bsee

Mike, the 26620 is discontinued and on closeout just about everywhere it still exists. This thread was started about the $99 "regular" Craftsman 11 amp two base kit that goes by number 17543. The 12.5 amp "Pro" version I asked about is the replacement to the 26620 that is sold in a three base combo for $199 as number 28084.

That said, I totally agree with you about feel, and sort of disagree with Cowboy. I don't want to get used to an uncomfortable set of handles. I want a router that's going to stay planted and be fully in control without any extra effort. I will put my hands on a DeWalt and a Craftsman today while considering the weight, balance and comfort that both afford. Top heavy, in particular, sounds like a bad thing for a router.

-bob

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Drugstore Cowboy

I don't think we disagree at all - not on any basic point -
We totally agree on not wanting to use a tool we didn't feel like we were in full control of. If I had felt that way -- it would be back on the Sears shelf today - because well over half of the router work I do is hand held.

As for the handles -- It's like a new pair of boots -- the first time you put them on they are almost never going to be as comfortable as the old workhorses you wore into the store. It's all in what you are used to.

As for my top heavy comment --
I noticed that I as I was tlilting it to give it the once over.
In actual use -- with the router vertical and resting flat on the workpiece -- I did not notice it at all and felt no lack of control.
The only time I notice it is with the router tilted -- and with the plunge base -- I shouldn't have any need to do that (so they tell me - this is the first one I have owned .

I suspect -- at most -- we 'disagree' on the level of discomfort we consider a deal breaker. My bar is not set has high as some in that regard -- because where some of you use routhers 8 hours a day --- I may use one 8 hours a month. So -- for the price savings -- I am willing to adjust my grip.

But - yes - handling a tool before you buy it is always a good idea - and I broke one of my own rules this time by not doing it.

challagan

"and I LOVE the soft start."

Cowboy, I have 3 soft start routers and the craftsman is what I call a true slow start...lol.. that thing is like a 5 ton truck in granny gear. Winds up pretty guick to top end... mine vibrates a slight amount at very top end...

Corey

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Drugstore Cowboy

Well - its the first one I have had --
so I really have nothing to compare it to except the loud harsh start of my others ---
I wouldn't have bought a new router JUST to get that - but having bought one -
- I really do LIKE that feature.

Mike

Bob, I understand about the 26620, and that it is not the feature of this thread. I only stated the important information for comparison purposes. The routers this thread is based upon seem to be made by the "OYG" company.(A mating of Black & Decker/DeWalt/Porter Cable features) There is no question about value for the money. So far everyone is pleased with the product. I am looking forward to trying one to see how they feel to me.

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bsee

When I stopped into the Sears in Warwick, RI this afternoon, they still had 3 of the 26620 kits. That's because they still had them marked at $195 on the shelf. I should have bought one - they were in the computer for $118. Once they re-mark them, they'll be gone pretty quickly.

I did put my hands on the 28084, too. I confirmed my belief that the D-handle is not a match to my hand like the DeWalt version is. It must have been designed by someone with larger hands. The weight balance was higher because the overall height of the unit is taller with the collet set for any given depth. I also didn't like the position of the power switch. It falls in between the hands and too high to reach while retaining control of the handles. The DeWalt is immediately above one handle and can be more easily reached with the thumb. Finally, I didn't like the depth adjustment. I'm sure it's accurate, it just has a mechanism that will allow the control knob to run out of range before the router does if you're not paying attention.

A lot of people are really going to like this thing, but I guess it just isn't for me.

neoshed

I just bought the 17543 the other day. I cant complain at all for 89.99.

I was going to buy the craftsman pro router table ( ie the bosch one) but thought I go look at teh blue box to see if it was cheaper. The bosch version was 10 cheaper and came with a pair of featherboards so I bought it thinking I had a result. Put the table together and went to mount the router only to find the nice aluminium plate doesnt match up...gah.

So I'm sitting here wondering do I try to to drill the plate for it or find a adaptor plate? I just looked up the price for the bosch phenolic plat and it's $40. I guess if I'd bought the craftsman one it would have fit right away.

neoshed

Oops......jumped the gun.

I have 2 holes that line up perfectly. Are 2 screws sufficient to mount the router or do I need to drill for a third?

kp91

Drill the third. Make sure the bit is centered in the opening.

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neoshed

Ok then mate. I guess some loctite wouldn't be a bad idea either.