elmiko

Howdy Folks...

I have been perusing the forums, looking for info to help me in my first purchase of a router. I'm sure many of you can understand where I now sit....a very confused customer! There are many many variables, and ideosyncrasies of particular tools, that are massing into a vat of router flotsam in my brain at present. I figure it is time to present my situation to the panel....

What I Will Be Using The Router For:

The primary use of this router will be to remove large amounts of Baltic Birch plywood, in many passes, to create a variety of slopes. These will be sanded down to create a variety in the surface, which will then be painted. The end result will be a painting that has a 3 dimensional aspect to it. I have already figured that I need a plunge router for the task at hand.

The way I see it, what I need is a router that can handle MUCHO GRANDE cutting...I will basically be carving with it. Hence, my first question:

Should I get a 2+, or a 3+, horsepower router?

I will be needing to adjust the cutting depth frequently to create the slopes, in essence will be creating a series of steps as I go from the deepest cut and work my way up to the panel's surface. So, question number two:

Any advice on routers that have exceptional depth control as evidenced by numerous "depth stops?"

I will be frequently working with large panels...sometimes 4 x 8 in dimension...and will also be routing straight lines, in parallel, one after the other. I expect I would be following a straight edge of some kind to maintain the perfect line, and I am hoping that someone has an alternative to having to measure and clamp the straight edge for every new swipe of the router. Question #3:

Are there any products designed to be used with routers that will provide a more "automatic" way of accurately moving and clamping my straight edge?

Thats alot of questions for one post, so I guess I'll stop right here. Feel free to chime in with any testimonials regarding personal favorites for freehand routers if the thought strikes ya.

Thanks for your help!

Mike