chappo

In Australia we have a range of budget tools (GMC http://www.gmcompany.com/ ) designed in Australia, manufactured in China.
They have an interesting range of routers. The one I chose is the 1550 Kit
It comprises the plunge router (1550 W - 2 HP), side fence, template bush and 50 bits all in a custom kit case.
My choice was governed partly by budget (cost was $159 Australian), and partly by this being my first router - a tool that I didn't know how much use it would get.
The router is well made, has 1/4" and 1/2" collets, electronic variable speed, plunges to 42mm and has a rack and pinion depth gauge with micrometer.
Needless to say, I have now found it to be the most versatile tool in my workshop - and a two year guarantee is pretty good too!

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RonP

I have two Craftsman and a Porter Cable. I use the PC most because it is on my router table but I have had trouble with the switch ever since it was new( about 4-5 years). I took it back for repairs several time but as soon as I turned it up side on the table the switch would not make good contact using the switch lock. I finally gave up and wrapped a strap around the trigger to keep it "on" permanently and use the table switch.
The service people in Charlotte weren't any help either and rude also. The guy, Craige ( I remember well) would only say "we recommend that you read the owner's manual"
I probably wil not buy another Porter Cable anything.

krislu

Rick- Thanks but I replaced the collet with a new one and the bits still stick. I ruined a few bits (trying to get them out) also. - Kris

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- Kris

charis

Dewakt

geffre

[quote=ejant]Who is your preferred router manufacturer

I have a an older Craftsman, which was a gift. It works but I would much prefer one that can use both 1/4 and 1/2 inch bits.

moreorles2000

first post
but i purchased a porter cable last year and have not made anything yet. ibought it because i figured to buy something of reasonable quality so it would last .hopefully this summer i will put it to use. this is my very first router and i am trying to learn.

reible

I'm sorry to hear your having swith problems. The couple of PC I have use a toggle switch but it sounds like you have another model.

Anyway what I wanted to mention is that I have a large Craftsman router mounted in a table and it too has switch problems..... wood dust gets in because of it being mounted upside down and I have to take it out now and again and take the handle apart and clean it out. After several years of this a cleaning did not seem to help, it still would turn on when you pulled the trigger but when you pushed the button to lock it on it would turn off. In other words it would not stay running without you holding the trigger.

I took it back apart and found that they had used some little square of foam tape to take up the space between between you holding the trigger and the button holding the trigger. The foam had flatten so much that it no longer work. I pulled it off and cut a little chunk new foam tape and it's working again.

I guess what I'm saying is maybe taking a little look around at the problem yourself will allow you can come up with a solution without having to deal with less then helpful repair people.

Ed

retsgt

I just picked up a new PC. Had a circa 1977 Black and Decker like comparing a Pinto and a Porche

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eyewoodnt

I have my original PC 690's with all three bases, and 3 Hitachi MV12's. I really like the power the Hitachi's have and with some mod's I got from John at www.woodshopdemos.com
I put one in my router table, and the oter two in dedicated jigs. I also have the professional PC laminate trimmer and use this for edge profiling and sign making. PC are great, Hitachi's are brutes.

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RBA

Received it as a gift a brand called Yukon?
Seems to be a good working unit so far.
Plunge Router
2 1/8 hp
variable speed 11,500 - 28,000 rpm
Push button Locking pin for shaft (Not a swing over lever like craftman)

Has anyone heard of this brand?