I would not base my router purchase decision upon onboard dust collection. Here is my reasoning: If you are table mounted (most of the time?) this feature is N/A; If you are free hand routing the hose is small enough that it almost HAS to clog on a regular basis, added to the fact you will be dragging a hose over your project.(As if the power cord wasn't bad enough) There are work arounds available that eliminate the need for an onboard dust collection system, and to me they make more sense. You can purchase these items or build your own versions for a fraction of the cost. A simple table top dust collector that is designed into a portable tool tray and uses a 2-1/2" vacuum hose. (Not as likely to clog as a 1-1/2" hose) A floor sweep attachment can be set on your work surface to catch debris. A down draft sanding table hooked to a dust collection line will catch most all the fine dust generated by sanding and/or routing and it is a simple truth that no matter how you try and collect the swarf you will be sweeping anyways. Granted I have never tried using the $300 Fein system so maybe it works? I feel that the benefits of onboard dust collection for a router being used freehand are minimal at best. Just my opinion.
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Mike |