Replies

1. 
   DeskJockey | Jun 13, 2003 09:44pm | #1

   I have the Bosch 2hp plunge router and it is a great machine.  Has all the things you are looking for.  The only downsides are 1.) the plunge spring is very strong which means it is very difficult to use in a router table (you cannot disengage it) and 2.) the housing and handles of the router are plastic which has started to come apart on mine right at the joint between the body and the handles.  Its only 2 years old, so I am concerned that this could become a problem.   Other than that, I would highly recommend it.  It is very accurate, the micro adjust is very nice and easy to use, the soft start is great, has plenty of power (however if you are going to use the huge panel shaping bits you should go with a 3hp) and I use the different speeds all the time.  It has also won "best in show" in every woodworkers magazine who has done a test of mid-sized plunge routers.  Pretty good recommendation.  Good Luck.

1. 
   BertJ | Jun 13, 2003 09:58pm | #2

   Thanks Jon. I bench-tested the Bosch and liked its feel and handling. Looks like a good choice.

   BJ

1. 
   jimmyk | Jun 13, 2003 10:13pm | #3

   You should put the one with the more power in the router table. That being said, jon said his was very difficult to operate in the table and his is falling apart after only 2 years. Call me crazy, but I don't think that's "a good choice" as you've seen it.

2. 
   scattergun | Jun 16, 2003 07:15am | #10

   I keep a huge Swiss Army knife framed on my shop wall to remind me every time I plan to use a tool for several jobs: Just buy the tool you need. (If you can.) I was never poor enough to justify the endless bucks I've wasted trying to stretch my tools.I get invlolved in the challenge of it and only later remember who the dummy will be that has to use this home made Swiss army knife.

   I keep a big 3 1/4 horse PC router in a table that it never leaves: I use their Eliminator chuck and raise and lower witha $5 scissor jack. Everything else gets the 2HP PC which fit my hands like old gloves the first time I picked it up. More tools! More tools! More tools!

2. 
   stancalow | Jun 13, 2003 10:52pm | #4

   Bert

   Same router, same problem, same choice.  Everyone needs at least two routers anyway.

   Stan

3. 
   HeidiDad | Jun 14, 2003 12:18am | #5

   Throw in another $25 and get a whole new PC router.  Now, you not only have an extra motor, but another set of collets AND another base that you can mount on something else for more flexability.  I have several bases that I put my two motors in for special applications.   That's the nice thing about the PorterCable design, the motors can be switched around real easy.  I can take mine out of the table, replace bits and stick it back in faster than it takes to get the next soda. (well almost).   PC also has a new cam clamp that looks faster than the thumb nut clamp.

    I use candle wax to lube the motor sides to prevent galling the aluminum.  Most any wax will work.   ( I realize you did not ask about galling the motor or base, I just anticipated the "what about galling with all that running in and out" question that someone will raise.)

4. 
   robkress | Jun 14, 2003 01:07am | #6

   I'm not exactly sure what your need is (maybe I didn't read clearly), but since you are already set up with PC and need more routers or motors..... I can highly recommend the Makita mid size router system.  It is not perfect but has these very nice advantages...

   Interchangeability with PC  parts like collets, guide fences, and accessories

   GREAT motor

   quiet

   soft start

   generally well built

   variable speed

   definitely powerful enough for hand work and table work (NOT raised panel work in 2 passes.... more like 5 or so)

   And there are other great things but here are some of the bad as well......

   lousy handles (cheap turned wood... for the money you would think they could do a little better)

   lousy collet wrenches and no motor shaft lock (ok... give me a shaft lock or give me some good wrenches)

   the micro adjustment screw works well on the plunge base but is not smooth (again, for the money I think they could have spent a little more resource on this feature)

   the high adjustment in the fixed and D-handle base is very loose (you know... the motor twist thing).  Check out the new Dewalt if you want to see it done right.

   Top heavy

   Ok, I guess that's about it.  I have stated a lot of things that I don't like about the router system but please keep in mind that I love this makita router.  I'm just being picky I think.  Overall, on the things that really matter (the motor), Makita really got it right.

   I too looked at the Bosch.  It is also a very nice router system.  But, I own some other Bosch tools and find that their motors are not as good as makita.  It was a close race though.  If I were looking now, I would strongly consider the Dewalt system even though I really don't like their tools at all.  But you need to stay compatible with PC and for that, the Makita is a great choice.

   Rob Kress

1. 
   Robbie | Jun 14, 2003 01:38pm | #7

   Maybe overkill, but Rockler has the PC 7518 on sale for $269 for Father's day.

   Can't beat that deal or that router for the table.

   BW

5. 
   mbiker1999 | Jun 14, 2003 04:09pm | #8

   I've been looking at a router upgrade as well.  I've been using an old Rockwell 6.5 amp that was my fathers.  God knows how old that thing is.  It's ok for freehand routing but I've outgrown it for the things I want to do in a router table.  I've been looking at the Bosch I'VE combo pack.  It includes a plunge and fixed base, 1/2 and 1/4 collets, (gonna love the 1/2 in collet), an edge guide and templet guide.  Tool King is selling it for $215.  That's about the best deal I've been able to find.  Seems like if your going to spend around $200 anyway, you might as well get the most for your money!  Oh, it's also variable speed.

   Does anyone have this combo?  I know it's got great reviews in the mags.

   Bert, good luck with your search!

1. 
   wrick2003 | Jun 14, 2003 11:40pm | #9

   my opinion is to have more routers than any sane woodworker would ever possibly need. some lines for the DW:

   "But that router is dedicated to that roundover bit."

   "Oh I needed that router for working with oak."

   "I really needed to get that new router so I could have a matching pair."  (a shoe reference)

   good luck     rg

6. 
   Telemike | Jun 16, 2003 08:51am | #11

   I just bought the Triton router to replace a 35 yr old 1 hp craftsman in the wing of my table saw.  I bought it because it has knob controlled bit height adjustment (coarse AND fine) and I can change the bit above the table.  So far, it's worked out great.  I don't ever expect to remove it and use it as a plunge router because I now have four routers of various vintages.

   Buy the triton, or wait a while until the other firms come out with table-friendly routers like the triton.  If they don't, they're asleep at the wheel!

1. 
   BertJ | Jun 16, 2003 06:05pm | #12

   Big lightning storm Friday night took me offline until this morning. Thanks, all, for your kind advice. I ordered the Bosch combo set with all the trimmings from Amazon ($225). I don't expect to do any panel routing in the near future, but as Jon says, you can never have too many tools! (I also have the PC trim router.) As for the suggestion that I buy a second PC combo set, remember I don't like the PC plunge base. So for now I will settle for the Bosch plunge and have a spare Bosch fixed base. If I have the need for a larger machine for my router table, I will check back for current advice on the 3 1/2 HP monsters.

   Thanks again.

   BJ