Merlyn R. Boss

Novice woodworker, shopping for a quality router and table. Can you help?

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challagan

Welcome Merlyn! I think it be easier to help you if we knew the type of work you would like to do and the budget you have for your router and the table. By type of work I mean are you going to be running very large bits like panel raising bits and rail and style bits. If not I would suggest one of the combo kits. In a combo kit you get a nice 2 1/4 HP router that gives you a plunge base and a fixed base. The fixed base would be perfect for the router table and the plunge base is excellent for lots of hand routing applications. As far as brand there are several that excel here, the DW 618, Bosch 1617 and there is a very good priced Craftsman kit that has gotten good reviews here but I don't have a link. Also the Hitachi combo kit is a good value. For a router table, I think everyone here would pretty much agree that the Router Workshop table is a very nice and versatile table set up. You can buy it or build it yourself...something a lot of us would recommend. I am sure that others will give there opinions here on this but as far as a router, I recommend that you check the routers out in person and see which one you like the feel of in your hands etc. It makes a difference as these routers are all very similar in quality so for me it comes down to personal fit.
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...productID=5601
http://www.boschtools.com/tools/tool...=54938&I=55076

Check out the Router Works shop on http://www.thewoodworkingchannel.com/
I would also recommend downloading and watching these videos:
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...ks-techniques/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...router-inlays/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...ps-and-tricks/

Hope this helps!

Corey

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My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503
http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/

Mike

Welcome Merlyn, we sure can. There are many threads on choosing a router or table. Lets get you started with some good information on what to look for. Please spend a few minutes reading my blog, start at the bottom and work your way back to the top. Once you are armed with this basic information we can help you with specific questions like where is the best place to buy or any known problems with this model. You will find my blog Sawdust Dreams by clicking here: http://blogs.routerforums.com/Mike/

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Mike

Dr.Zook

Welcome to the RouterForums Merlyn. Help is just a question away.

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Dave
the "Doctor"

In woodworking there is no scrap, only firewood.