Replies

1. 
   VomSorb | Feb 11, 2005 10:24pm | #1

   In a production environment, routers are considered disposable tools.  A lot of businesses buy in the middle range, like the Hitachi you mentioned, and chunk it when the motor burns up or something else gives way.  In other words, guys don't sit around crying about a dead router with jobs backing up all the while.  I've consulted with a few companies in my finance days that would keep in inventory of six to twelve new routers to use when one burned up.  Can't remember, but they probably got a little volume discount from the distributor.  At any rate, they didn't sit around diagnosing router malfunctions.  Time was WAY more valuable than a router.

   If you truly have production concerns I'd buy the Hitachi and get to work.

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 2/11/2005 2:26 pm ET by cstan

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Feb 11, 2005 10:30pm | #3

   think there's an echo in here, Chas.eddie

2. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Feb 11, 2005 10:26pm | #2

   We use either the Hitachi M12 or a Makita 3612 as a standard industry router over here, tf. Anything else is just icing on the cake - I've used a festool router and it's better than the Mak, but not worth the price difference in my opinion.

   Cheers,

   eddie

3. 
   AlanMikkelsen | Feb 11, 2005 10:30pm | #4

   My smaller routers are PC's, but my main router is the big Milwaukee, I don't think it can be beat.

   Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934,  Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT

4. 
   Routerman | Feb 12, 2005 12:28am | #5

   See the Selection Link for some perspective.

   At the least it should clarify the 3 HP plunge vs Fixed base issue.

5. 
   JMartinsky | Feb 12, 2005 05:56am | #6

   I have a PC 3 1/4. If i ever need an outboard motor with a cord it will be my first choice. I have several PC and Bosch routers and I have to say that I prefer the Bosch routers. Better ergonomics, more refined, just a better tool.

   Good Luck!

   John

6. 
   dondownunder | Feb 12, 2005 08:34am | #7

   As eddie said most are using either the Hitachi or Maks here but a few full on production shops are also using Scheer single or 3 phase machines.  These are true production routers that are expected to run for hours each day. They have remarkably quiet motors & tons of grunt. 

1. 
   Toolfreak | Feb 13, 2005 08:02pm | #8

   Does the Hitachi have the electronic feedback feature?  In other words, does it respond automatically if the motor gets bogged down?

    

1. 
   dondownunder | Feb 14, 2005 11:37pm | #9

   Toolfreak

   I assume all electronic speed controlled routers in this price range have feedback, but I can't confirm as I don't have a variable speed router, mine is an old single speed. 

   Don 

7. 
   TomFerreira | Feb 15, 2005 01:14am | #10

   Toolfreak,

   What are you going to use it for? This really has a lot to do with what to buy and how big. If it's going to be stationary, mounted in a table, then I would suggest the PC 7518. On the other hand, If your going to use it for dovetailing or rabits, I would get a mid-sized 2hp.

   TDF