First post so be gentle...

Just got bosch 1617 evspk for Christmas from the wif(correct sp. Got the plunge kit also. Have ryobi 2hp router with 1/2" in. collet. But the odd man out is the Craftsman millenium 1 1/2hp with 1/4" in collet. The bosch will go in table and occasional plunge use, maybe full time. The Ryobi full to part time plunge use. I'm also looking at the ryobi for possible pantograph use.

Any good ideas for the Craftsman?? The collet size is a bit limiting for big jobs. Don't want to let it just sit around.

Thx and good to be here.

Jim

Hello and welcome to the forum.

1st off, there is no such thing as an extra router...
put the smallest/lightest router in the pantograph...

The Bosch is a work horse and the easiest to use of the three.. I believe you will end up using this one as your go to router...

look to see if ½" collets can be had for the Craftsman...

put the Ryobie in the table if it will work...

Dan is the not gentle guy today...
he's hording the beer and won't share...

Welcome to the forum Jim. Use the Craftsman for edge treatments like ogees or coves and leave the bit in and set when you have jobs that require multiple routing operations. That way if you miscalculate or damage a piece you don't have to get the setup right again. Most edge treatment bits are small so 1/4" shafts are just fine.

If the craftsman isn't damaged at all there's no reason you can't use it for smaller jobs shop and onsite. A 1 1/2 hp should be light enough for all types of inlay and template routing.

BTW what Stick486 said

Hey! I heard that!!
"Dan is the not gentle guy today...
he's hording the beer and won't share..."

Welcome, 'Bonose'; Like Stick said, never too many routers.
It's kind of funny that you've now got the same routers as myself, not including my bad boy Bosch 1619

I'm with these guys on the " you can never have enough routers " part lol .
I have an older router that stays perminately attached to a circle jig . Just a thought
It is a craftsman circle jig to boot , but I think the one I'm using is discontinued

Btw welcome to the forum Jim


Heres a pic of the one I bought from Sears many years ago

Welcome aboard.
Stick hit it on the head.

Build you one of these rascals and mount the router on it with a 3/4 inch flat bottom bit. Makes flush trimming your projects easy peasy.

http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fix...mming-jig.html

Welcome to a great forum. SO right, I have only 14 routers now and I use them all the time. In time you will see what we are saying.

I hate changing bits, especially during a project.

Welcome to the forum, Jim.

Good for free hand sign writing???