Replies

1. 
   webby | Dec 01, 2005 05:54pm | #1

   Hi lmontgo,

   This discussion comes up frequently on the site. You can do a search for past discussions.

   I would recommend to start, a two base kit giving you a standard or two knob base and a plunge base. Kits give you the most flexibility for your dollar, for example you can use the plunge base for freehand work and mount the regular base in a table.

   My personnal preference is for the PC routers. I have a Dewalt 2 hp plunge which is a very nice machine but I prefer my PC'S. Some of the reasons why are the interchangeable bases, and the generally recognized fact that the pc''s design has been copied somewhat by the other manufacturers which is kind of a testament to their longevity and simplicity of design. The 690 PC's are now 1.75 H.P. The PC 890 series is 2.25 H.P. The 890's seem kind of heavy for me.

   Makita and bosch also make a very nice two base set, and the new dewalt sets are nice also.

   It used to be that portercable was about the only manufacturer to offer different bases for the same motor, which is why I bought PC long ago. I personnaly like a dhandle base for much of the work I do in a non plunging operation. I think it gives me more control. Also I think the d-handle base is safer than a two knob base as the d-handle has a trigger switch. I do however wish that the 690 plunge base had a real fine adjust mechanism to it rather than a printed ruler scale adhered to the base.

   To me, variable speed is a must, not necessarily for the variable speed in every situation but for the soft start feature, if you use a soft start router compared to a non soft start I think you would agree.

   Also PC offers  very nice fine adjust edge guides at a very reasonable cost to fit their routers. I think good edge guides are also available for other brand routers from aftermarket companies but it seems that the cost was very high. If you pair a plunge router with a good edge guide and a spiral bit you can make mortises for tennoning as well as other operations like stopped dados and rabbets etc.

   To sum up I think most major manufacturers offerings are comperable, Bosch, Makita, Hitachi, Portercable, and dewalt-which by the way is the only maker to offer all three bases in a kit plunge, d-handle and two knob type bases. Try to look at and  compare as many different kits as you can before you buy. I like to use the amazon ratings as a sort of giudeline.

   Hope this helps.

   Webby

   
   

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   Edited 12/1/2005 9:58 am ET by webby

1. 
   Ricks503 | Dec 01, 2005 10:20pm | #4

   another note is that PC has been accepted as the standard for so long that things like aftermarket fences, guides and such were made for them more widely and are still sold as PC style or some such and can be found at better prices sometimes.

   I personally have a makita RF1101 2 base unit, it is a nice set, but if I had it do over, I would go with PC - easier to buy other bases (I cannot find a D handle base easily and when found they are way too pricey).1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

1. 
   webby | Dec 01, 2005 11:07pm | #5

   Yeah, the pc d-handle base is pricey too, but I took advantage of the deal where if you bought the two base kit you could send in for the d base for free.

   It was a good deal!

    

   How does that makita kit work? It looks like a really nice machine.

   Edited 12/1/2005 3:09 pm ET by webby

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 01, 2005 08:17pm | #2

   A couple of things here:  (1) why are you only considering the PC and the DeWalt?  and (2) BarryO just reported this (click) about the PC890 series.  You might want to check into that before taking the plunge (so to speak).

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   Knotscott | Dec 01, 2005 08:56pm | #3

   Ask 5 people and you're likely to get 6 opinoins.  Both are well respected.  Pick the one you like best and live happily ever after. :-)

4. 
   Routerman | Dec 02, 2005 06:46am | #6

   A big deal, every body's got at least one. PC has > a dozen, DW at least 5.

   Lots of power & application sensitivites. Maybe check this selection link for some general insight?

5. 
   Steve50 | Dec 03, 2005 06:03pm | #7

   I don't think anyone can honestly answer which brand is "best".  There are a number of quality machines out there and I believe that both the Dewalt & PC fall into that category.  Over the past 25 years I have owned 10 different routers (fixed base, plunge, & combo kits) with the brands Craftsman, Makita, PC, Hitachi, Bosch, and Festool.  I hated the Craftsman and Makita routers and sold them.  Hitachi is OK but, very limited on accessories available.  PC is good but, I like the Bosch and Festools better (they have better ergonomics - IMO).  I would advise staying away from the combo kits - on the surface it sounds like a great idea but the PC 690 combo kit plunge base is horrible (sold the plunge base on ebay).  I don't have any first hand experience with other combo kits but am leary of them - anytime you have multi-function, there will be compromises somewhere. 

   For a first general purpose router I would recommend a name brand plunge router in the vicinity of about 2 HP.  I would advise that it is able to accept the standard PC guide bushings and also address dust collection.  Check out various brands and purchase what feels best in your hands with controls that are easily accessible.  Hope this helps.

   Steve

1. 
   Knotscott | Dec 03, 2005 07:03pm | #8

   Well said Steve....I don't believe there is a single "best" machine. Most of the Craftsman routers are made by Ryobi, but they offer one 2-1/4hp model that's made by Bosch and is identical to the 1617...I wouldn't want to rule that one out if the price and circumstances are right.

2. 
   lmontgo | Dec 04, 2005 02:36pm | #9

   thank you for the info.