buying my first router

Hi Newto:
My advice is that you buy a router kit, like the Porter Cable 890. It comes with
both plunge and fised bases. Beware of the real cheap router sets, because if
you stay with wood working you'll probably end up buying a better router down
the line. If you don't like it a good router set is a lot easier to resell.
From the description of what you want to do, you do not need a router table.
A shelf can be edge profiled when it is fastened down to a work bench, as long as
the material hang over the bench edge. Making heard designs in the material is a little harder. I would make a template of a heart shape, and fit the router with a bushing.
The bushing will follow your template, the bit inside the bushing will cut out the heart shape. Depending on the outside diameter of the bushing, and the size of the bit used,
will determing how much bigger you will need to make the template to get the size of
the heart design you want..
Hope this helps.. Good luck, Woodnut65

Newto, buying a router doesnt need to cost a lot of money. The secret to being happy about your purchase is a realistic viewpoint. Odds are when you first learned to drive you didnt start out with a Rolls Royce or Bentley, you just bought something affordable that would do the job. Visit your Home Depot, Loews or Sears and look for an inexpensive model from a name brand you are familiar with. One of the better features to have is a 1/2" collet. Just like you would expect, router bits with a 1/2" shank are stronger than 1/4" shank bits. If you will only have one router a plunge is the best choice. Last week I was in my local HD and saw a Skill plunge router for $63. This router will do just about anything the more expensive ones will. Yes, there is a difference in the durability. The important thing is it will get you going without spending a ton of money. Dont buy a set of bits. Everyone thinks "I need one of each!" Buy the bit you need to get the job done. Starting out I would consider getting a 3/8" up spiral straight bit, a 1/4" roundover bit, a 1/4" straight pattern bit with a bearing on it, and a chamfering bit. These 4 bits will do the bulk of your cutting. The best deals I have seen are to be found at www.woodcraft.com
Woodcraft has decent quality bits and they run them on sale for $5 each on a regular basis. You can check the web site to see if they have a local store near you or order online. A router table is very usefull. It lets you have both hands free to control your wood, plus it lets you see the actual cut better than free hand routing. Don't buy a table, build it yourself. This is an easy first project and it lets you practice using your router before you tackle your shelf. Bob and Rick's router table is a perfect choice. You can buy the plans for like $5 by clicking on the Oak Park banner ad. Materials should cost you under $25. If you have a cordless drill, 2-6" clamps and a jig saw you will be ready to tackle your shelf. Be prepared to be very happy with the results. One last thing: Every professional wears safety glasses and hearing protection, every time, no exceptions! Enjoy!

Need Advice for Router Purchase

I'm new to the forum and to routing and need some advice please. Sears had two routers on sale. Need to know which one is recommended by forum.
The first is a DeWalt 1-3/4 hp, 11amp, fixed base/plunge router combo kit (model DW616pk) and is on sale for about $100 (normally about $200 but discontinued).
The other is the Craftsman 3-Base Router combo "Professional" rated at 12.5 amps (model 28084) for about $175 (normally about $225).

I know DeWalt has the better reputation for power tool reliability and longevity. But, I would not be putting a lot of hours on whichever one I keep. I've heard the Craftsman is built in China and may have problems with parts in the future. Are brush replacement ease a factor? Since the Craftsman cost about $75 more than the DeWalt, I'm looking at features that might be worth the extra costs:
Namely : D-Handle base , LED work lights, variable speed dial, 1.5 amp higher rating.

I'm doing some remodeling in my home and just want to have a good router to help me with some projects. It will likely be my only router purchase for a very long time. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Hi Dave

I recommend the one below, I now have 3 sets and they are great routers and a real plus you can get a 5 year tool bench warr.that will replace or repair it for free for 5 years. that's hard to beat.


Lets see Dewalt do that, in your shop or at Sears outlets.

Craftsman 2 hp Soft Start Fixed and Plunge Base Router w/Electronic Feedback, 11 amp with lights and VS..plus you can use it in the router table and it can be adjusted from the top side of the tapble top..
For 95.00 dollars and if you buy it on Sunday you can get 10% off that, on line...orders

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=00917543000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Routers+%2526+Laminate+Trimmers&[email protected]@@@[email protected]@@@&BV_EngineID=cchfaddkdkhdelgcefecemldffidflk.0
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http://www.routerforums.com/lobby/7077-sunday-night-deals-sears.html
http://www.routerforums.com/39447-post21.html
http://www.routerforums.com/table-mounted-routing/4063-model-320-17542-table-routing-2.html



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davester said:

I'm new to the forum and to routing and need some advice please. Sears had two routers on sale. Need to know which one is recommended by forum.
The first is a DeWalt 1-3/4 hp, 11amp, fixed base/plunge router combo kit (model DW616pk) and is on sale for about $100 (normally about $200 but discontinued).
The other is the Craftsman 3-Base Router combo "Professional" rated at 12.5 amps (model 28084) for about $175 (normally about $225).

I know DeWalt has the better reputation for power tool reliability and longevity. But, I would not be putting a lot of hours on whichever one I keep. I've heard the Craftsman is built in China and may have problems with parts in the future. Are brush replacement ease a factor? Since the Craftsman cost about $75 more than the DeWalt, I'm looking at features that might be worth the extra costs:
Namely : D-Handle base , LED work lights, variable speed dial, 1.5 amp higher rating.

I'm doing some remodeling in my home and just want to have a good router to help me with some projects. It will likely be my only router purchase for a very long time. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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Hi Dave

Yes I do recommend the Sears Craftsman posted,, I have PC,Freud,Hitachi,Craftsman,Triton,Makita,Bosch,MLCS, etc. and for the price you can't beat the price and the new quality of the Sears router.

In the snapshot file you will see the price of 95.00 but the last day for that price was 3.15.08 the day of your post... but they do put them on sale all the time...but if you buy one today you will get the 10% off that will help a bit. 10.oo bucks is 10.oo bucks...

So to say for 110.oo bucks plus the warranty for about 25.oo for 5 years.
and you will have a great pair of routers for a min. of 5 years.

Note ******* if you have a Sears member card you will get 10% off on top of that.


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davester said:

Thanks for the input so far. Bobj3, do you recommend the Craftsman 2 hp Soft Start Fixed and Plunge Base Router w/Electronic Feedback router over their Professional router? Also, can't find that price, their site shows $119 that comes with plunge base. They have the router only for $79. Will the plunge base come in handy if I'm not really doing much woodworking?

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