timber715

It is always a pain for newbies and oldies alike to keep searching for specs of routers. Maybe we can start a list of them here. sort of a router's guide for all.

1. plunge or fixed base
2. collet sizes 1/2" , 1/4" and 8mm
3. shaft lock mechanism
4. micro adjustment capability
5. horsepower
6. power switch location
what else would you look for?

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Mike

Other items would be soft start, variable speed, 3/8" collet, above the table height adjustment, above the table bit changes... too many to list. Your idea is a good one, in fact we are building our router reference section now. It is simply not possible to list all the routers on the market. Craftsman alone would take several pages to describe models with differences so minor they are irrelevant. We are doing the next best thing, we are posting user manuals where possible, photo's to help identify models and any interchange information we become aware of.

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Mike
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Router is still my name

If you're going to have only one router the I would say Plunge! some would say combo also.
Loook for large base opening if you go with a large 3 1/2 HP router for large bits/table ops.
On plunge router the most important thing (TO ME) in balance having a low center of gravity.
Power switch has to be close enough for thumb operation and soft start.
Shaft lock should not be plastic.
It should have standard 1/2 and 1/4 collets. some have reducers.
The base should be level and should haver go through rods for jigs.
When you get it, make sure the router bit is 100%; 90 degree to the base.

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router è ancora il mio nome

timber715

1. plunge or fixed base
2. collet sizes 1/2" , 1/4" and 8mm (3/8" ??)
3. shaft lock mechanism (should not be plastic)
4. micro adjustment capability
5. horsepower (3 1/2)
6. power switch location
7. soft start
8. variable speed (of course, how did I miss that?)
9. above the table height adjustment and bit channge

what else would you look for?

Mike

A good price! A good router should have the ability to mount guide bushings, whether PC, Oak Park or Bosch style. Remember guide bushings open new possibilities for hand use and following templates. Since nobody offers a sub base plate which accepts Oak Park guide bushings, and many do not offer any bushing mount period, this is less important than the other features. Not because it is less valuable but rather because it is easy to build your own sub base.

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Mike
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johncs

Some people like a round base, it can be used as a template guide.

Weight it important, a light one is easier to handle freehand and on narrow workpieces. Someone recently made a good case for a trimmer for things like tidying edges, insetting door hinges.

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John