Router Forums banner

Model 320.17542 and table routing

36K views 44 replies 12 participants last post by  Assimilator 
#1 · (Edited)
Craftman has a two hp, 11 amp, variable speed, router with a base that uses porter/cable type bushings.
What makes this THE cheap router for table mounting is... it is adjustable with a 3/16 allen wrench through that table top. Yes a built in router lift.
Unlock it, adjust it, lock it. I have it mounted in a Rousseau router base plate. Cost: $69.95 plus tax.....regular 79.95.......But I used a sears credit card..10.00 off. After they ring it up PAY THE CREDIT CARD OFF
This is NOT a plungle router, so no springs to remove.
 
#3 ·
Hi Trap

Nice looking router ,what did you pay for the router ? is that the 70.oo bucks or was the for the plate ?
It looks like a neat router for the router table :) what is the size of the Allen key to adjust it from the top side ?,do you use a long T type Allen key ? or a standard Allen wrench .

Bj :)
 
#5 · (Edited)
Hi Doug

I'm thinking Porter Cable/Black & Decker . (lock lever maybe the give away and the base plate can take on the PC brass/steel guides )

Bj :)
 
#6 ·
This looks very much like the 893PK I examined at Lowe's. The black rack is a big clue, the clear sub base plate another. I will rule out Bosch for sure. Trap, please look very carefully at the sub base plate. Does it fit smoothly to the router base all the way around? The PC I examined had a gap of about .020" a third of the way around!
 
#7 · (Edited)
It looks like an 892........The price 195.99, this model is 2 1/4 hp sears is a 2 hp
I paided 69.99 (did not give the correct price in post.) That is for the router.
The Base plate is the same size as the router.
I have never seen a craftsmen with a base plate that would fit PC guides.
The Geezer is not known as a man who spends money for fancy things. I am using a 3/16th four inch long hex key.
Bud
 
#9 ·
#12 · (Edited)
Looks like this maybe the way to go ▼

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...BV_EngineID=cchfaddkdkhdelgcefecemldffidflk.0

Plunge + Fixed base for 110.oo bucks, Variable speed,Soft start,almost a PC setup for about 1/2 the price.
-----------
Variable speed, heavy-duty, permanently lubricated 100 percent ball bearing motor delivers 12,000-25,000 rpm.
Soft start permits the motor rpm to slowly increase to the desired speed setting.
Three integrated work lights clearly illuminate the work surface.
Die-cast aluminum motor housing adds strength while limiting and reducing vibration.
Choose either the standard fixed base or dual-arm plunge base with depth gauge, turret stop and machined arms for smooth up/downward motion which plunges up to 2-3/16 inches.
Each base features large, clear, 6-11/16 in. sub-base with square edge on the plunge.
Oversized debris shield and vacuum shield provide a clear sightline to the bit.
Spindle lock allows for easy bit exchanges.
Live tool indicator lights up when power connected.
Router includes 1/4 iin. and 1/2 in. collets, edge guide, bit wrench, operators manual and storage case. Wt. 9.5 lbs.

NOTE *** Catalog/Online Exclusive

If I didn't have so many routers I would like to send off for one. :)
---------------------
UPDATE 10:28AM 2/10/07

I said the heck with it and I sent off for one :),,, I love routers and this one looks like a great deal :) ,can't wait to give it a test run . :)
I will post a review once I run it down a board or two...

CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY ROUTERS :) :)



Bj :)
 
#14 · (Edited)
Hi Mike
"Ridgid clone?"
Hard to say but I will know in about week or less :)
If it is it's a real bad copy :) :)

Note the plunge base is not the same,the handles are the same,the adjustment/lock for the plunge is not the same,it's not the same in many other parts as well :) .
It looks more like a PC the way the motor slips into the base (guide pins/gear rack)

Bj :)
 

Attachments

#17 · (Edited)
Hi Mike

"Three integrated work lights clearly illuminate the work surface" do you know if it's the same on the Ridgid ??

Bj :)


aniceone2hold said:
BJ, the LED's and power indicator light made me stop and think. Is this a Ridgid clone?
 
#20 ·
bobj3 said:
If I didn't have so many routers I would like to send off for one. :)
---------------------
UPDATE 10:28AM 2/10/07

I said the heck with it and I sent off for one :)
CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY ROUTERS :)Bj :)
LOL.. Wish I could get away with doing that..
I think Bj buys routers like I buy clamps..
 
#21 · (Edited)
Just a update on the CraftsMan Router Combo Set

Just one user review :)

