

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   Edited 11/8/2002 1:40:30 AM ET by john

   
5. 
   scooter1 | Nov 08, 2002 07:37pm | #7

   I have a bulldog router table installed as an extension wing to my Unisaw. This is a great router table with all the bells and whistles, includes miter slots, t slots, t slots on the fence for holdowns, and a dust exhaust. It holds a 3HP Porter Cable router nicely.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927

6. 
   vacabby | Nov 09, 2002 04:15am | #8

   I use a Dewalt 625 and it works great in a table.   The plunge springs are easily removed for under table mounting and the optional fine adjustment knob does the trick.   I use small (laminate) trimmers alot in my shop.   They are small, easy to handle and great for edging and smaller bits.   Those big horse routers are only needed when you are turning big bits for making panels or moldings.   I also have a mid-sized 2hp D-handled router for those jobs requiring a bit more muscle while free handing.

   Research can drive you nuts but I have never felt it to be wasted time.

7. 
   Davie | Nov 09, 2002 05:28pm | #9

   Nick,

   If you are looking for a really useable router table look at the RBI Industries Hawk RouterShop.  This table alows tipping the router up at different angles up to 90 degrees.  Look at http://www.rbiwoodtools.com  Being able to bring your router up to 90 degrees allows routing while putting pressure down on your router rather than having to hold thing against a fence.  Also has instructions for doing mortise and tennon joinery.

   Dave