Best router for a router table

[chin aleong]

Looking to buy a router to mount in a router table and would like to know the best router..

[Router is still my name]

Bosch 1619EVS.
largest bit opening and a spring defeat and whole lotta power.

[RustyW]

Hi, chin aleong,

Do you have any router(s) now? If not I recommend starting with a router kit that includes 2 bases. That way you can put the fixed base in the table and have the plunge base for free hand. If you get one of the more popular brands(porter cable,bosch,hitachi,etc),you can usually find spare bases on ebay fairly cheap. I have 1 router motor,1 plunge base,and 2 fixed bases.

If you've allready got a good handheld router and are just looking for a larger one for a table. The hitachi m12 seems to be pretty popular here as you get a lot of hp for the buck. I plan to get one someday, but so far hav'nt found the limit of my 2.25 hp hitachi.

Rusty

[Mike]

The Bosch 1619EVS was top rated in the most recent router test of 3+ HP routers and suggested as the router to buy if you could only afford one. Members are pleased with this model and with the Hitachi M12V2. The old standard was the PC 7518 and mine cuts like a bulldozer going through butter. Having said that, unless you plan to build many projects with raised panels you could save some money by going with the Bosch 1617EVSPK which includes both a plunge and a fixed base to mount to the table. This model was top rated in the most recent test of the 2+ HP combo kits. Members are happy with this model, the Hitachi KM12VS, and the PC 895.

[awh]

Originally Posted by aniceone2hold

The old standard was the PC 7518 and mine cuts like a bulldozer going through butter.

Yep. The Porter-Cable 7518 *IS* the industry standard. It has a long proven track record and is powerful enough to do raised panels in a single pass. I use one in a table, never had a need for anything else. Couple the #7518 with a router lift and you have a very nice setup that will rival a professional shaper for performance.

[chin aleong]

hi

Have a craftman 2 hp router, with 2 bases.. -- only holds 1/4" bits, one speed, no soft start..

And have a Porter cable laminate trimmer..

Would like to set up a router table and still planing to you the craftman for plunging work.

bye

dennis

Originally Posted by 18243015

Hi, chin aleong,

Do you have any router(s) now? If not I recommend starting with a router kit that includes 2 bases. That way you can put the fixed base in the table and have the plunge base for free hand. If you get one of the more popular brands(porter cable,bosch,hitachi,etc),you can usually find spare bases on ebay fairly cheap. I have 1 router motor,1 plunge base,and 2 fixed bases.

If you've allready got a good handheld router and are just looking for a larger one for a table. The hitachi m12 seems to be pretty popular here as you get a lot of hp for the buck. I plan to get one someday, but so far hav'nt found the limit of my 2.25 hp hitachi.

Rusty

[jer760]

I just got a Triton 3.25 hp after much reading and agonizing. Like you I wanted a dedicated table router, So far I couldn't be happier with this unit.

[Roefa]

Hello Chin -
I have used several Craftsman routers... (only fair), a Porter Cable (very good). These were all stolen last year, but one old Craftsman. I got a Bosch 1617EVS kit with both fixed and plunge bases. I am very pleased with it (Best of all the routers I have ever owned). Works great in the tables and out.
Roger
(Roefa)