Register Now!

**bobj3** · 08-25-2007, 08:52 PM

Hi Cman

Plastic supply company in your town,, most have cut offs cheap...

The Bosch T101A blade is a great blade but not for plastic, it cuts to wide of a slot.plus it's hard to keep it on the track of the cir.line...I know you will think I'm nuts but if all you have is a jig saw use a metal blade in your jig saw....but b/4 you use it get a cup of water and take the blade to the grinding wheel and take alot of the back side of the blade off so it can turn on a dime...get one or two of the cheap blades to rework them...but you must keep the blade cool to the touch..

ABS below and other types

http://www.routerforums.com/attachme...-more-6981.jpg
http://www.routerforums.com/attachme...-more-6965.jpg
http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fix...ates-more.html

CraftsMan router with new ABS base plate,this one is a old mouse pad I had in the computer room..

about 8" in dia.

http://www.routerforums.com/attachme...thers-7139.jpg

Just a tip how to remove the back side of the metal blade and keep it cool ,two hardwood blocks, use a pair of vise grips, soke the wood and then grind away, put it back in the water from time to time,,to keep it cool...the wood will act like a heat sink....

=============

Quote:

Originally Posted by CManinLa

Thanks Bob. I bought a Bosch T101A blade which is supposed to be good for plexiglass. Where can I buy ABS? I searched the Depot & Lowes & don't get a hit on ABS. Is it know by another name?

bsee · 09-30-2007, 01:11 AM

What about the new "professional" version at 12.5 amps and 2.25 hp? It has the same speed ratings of 12K - 25K. What I wonder is if 12K is slow enough for a low speed where some others in this class go as slow as 8K. Maybe it doesn't matter because you shouldn't really be throwing 3+" bits around with only 2.25 hp?

**challagan** · 09-30-2007, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsee

What about the new "professional" version at 12.5 amps and 2.25 hp? It has the same speed ratings of 12K - 25K. What I wonder is if 12K is slow enough for a low speed where some others in this class go as slow as 8K. Maybe it doesn't matter because you shouldn't really be throwing 3+" bits around with only 2.25 hp?

It's basically the same design router I think. The combo is a better value with the fixed and plunge base I think. Your right, on a regular basis you shouldn't be slinging those big bits like that.

Oh.. and welcome to the forums Bsee! Glad to have you here!

Corey

**bobj3** · 09-30-2007, 02:06 AM

Hi Guys

I'm not to sure what came 1st. the 3 1/2" bits or the 3 1/4HP routers to turn them.
I think it was the bits

maybe 3"

I have used a 1 1/2 HP/1 3/4HP PC routers to spin them for a long time...it just can't do the job in one pass like the 3 1/4HP can do...

Most of the new routers come with a speed control built in and you can't use the after market router speed control on them ,12,ooo rpm is a bit fast but if you have the guts well..just a note about speed of a router(s), I have a RPM tack and I do check the speed of the routers from time to time and most turn less than what it's marked on the router..( speed control )

Talking about speed most drill press tools turn less than what they are marked as well...off by 15 to 20% then norm...(lower than taged )

==========

bsee · 09-30-2007, 03:18 AM

Thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking a while. I've had my heart mostly set on the DeWalt three base kit and have just been waiting for a good sale to come around, like the $50 rebate. I almost picked up the Craftsman 26620 two base kit on closeout and I have been looking at the new "Pro" kit as well. I can't say that the D-handle feels as comfy as the DeWalt version and the cord was kind of tight, but it looks like a good value. I will look at the tools more closely again in the next day or two and maybe make a decision. If the D-handle doesn't feel good in the hand, the kit is a waste of money.

My suspicion is that these new motors don't have the torque to run well at 8K for whatever reason. Maybe the old ones weren't so effective at that speed either so they just tweaked it, I don't know.

**challagan** · 09-30-2007, 10:12 AM

BJ I too have used 1 1/2 HP router to swing some big bits and they were 1/4 shanks. I made some cabinet doors for a hutch I made sometime ago. No panel raising but rail and stiles... but it scared the yoohoo out of me

but I got it done.

Bsee- I have the Dewalt DW 618 router. I really like it and have been able to compare it to the Craftsman. The Dewalt due to it's low center of gravity is the most compact and comfortable router I have used. I really like it but I do not have the D-handle. Just the fixed and plunge bases. I also like how the cord attaches and detatches on the Dewalt. The new Craftsman does not have the low center of gravity but is lighter and I also noticed that it has the smoothest plunge of any of my routers. The Cman has a good DC chute with it like the Dewalt and the Craftsman has a neat feature with the LED work lights and they work!

