There's really no doubt about it -- "scrap the crap" and "go good".
I've been seeing some Porter Cable 690 router combination kits at local Sam's Clubs for $189. (That's the motor, fixed base and plunge base set.) Those are still available at many Home Depot's as well (for a bit more).
Rockler's has been running some sales lately and has been having some reasonably good prices on the newer 890 router combination sets.
Regardless of which top brand router you do get, just be sure to go with a good one -- it's just "so worth it". Especially with what it probably the most useful of all power tools. |