JMalone

Hello All,
I'm just dipping my toe in the woodworking pool and need to pick the brains of those who've been around a little longer.
What would be a good router as a first purchase for general work? i.e. furniture making, chests, sidetables and the like.

I have access to purchase a MAKITA router model 3620 at a good price. Is this a good place to start?

Thanks for your help in advance.
John

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Mike

John, 3620 does not come up on Makita's web site. Is this a used router? The 3621X is only a 1-1/4 HP plunge router, and I think you can do much better. Most people dont want to spend a fortune on their tools starting out. Keep in mind that a router will do so many of the woodworking tasks that it is very important to get one with some common features. This is my recommendation: You will want a router in the 2 HP and up range. This will give you the ability to use larger bits or more aggressive cutting bits. You will want a plunge router to allow you to make quick depth adjustments during cutting operations. You need the ability to use guide bushings to follow templates. You also need the ability to easily mount and dismount your router to a table. You should buy one of the quality brand names to avoid early router failure. All that having been said the easiest way to get all these features is with one of the combo kits. These kits have both a fixed and a plunge base, one motor, and usually an edge guide. Most will accept Porter Cable style guide bushings. Popular choices are the Hitachi KM12VC, Porter cable 694VK or 895PK, DeWalt DW618PK, Makita RF1101KIT2, Craftsman 26620, and my personal favorite the Bosch 1617EVSPK.
All of these kits will perform well, expect to pay around $200. Take the time to read the many posts on choosing a router to learn more specifics about each. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with the router. Before you spend your money put your hands on the router and see how the controls adjust, both right side up and upside down(as in table mounting) You can spend less, as little as $63 for a Skil 2-1/4 HP plunge router at HD, but keep in mind that you do get what you pay for.

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Mike
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JMalone

Thanks Mike,
I'll take all that on board as I'm looking around.
Most helpful
John

thebig0

Hey John, the 3620 is a 3/8 collett plunge router. Although they use 1/4 bits, Ive got one and they are a ripper little router, and a pleasure to use. As a first router it is ideal but you will eventually require a larger 1/2 inch plunge model, plus three or four more. I've got seven and still looking. If it's cheap, buy it.You can never have too many.
regards, Lionel.

JMalone

Unfortunately someone else thought it was a good deal too and I've missed out.
Too bad. I'm still looking around though.
Is a 1/4" router OK as a starting tool for doing basic round-overs and dadoes in light furniture and the like?

Thanks in advance,
John

NewMontanaWorkshop

I have a Makita 3620 1/4" collet plunge router that I have been planning on parting with. (The new Hitachi kit keeps calling out my name). Only problem with it is a baseplate screw that stripped out (local tool repair shop fixed that with a helicoil), and bits will sometimes stick in the collet.

Comes with a case, but no collet wrenches. $40 plus shipping.

JMalone

Sounds like a deal to me.
Now, how much to ship to Australia....
Thanks anyway.
John

NewMontanaWorkshop

Oh I guess I kinda missed that somewhere along the line.

Sorry 'bout that.

Mike

John, I would like to recommend you have a chat with our Australian Connection, TemplateTom. He will be the person to ask for a local point of view on your best choices.

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mrskerritt

Does the 3620 allow use of guide bushings? and will it allow me to use with lock jig for face plates and lock body cuts?