Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Sep 07, 2005 06:36pm | #1

   gasman

   I guess the best place to start is "What do you intend to use it for? Freehand routing for edge treatments? Plunge routing for mortises? In a router table for who-knows-what?

   I have:

   Porter Cable 100-M, fixed base, 1/4" collet, that is close to 50 years old. Never a problem and it is a breeze to use freehand for light edge roundovers..

   Porter Cable Laminate trimmer; Good but visibility of the cut is limited; Depth adjustment VG. Great for hinge mortises.

   Bosch 1613 EVS Plunge Router that I use for cutting mortises, 1/2" collet. An excellent machine. I'm sold on this method and this machine but dust collection would be nice.

   Bosch 7518 with interchangeable 1/4" & 1/2" collets, fixed base and mounted in a Woodpeckers router lift for my router table. Great performance of the combo. Can handle larger bits for door panels etc.

   I wouldn't want to part with any of them. Your challenge is - "What is your top priority NOW?" I've collected these over many years. Good luck on your choice.

2. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 08, 2005 04:29am | #2

   From my reading around here, I would say PC still leads the router parade, with Bosch not far behind.

   I would suggest that you look at the model of your choice from either brand, and then compare it (features, how it fits your hands) with other models you are interested in -- like the Dewalt.

   The only appreciable number of negative comments seem mostly to come from Craftsman and Ryobi users; You'd probably be happy with any brand that had the features you like and felt good in your hands.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Routerman | Sep 08, 2005 03:57pm | #3

   618PK, not a bad choice.