plunge router?

[gweissbock]

Greetings:

I am new to woodworking and routing. I am also in the procees of purchasing a router

My local tool store has a deal on the Dewalt 616: $100 includes a 50 bit set.

I was also looking at Dewalt's combo pack DW618PK which includes both a fixed base and a plunge base (but only 1 motor = 2.25 hp) for $280.

Would I be better off with:

option #1) Two Dewalt 616 fixed base routers for $200 or
option #2) the combo pack with 1 motor, 1 fixed base and 1 plunge base for $280?

With option #1, I could mount one router in a router table and leave it there, but I would not have a plunge router.

When and how often is a "plunge" router used???

Sorry for the stupid question. But I would rather ask a stupid questions then waste my money

Gunter

[jer760]

Greetings, definitely, you'll want a combo set. A plunge base is very desirable on your hand held router and the fixed base will serve in your table. The 616 looks like it may be a little underpowered for some jobs that may come up down the road as you get more comfortable with the tool. Why not check out the Sears combo that you will hear much about on this site, the Canadian version of this router is model# 320-24604. This set can be had for as little as 129.00 and performs very well. Good luck.

[kp91]

The DW618Pk is $219 at my lowes. Bosch, Porter cable, ridgid, craftsman all have 2-1/4 hp combo kits in the $200 price range. I don't know how different the prices are up north.

If you can only buy one router, get a plunge router. If you can get a combo kit, get one that the motors swap out easily. Then you can mount the fixed base into your router table and use the plunger for out of the table use.

[Thrifty Tool Guy]

Gunter,

IMHO, I would place consideration of variable speed at the top of your decision tree. Relative to needing a plunge base, my personal experience has been that I have nearly zero need to do free-hand plunge work. However, that is just me. For free-hand work, I prefer something light like a trim router.

If you are considering a two router set-up, consider purchasing two reconditioned DW618 units ($130+S&H per unit at Tyler Tool)? Reconditioned units are really cost effective.

TTG

[Neil Moon]

Here in europe the majority of routers until recently are plunged base. These really are more diverse routers out of the two. If you are doing any freehand or table reouting they can be used. When I was in the states I did look at the dual base routers and thaoght that they were not only good value for money but also a long needed addition to my toolkit.

[Mike]

Gunter, your question is an important one so do not feel bad. If you could only have one router it should be a plunge router. The ability to plunge into the wood makes it simple to create signs, make mortises for strong joints, and many other tasks. Height adjustments are usually much quicker, and anything you can do to reduce set up time means more time spent routing. (getting the job done)
Combo kits are an inexpensive way to leave an accurate set up in a router table and still be able to free hand rout. I suggest you do some online shopping and I am sure you will find better pricing. The popular and inexpensive Craftsman combo kit is one way to get routing for the minimum layout of cash. Bit sets seem like a great idea but most routing is done with about 10 bits. Buy better quality bits in sizes you will use instead of getting 50 bits of low quality that will gather dust.