Pop_pop1

That's a real good example of how it should be done Ed. I hope those who need a little help deciding which router to buy will take the time to read your post.

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fibertech

What a great way to find the best gift available. The router can be the most used tool in the shop. I never knew this until seeing Bob and Rick's show. When you do give the gift, mention Router Workshop and especially this site. The knowledge here is second to none.

Hickory

No one can say you didnt do your homework on this one. Congrads on the new router.
What i get out of this post is how hard it is to vote for a router for somebody else//We all look and feel for something a bit different.
I have 4 routers and while the one i have in the table does a good job, i wouldnt want to use it handheld..Its heavey and clumsy feeling.
I also have a 694 PC and 690 with a D handle.thats is ok to use handheld but i prefer using the bosch. I have all the Dust collection for it and template bushings. Also edge guide that can be used as a circle guide.
So i have no excuse for not having the right router to do the job.

Good quaility Bits are very important. Why spend Big $$$ on a quailty router and put cheap bits in it..waste of money and i think it just puts more stress on the tool.
I spend the extra money and buy Freud , FS tool or Dimar

Hickory

Hamlin

Shame this isn't a "sticky" post yet. Always enjoy reading how others based their decisions on "what" and "why" to buy.

Ken

template tom

[b]Plunge or Fixed Base:[/B]

A router is basically, a high-speed motor fitted with a chuck for holding a cutting bit securely in position. The ‘Housing’ surrounding the motor and cutter, support the router and the accessories that can be fitted to it

Making the decision to buy:
Before purchasing a router speak to someone that can advise you on how the router functions, and how the various accessories that are available will increase your routers’ potential.

Reason for the router we have today;
(1) A friend recommended the brand name and model.
(2) There was a ‘Special’ on at the time.
(3) Observed an interesting article in a magazine, that looked easy to make, which required the use of a router.
(4) It was given as a present on retirement, on your Birthday, at Christmas or handed down from family or friend
(5) I was told the large router would be too heavy
(6) I always purchase the same brand of Tool.

When selecting a router some users select the same brand of tools they have been using for years, because of the success they have had with such tools; Jigsaw / power saw / planer etc.

'What I look for’ when selecting a router.

Circular Base:
Select a router with a Circular Base. Circular based routers will provide greater support when routing the edge of the projects. The base of the router can also be used as a template guide.

Template Guides.
The router should have the ability of attaching ‘Template Guides’ to the base of the router. . Some guides are screwed in position others are attached by means of a Bayonet fitting.

40mm Template Guide:.(

It is important, the router should be capable of accepting a wide range of template guides.
Details provided are ‘What I look for’ when I wish to purchase a new router. The information supplied may be of some guidance to those contemplating purchasing a router

Router Table The router should be easily adjusted for height when fitted to the router table. If your choice of router is to be placed in the router table exclusively then it is strongly recommended that the Triton Router should be the considered for this purpose

The position of the on/off switch The switch should be located in a convenient position with easy access when holding the router with the handles/knobs.*
Note; Some on/off switches also have a safety button incorporated in the switching on/off mechanism. Special arrangements must be made to hold the switch in the “ON” position when the router is being used in the ‘Below Bench Position’.

Router Base Opening:The size of the opening on the base is important. Too small will restrict the size of the largest cutter that can be used. Too large* will reduce the support to the router especially at the beginning and the end of the router cut. The opening should be large enough to fit a 40mm Template guide to the base. There should also be a clear view of the cutter during the process.

Position of the Locking Lever:The locking lever should be easily accessible, without having to remove your hand from the handle to lock and unlock the router carriage. This locking action will hold the cutter at a selected depth with the aid of the ‘Turret’. (When the router is used in the ‘plunge mode’ the locking lever is not required to be locked)


It is important to realize, the large router will produce most of the smaller projects. The small router will be limited to small projects.

Three Way Turret: The turret stop has been designed to rotate, to allow the operator to control the depth of each cut in stages. Routers with a six way turret are now available to allow the operator to rout each cut in a greater number of stages. If your router has a three way turret it is strongly recommended that the two longer screws are reduced in length to leave a difference in height of 3-6mm.

Variable Speed Routers: Since the introduction of variable speed routers has added greater safety awareness enabling the reduction in speed when large cutters are used, or when other materials are required to be cut such as plastic or aluminium. These routers usually have a ‘Soft’ start and a ‘Braking’ system incorporated.

Dust Extraction: Consideration may be given to what type of dust extraction system is incorporated in the router. Some routers have a system where the dust is extracted through one of the router columns and others are attached to the base with the aid of two screws. The shape of the base may be altered to accommodate the system through the column.

I have still to find the router that has all I want
Tom