Gilbear

Hi Folks,
I'm new to this whole forum thing - so I hope I'm doing this right.
I'm currently in the market for a new router - and looking for some guidance.
I'll mostly be using in a table - and have gotten confusing info on whether it's best to have a plunge or a fixed base in a lift - I've seen both used in a lift at trade shows. Somehow I'd gotten the impression I should only use a fixed base in a lift. Currently I'm using an old Craftsman without a lift. PAINFUL!
I think I definately have to go with a 1/2" collet and probably 2hp or better - so what do you recommend? What have you got and how long have you had it? Troubled brands to stay away from? etc. I need to make a decission and go for it.

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Glenmore

Welcome to the forum Gilbear. Glad you signed on. I would reccomend any higher brands with the combo kit. Pay a little more but is well worth the investment. Bocsh, Makita, Porter cable. You know the name brands. Just price around and look for the best price like at www.amazon.com or lowe's or Home depot. Has some of the best collection. www.grizzlyindustrial.com even carries the major brands.

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Glenmore

Days without wood working are days not worth getting up for.

Gilbear

I guess I was asking cause there's so much data out there - not looking to get into product bashing by any means - I guess I'm just hoping to get some input on what others favorites are and why, before I buy. Whatever I get needs to last for a while, or my wife won't! Also wondering about the fixed vs. plunge thing, but I'll probably get a combo base package anyway.

-Sam-

Yeah, go for the combo package! It's the best thing to get for both handheld routing and table mount.

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Sam
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template tom

I have written my interpretaion on what to buy which may be of interest
Tom

Attached Files

Buying a new router.pdf (573.0 KB, 110 views)

Gilbear

Thanks Folks - Tom, Impressive article - I guess I need to go to several places and just mess with different models in person. At least that's a form of shopping that's enjoyable!

Hickory

YOu cant go wrong with a combo package..You can leave the fixed base into the table and just change the motor.
Another option is the Porter-cable model 8529..This model is made for a table but also can be used handheld as a plunge router..The only thing is it may be a Pain changing it..Or leave it and use your other router if you can.This model has a table top height adjuster and also a offset wrench to change bits without taking the router out of the table..I donot have this model , just going by the book/.
I use the porter cable 694VK handheld and in my table i have a Freud 3 1/4 hp.
Not a bad router,,too heavy for handheld It has micro adjustments but you have to reach under the table.

Like you said, go out and try and few..if you plan i buying a new one to use handheld then get one that feels good in your hands..Try the Bosch 1617 with the plunge base..I really like the feel of this router.
There are so many out there, but not one is the same..Not an easy choice but only one that you can make.

Hickory

Glenmore

Gilbear sorry if you thought I was bashing products. I wasn't I was simply saying to get the better known name brand products. But what ever you do decide go for the combo you won't go wrong there.

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Glenmore

Days without wood working are days not worth getting up for.

Gilbear

Glenmore,
I didn't at all think that you were - I was afraid people might think I was heading that way!
Thanks for the input!
By the way, in looking through some old posts to this forum I came across a
link that had been posted a while ago - www.toolseeker.com - I think by "Ed" (thanks Ed) - good link for comparing features of different models as well as the prices various vendors are offering them for. Maybe everyone else knew about it, but it was news to me and has been helpful already.