krislu

I like fixed bases the most because of the lighter weight. I only reach for the plungers when I need to plunge for making flutes etc.. - Kris

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- Kris

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lrs

I find the question misleading in that it limits one's response.
I have four routers and use whatever router is more specifically designed for that job:i.e. a laminate trimmer for trimming, or a plunge router for plunge work.
Manufactures go to considerable lenghts to perfect individual models and one is foolish not to take advantage of this fact. I have spent over 35 years in carpentry and learned early to use the right tool for the job. larry

j_tkachuk@hotmail.com

I didn't vote on this one because the option I'd pick isn't available. Being new to this tool it seems to me that sometimes you might have to plunge sometimes ya don't. So, a router with plunger attachment is the way to go like bosch 1617evspk.

woodworkeral

In my line of routering I use both and wouldn't want just a fixed base or plunge. The job makes the decision. Al

Adrinal

Hi, I have recently been forced into routing (not that I am not having a blast with the journey). I am working acrylic. Its a tough material to work with, especially with the extruded stuff.
Most tanks are made out of cast acrylic. The cuts need to be exact to hold the hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds of pressure (figure 10lb a galon).

Almost all the work needs to be done on a table from what I have seen.

roycoola

whenever I buy tools I research the subject quite thoughly My choice for routers ended to be Porter Cable Porter Cable was in the lead without a doubt I own two routers ,Porter-Cable 7518 3-1/4 HP Speedmatic 5-Speed Router, Porter-Cable 693LRPK 13/4 HP Plunge / Fixed Router Kit. The 7518 is dedicated to my router table the 693 is used for everything else, If anybody knows of a site or book that shows how to make multiple cuts with a single bit let me know

polcyn.ronald

Don't Care. I have 1 interchangable kit, 1 fixed base and 2 plunge. Each has its strong and weak points.

Harry

I like Porter Cable and Bosch

John and kim

What type of router do you prefer? .. Kind of an unfair question I think.. for some an interchangable base is the most economical, but if you often use large bits that require a table , then a router with a powerful motor is prefered. so to answer this question then, I guess you have to decide on what you will use the router most for. i personally have the Porter cable combo and the porter cable 7518 .

Billwolley

I agree that this is an unfair question and it's a question that is always asked. You have to fit the tool to the job being done. There are times for fixed base and times for plunging. Also, there are reasons for 1/2 in shank and 1/4 inch shanks. There are reasons 3 1/4 HP and times when 1 1/2 HP is all you need. There are also good reasons for having a 2 HP router. There's no single answer to fit the question. My suggestion to anybody getting into routing work for the first time is to spend the money and get a 2 1/4 HP, variable speed, router with both a plunge and fixed base. With that pack you can do just about anything except really heavy raised panel work. I recently added the PC893PK set to my inventory and I like that set a lot. I am PC biased. I keep the PC7539 setup in my router table for all table work.

Bill