It's GREAT and I'm impress ,it will take on the PC template guide steel or brass,if you mount the base in a router table you can use a Allen Hex Key to (T-Type Allen Hex Key) move it up or down from the top side of the router table via. a small 1/4" hole in the router base plate and the router table base plate or you can do it from the bottom side as well.
The plunge base is made well and works great the springs are soft but work well,it has the power to do most router jobs,it comes in a nice case,plus a edge guide with 3/8" dia. rods(hvy. duty rods) 2 dust pickups one for the plunge base and one for the standard base.
The only error I see is the dust shield cover that hides the lock pin to change the router bits but it snaps out quick and easy but I sure most will not use it because it must be remove every time,one of the trash can items I think that came with it.
The LED lights on the motor do a great job (3 ea.) ,it looks like a PC router almost a 895/892 model.
The router is well balance, I turned it on and took a step back to see if it would walk off across the table,it ran for 2 mins. or so and did not move to one side or the other nor did it spin around, well made router,the slow start is a nice touch and should made it easy to use.
The base is not the same as a PC it's almost the same bolt pattern but off by 1/4" on each hole,they did put in 3 extra holes in the base (10-32 thread size) so it can be screwed to the router table base plate without taking off the clear base plate on the router .one more nice touch. :)
The speed control is in the right spot with 4 setting and easy to see with a chart on the side telling what speed they want you to use for the router bits.
The lock on the plunge base is also in the right spot and is easy to use no parts hanging out to get in the way.
The handles on the fix base and the plunge base are the same and are the same as the Porter Cable router,soft and easy to hold on to.
One other nice touch and it's safety item they put in is the Green LED light on the motor telling you that it's pluged into the outlet.
The fix base has round clear plastic base plate the plunge base as a D type clear plastic base plate they are both about the same size 6 1/2" in dia.
Both will take on the PC template guides. (1 3/16" size)

One more small error did show up but it's a small one ,the vac.pickup device that fits on the plunge router base as the wrong hole size in it, it's only
1 3/16" in dia. so to say the brass ring nut can't be put on, if the vac.pickup is screw in place, it's quick fix just ream it out to 1 9/16" ID and the ring will drop in and you can screw it on the main part of the brass guide,the holes in clear plastic base plate will let you put your fingers inside and hold it place when you tighten it up or take it off, you can make it a bit bigger but not more than 1 5/8" ,if you go more than that it will remove a bit of the plastic exit vac.tube.( I used a 1" sanding drum and it took 5 mins. or so to fix this small error)

But all in all this is a great router combo kit and I would give it 4 .8 stars out of 5 stars
For 110 bucks it's hard to beat this combo set. :)


I did take the router down to parts and replace all the screws with Allen type and some LocTite so I would not have any of then snap off or come loose like some of the reviews stated on the type of router,( 895PC ) just as a safeguard. :)

.


I did get the Extra Protection Agreements bucause I was not sure about this router .

A protection Agreement safeguards your purchase beyond the manufacturer's warranty (one year) and protects you from unexpected repairs.
Add 12 months to the original warranty and replace your product rather than repair it: $16.50
What's included? see below.


Master Protection Agreements include:

No charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs
You're free from worry about unexpected repair bills
Unlimited service calls on all covered repairs
You can trust Sears to handle your repair needs promptly, with no hassles or hidden charges
Troubleshooting help over the phone
Quick answers when you need help
Replacement Guarantee means we'll replace it if it can't be fixed
You can count on having a product that works the way that it should
****Annual Preventive Maintenance Check at your request ****** update the warranty beyond
You can help extend the life of your purchase and keep it running smoothly

Repair Protection Agreements include:

No charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs
You're free from worry about unexpected repair bills
Unlimited service calls on all covered repairs
You can trust Sears to handle your repair needs promptly , with no hassles or hidden charges
Troubleshooting help over the phone
Quick answers when you need help
Replacement Guarantee means we'll replace it if it can't be fixed (up to $1,500)
You can count on having a product that works the way that it should
10% discount on non-covered service and installed parts
If we do the service, you'll save on Preventive Maintenance Checks, cosmetic parts and more.
Merchandise Replacement Agreements include:

Product replacement with identical or comparable item
You don't have to worry if your product stops working
Coverage beyond manufacturer's warranty
You're covered for one full year beyond original warranty's expiration
Affordable pricing, Good value, good protection.



BY THE WAY THANKS TRAP :) :) for the tip off on the CraftsMan router :) :)
 

Attachments

#22 ·
Congrats Bob! Thanks for the info, I am sure that will be helpful to many. Keep us posted on how it is working, however you will probably toss it in the corner when the CarveWright machine arrives :) BTW, alot of craftsman's protection plans are now cheap insurance. I got it for my drill press.. 2 years for like 30.00 couldn't afford not to! They fix it or replace it.

Corey
 
#23 ·
Just a update 12:53PM 2.23.2007

I have been so impress with the 1st one I got one more Combo set today :)
Just can't beat the price (at 110.oo bucks,for a 2 HP Combo router set) this one will stay in the box for a gift for someone for Xmax. maybe :) but then I like it so much I may get it out and use it.
And I'm sure once they sale what they have on hand the price will go up. :)

Can't have too many routers ,right LOL :)


Bj :)







Bj :)
 
#25 ·
Hi Corey

Not sure but I will check it out,the MilesCraft base plate has many,many holes for mounting it to the base of many routers. :)
One neat things about the Craftsman they put in 3 extra holes on the same bolt pattern just in case they get stripped or to use for other add on items without removing the clear base plate and the motor will move up or down 2 1/2" so that should come in nice.

That's the 1st thing I did with this one I made a 1/4" x 8" x 8" base plate with a 2 1/2: hole in it. so I could use the bigger bits in the fix base or the plunge base.
It came with a clear base plate with the 1 3/16" hole and I do from time to time use the 1/2" round over bits that need more room to spin under the router base.

Bj :)


challagan said:
You got me thinking buddy. Might have to pick up one of these. Bob, you think the 7 inch Milescraft base will fit on this one? I would like to have a dedicated plunger for that particular base and guides.

Corey
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top