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New router?

3K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  Hamlin 
#1 ·
Hi,

I am new here but not new to woodworking. I began working with wood (making furniture) with my father when I was an early teenager (I am now 49).

I have an old Black & Decker 2 HP, 12 amp router that I am considering using (full time) in my router table. I have had this router since the early 80's and has been a great tool for all of these years, and it still works great!!!
My question is; I am looking for a new router to be used as a traditional router (by hand) in addition to my older one. What is a "good" router to get (that won't break the bank)? I use all of my power tools as a "hobby", not for any kind of business, just occasional use.

I have been doing some research and have found these:
Skil 1825-RT $79.99
Dewalt DW616R $109.99
Freud FT1700VCEK $107.00

All of these are reconditioned routers.

I have purchased other reconditioned power tools over the years and have had great luck with them. As I stated above, I use my power tool for a hobby, not a business.

Are these worth taking a look at? Any other suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks,

Tom
 
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#3 ·
Hi Tom

I would take a hard look at the Craftsman combo kit for a 110.oo bucks and with a little bit of work you can get it for 90.oo bucks,two routers in one kit so to speak,2hp,light,VS,plunge base.standard base,soft start,vac.pickup tube,edge guide,two collets,1/4" and 1/2",etc.,etc. :)

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#4 ·
Hi Tom, welcome aboard. :happy:
Sounds like we share an opinion about reconditioned tools and looks like you shop the same place I do.
I have the Freud 1700 but I bought it for the router table so I haven't used it hand held. I like the Freud in the table but I use the Hitachi KM12VC kit with fix and plunge base for hand held work. It's 2-1/4 hp variable speed and comes with 1/4 and 1/2 inch colletts. The kit also includes an extra sub-base, flat edge, and 7 or 8 template guides. I think it is the same place you are looking at the Freud and is selling for $102 right now. Just in case, here is the link.

Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit

As for your other choices, the Dewalt is 1-3/4 hp, fixed speed, fixed base.

The Skil looks good on paper, fix and plunge, 2-1/4hp, variable speed but, I dunno why but the last several tools I have gotten from Skil just don't seem to have a nice feel to them. I have a palm sander, jig saw and recip saw from them that all looked good spec wise but the sander and jig saw seem underpowered and the jig saw has a wobbly foot that it usually develops about halfway through a cut. Recip saw the blade has to stop in the right place if you want to change it. Nothing big, but irritations.
Good Luck with your shopping.
 
#5 ·
Greetings Tom, and welcome to the router forums. You are getting some good advice, have a great day.
 
#6 ·
Hi Tom
One of my routers is the 1825. Plenty of power and feels good. I like the auto light. Down side is the stop, and locking setup. I use it mostly in a table, and with everything tighten up I still get movement of the router in the case. Don't compare to my porter cables but then it cost a lot less. Remember we get what we pay for!!! Learned that the hard way!
Harry
 
#8 ·
Tom,

Without talking brands (others can speak to that), have you held these models of routers in your hands? I recommend you do. Different routers have their handles at different angles, different diameters, the controls are in different places, etc.

I've been scoping out mid-sized plunge routers myself and thought I wanted a Porter-Cable but after going to several stores and holding them, I've decide I like the Bosch better than the PC. Both companies make good routers and opinions will vary but the feel in my hands is very different. Just my $0.02...
 
#9 ·
I might add that I still plan to check out the Milwaukee and Craftsman models. I believe a tool that feels good in your hands will get more use!



That it must hold up, have accessories available, support templates, etc. goes without saying!
 
#10 ·
I agree that you should go and hold the router you are interested in. How it feels in your hands is very important. Another option you might want to consider is the used market. Pawn shops can be a good source for routers. Also, there are some good deals on ebay if you know what you are looking at.
One of my favorite routers is an old DeWalt 610 that I purchased for less that $50. Only needed to buy a collet and the wrenches. I have had it for close to 6 or 7 years and it is still going strong.
I would suggest buying a industrial/professional grade router (DW 616, Milwaukee 5615 and the like). A little more money upfront, but it should last the hobbyist for a lifetime.
 
#12 · (Edited)
I have narrowed it down to the following (2) routers:

Hitachi KM12VC Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 Peak HP Variable Speed Fixed/Plunge Base Router Kit (Reconditioned)
Milwaukee 5615.24 Amazon.com: Milwaukee 5615-24 1.75-Horsepower Multi-Base Router Kit Includes Plunge Base and BodyGrip Fixed Base: Home Improvement

The price of both units are about the same, but the Milwaukee appears to be a much larger unit. The Hitachi seems a bit smaller in size and looks like it my be easier to "move around" (just based on size). Also, the Milwaukee is 1.75 HP, and the Hitachi is 2.25 HP. I am leaning toward the Milwaukee.

Any comments/suggestion in regards to these (2) units?

Thanks,

Tom
 
#16 ·
I checked out your links. Looks like the Hitachi is on backorder with them right now and recon sales had the best price I had found on the KM12VC. A dollar more for the Milwaukee isn't a bad deal. I figure if you can get a known name kit for less than $150 you are in pretty good shape. I have a freud fixed base in my table which I like a lot also. If I had a plunge base for it I'm not sure which one I would favor. Both my Hitachi and the Freud are 2 1/4 and have plenty of power for what I do and foresee doing.
 
#13 ·
Hi Tom,

I know it was suggested earlier in your thread, I have to agree with the suggestion of the new sears combo router. These are light weight yet, power 2.25hp routers. Soft start, nice comfortable grip, LED lighting. If you get the right one, you'll get 3 bases for it. I believe there are several members here who have it and really like it. The one I have only has the 2 bases. (It won't replace my Makita's though :D).
 
#15 · (Edited)
There are sooooo many choices out there!!! Since I started this thread, I have been continuing to research and read as many reviews and opinions in regards to my next router purchase. It almost seems like the more I read, the more confusing it gets!!! It was suggested earlier that much of the time, it comes down to how the tool “feels”.
By this point, I have pretty much narrowed it down to a few of your suggestions (Craftsman, Milwaukee, Hitachi…). I have to keep reminding myself that I am on somewhat of a budget, so I would probably have to rule out the Bosch and possibly the Porter Cable units. The next thing for me to do is to go to various stores that sell good quality tools, and pick one up and see how it feels.

Thanks to ALL for your suggestions and comments,

Tom
 
#17 ·
If you pay close attention to sears, you may get their router for around the $119.00 range.
 
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