If you really like the Dewalt and you can swing it I would opt for it and you can always get the Craftsman as a back up later. I have found with my operations that have several routers available really helps in set up etc. when you only have so much time and I have different routers set up with different base plates to allow specific jobs.

Good luck!

Corey

bsee · 10-01-2007, 12:16 AM

You guys talk about spinning big bits with little routers, and that's just fine. The issue isn't bit size versus hp. The issues are bit size versus speed and amount of wood you're trying to remove in a pass versus hp.

Big bit, little hp, and a reasonable RPM speed should work just fine, right? So, the question still remains, would you spin a 3+ inch bit in the new Craftsman Pro router at 12K RPM? The hp thing is no big deal since the worst case is multiple passes to get a clean cut.

Corey, is lighter a good thing? I think the DeWalt being heavier with a low center of gravity should be more controllable. I will probably do 75-80% of my routing in the table and most of the rest free hand with the D-handle. I'm not sure how much I will be using the plunge base, at least for traditional plunge jobs.

**challagan** · 10-01-2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsee

Corey, is lighter a good thing? I think the DeWalt being heavier with a low center of gravity should be more controllable. I will probably do 75-80% of my routing in the table and most of the rest free hand with the D-handle. I'm not sure how much I will be using the plunge base, at least for traditional plunge jobs.

I tell yah, the older I get the more I like lighter

For hand routing I do like lighter... but the Dewalt while heavier is just a comfortable router to use in my opinion. The Craftsman for the features and price is just an exceptional value.

Corey

Drugstore Cowboy · 10-01-2007, 01:39 AM

Just my .02 on the 17543 combo
After hearing it so highly recommended on here -
I broke down and picked one up this weekend
I've thought about moving up to a 1/2" shank machine for some time - but never really needed to.
Haven't found anything I needed to do my 1.5hp Ryobi couldn't handle.
But - at that price point --
I could finally justify the investment for possible future needs.

Haven't really tested it yet -- just some rabbets and lap joints in pine using 1/4" shank bits. I DID like that the extra power let me make deeper cuts without straining the motor -- and I LOVE the soft start.

The only real negative I have seen so far is that it is VERY top-heavy (as has been alluded to by others) - that plus the small handles made it about the most uncomfortable router I have ever held.

But -- if it does everything else as well as has been reported on here --
I can deal with that minor issue. Just takes some getting used to.

**Mike** · 10-01-2007, 05:29 AM

The Craftsman 26620 router is a Bosch 1617 clone and made by Bosch. The main difference is it comes with a Craftsman style sub base plate and use's the flimsy Craftsman plastic guide bushings.
When comparing a DeWalt, Craftsman and for that matter most combo kits you should realize that the controls work differently between them. Some models have a plunge that locks when you push the lever down, on other models this is how they release. This is why it is so important to get a router in your hands before you lay out the money. You want to be sure you are comfortable with its operation before you buy.

09-30-2007, 01:11 AM	#22
bsee Registered User New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7 View bsee's Gallery	Report This Post! What about the new "professional" version at 12.5 amps and 2.25 hp? It has the same speed ratings of 12K - 25K. What I wonder is if 12K is slow enough for a low speed where some others in this class go as slow as 8K. Maybe it doesn't matter because you shouldn't really be throwing 3+" bits around with only 2.25 hp?
	Top - Reply with Quote

09-30-2007, 02:06 AM	#24
bobj3 Forum Contributer Supreme Forum King Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Littleton,Colorado U.S.A. Posts: 8,265 View bobj3's Gallery	Report This Post! Hi Guys I'm not to sure what came 1st. the 3 1/2" bits or the 3 1/4HP routers to turn them. I think it was the bits maybe 3" I have used a 1 1/2 HP/1 3/4HP PC routers to spin them for a long time...it just can't do the job in one pass like the 3 1/4HP can do... Most of the new routers come with a speed control built in and you can't use the after market router speed control on them ,12,ooo rpm is a bit fast but if you have the guts well..just a note about speed of a router(s), I have a RPM tack and I do check the speed of the routers from time to time and most turn less than what it's marked on the router..( speed control ) Talking about speed most drill press tools turn less than what they are marked as well...off by 15 to 20% then norm...(lower than taged ) ========== __________________ PodCast videos RWS on YouTube http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail Machine Cut ▼ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/ http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/ http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm Bob J. Last edited by bobj3; 09-30-2007 at 02:50 AM.
	Top - Reply with Quote

09-30-2007, 03:18 AM	#25
bsee Registered User New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7 View bsee's Gallery	Report This Post! Thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking a while. I've had my heart mostly set on the DeWalt three base kit and have just been waiting for a good sale to come around, like the $50 rebate. I almost picked up the Craftsman 26620 two base kit on closeout and I have been looking at the new "Pro" kit as well. I can't say that the D-handle feels as comfy as the DeWalt version and the cord was kind of tight, but it looks like a good value. I will look at the tools more closely again in the next day or two and maybe make a decision. If the D-handle doesn't feel good in the hand, the kit is a waste of money. My suspicion is that these new motors don't have the torque to run well at 8K for whatever reason. Maybe the old ones weren't so effective at that speed either so they just tweaked it, I don't know.
	Top - Reply with Quote

