New table router question

Eddie Johnston

Hi everyone,
This is my first post. I've been working with an old craftsman 1hp on their table and decided it's time to upgrade. I'm designing a new router table and would like your opinions on which router to drop in.
The big features I like are variable speed, above the table bit height adjustment and above the table bit changes. (I don't have the money for a lift). I'll be making a set of cabinet doors for which I'll need a raised panel bit. After that, I probably won't be using anything that big. I'm leaning towards a 2 1/4 hp, like the Triton or Freud. But the PC 890 series looks nice too. Am I missing something? What to you all think?
Eddie

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bobj3

Hi Ed

I would suggest the Craftsman router combo kit for 110.oo dollars,you will get two routers in one kit, one for the router table and a plunge router for hand jobs/

It comes with all the items you have pointed out plus more..

By the way you don't need to buy the big panel bits to make some cabinet doors ..

Bits below that the 2hp router will turn on a standard router table/
MLCS Raised Panel Carbide Tipped Router Bits 2

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TwoSkies57

Eddie... I got to agree with Bob regarding the Craftsman combo kit. I've been using one for the last two years and have only had one complaint. the unit kept shutting off during use. I took the top of the unit off and found a bad connection. Made the correction and have not had any further problems. As for bigger jobs, I just took the time to make a few extra passes....

good luck with the project, I'm finishing my table up after 3 years worth of tinkering and building...enjoy the experience..

Eddie Johnston

I've considered the Craftsman, but have such a bad experience with the one I have, I don't know if I'll ever go back. What does everyone think of the Freud, Triton and Porter cable 890?

xplorx4

Greetings Eddie and welcome to the forum. I think BJ is the man to listen to, I do not use the Sears, and did not consider it at the time but now wish I had. I like the one I have it would have been a cost thing 110.00 vs. 210.00. If there is any way to check it out I would do just that. BTW I borrowed a friends old sears and it was terrible but the new ones were give the best buy in Wood Magazine.

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Mike

Eddie, the choice of a router is really something personal. We all have good reasons for the routers we choose. There have been complaints about most of the major brands over the years. The PC 890 series was full of problems but so far PC has stood behind their product and made them right. I have not used the Triton or Freud so it would be unfair for me to comment on them. I am very happy with my Bosch 1617's, they are industrial quality routers as opposed to home owner quality. Some feel it is best to spend the money up front for a heavy duty model, others feel you are better off with a less expensive model and replacing it as needed. I suggest that you are better off with a 2-1/4 hp model since the added power will turn large bits that the 1-3/4 hp models will struggle with.

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