09-30-2007, 10:12 AM	#26
challagan Retired Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,002 View challagan's Gallery	Report This Post! BJ I too have used 1 1/2 HP router to swing some big bits and they were 1/4 shanks. I made some cabinet doors for a hutch I made sometime ago. No panel raising but rail and stiles... but it scared the yoohoo out of me but I got it done. Bsee- I have the Dewalt DW 618 router. I really like it and have been able to compare it to the Craftsman. The Dewalt due to it's low center of gravity is the most compact and comfortable router I have used. I really like it but I do not have the D-handle. Just the fixed and plunge bases. I also like how the cord attaches and detatches on the Dewalt. The new Craftsman does not have the low center of gravity but is lighter and I also noticed that it has the smoothest plunge of any of my routers. The Cman has a good DC chute with it like the Dewalt and the Craftsman has a neat feature with the LED work lights and they work! If you really like the Dewalt and you can swing it I would opt for it and you can always get the Craftsman as a back up later. I have found with my operations that have several routers available really helps in set up etc. when you only have so much time and I have different routers set up with different base plates to allow specific jobs. Good luck! Corey __________________ My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver http://iowacarver.tripod.com/ My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503 http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/
	Top - Reply with Quote

10-01-2007, 12:16 AM	#27
bsee Registered User New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7 View bsee's Gallery	Report This Post! You guys talk about spinning big bits with little routers, and that's just fine. The issue isn't bit size versus hp. The issues are bit size versus speed and amount of wood you're trying to remove in a pass versus hp. Big bit, little hp, and a reasonable RPM speed should work just fine, right? So, the question still remains, would you spin a 3+ inch bit in the new Craftsman Pro router at 12K RPM? The hp thing is no big deal since the worst case is multiple passes to get a clean cut. Corey, is lighter a good thing? I think the DeWalt being heavier with a low center of gravity should be more controllable. I will probably do 75-80% of my routing in the table and most of the rest free hand with the D-handle. I'm not sure how much I will be using the plunge base, at least for traditional plunge jobs.
	Top - Reply with Quote

10-01-2007, 01:39 AM	#29
Drugstore Cowboy Registered User Forum Geek Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Worth, Tx Posts: 439 View Drugstore Cowboy's Gallery	Report This Post! Just my .02 on the 17543 combo After hearing it so highly recommended on here - I broke down and picked one up this weekend I've thought about moving up to a 1/2" shank machine for some time - but never really needed to. Haven't found anything I needed to do my 1.5hp Ryobi couldn't handle. But - at that price point -- I could finally justify the investment for possible future needs. Haven't really tested it yet -- just some rabbets and lap joints in pine using 1/4" shank bits. I DID like that the extra power let me make deeper cuts without straining the motor -- and I *LOVE* the soft start. The only real negative I have seen so far is that it is VERY top-heavy (as has been alluded to by others) - that plus the small handles made it about the most uncomfortable router I have ever held. But -- if it does everything else as well as has been reported on here -- I can deal with that minor issue. Just takes some getting used to. Last edited by Drugstore Cowboy; 10-01-2007 at 01:41 AM.
	Top - Reply with Quote

10-01-2007, 05:29 AM	#30
Mike Senior Moderator Supreme Forum King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Detroit, Michigan USA Posts: 3,372 View Mike's Gallery	Report This Post! The Craftsman 26620 router is a Bosch 1617 clone and made by Bosch. The main difference is it comes with a Craftsman style sub base plate and use's the flimsy Craftsman plastic guide bushings. When comparing a DeWalt, Craftsman and for that matter most combo kits you should realize that the controls work differently between them. Some models have a plunge that locks when you push the lever down, on other models this is how they release. This is why it is so important to get a router in your hands before you lay out the money. You want to be sure you are comfortable with its operation before you buy. __________________ Mike Please edit your profile with a name and location so we can better assist you.
	Top - Reply with Quote

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Craftsman 17543 Combo Fixed Base Height Adjustment	Gator95	General Routing	14	11-29-2008 04:30 PM
Fixed or Plunge Confusion	Gilbear	Table-mounted Routing	10	12-30-2005 12:16 PM
plunge or fixed base	bellaw	Table-mounted Routing	13	11-25-2004 10:40 AM
Converting fixed base to plunge base.	-Sam-	Portable Routing	4	09-30-2004 04:53 PM