[RmBrumfield]

Mostly looking for a review on a Menards Masterforce Router combo thats on sale for $219: 2.5hp router, plunge base, AND a table. Seems too good to be true, but I have had good luck with Harbor freight & Menards tools, & I am a hobbyist at best, weekend fixer upper. I have an almost 2 year old boy & another boy to be here soon so I don't have the time or money to invest heavily in prograde tools. Do like making things, though. Hope to peruse around here to find a project I can do this summer.

 

[RainMan 2.0]

Welcome to the forum. I’ll let the pros answer your questions, but I thought I’d chime in and say hello.

A first name in your profile is always nice

 

[Nickp]

Welcome to the Forum, RM...I'm sure some knowledgeable folks will jump in soon...

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

Hi Rm and welcome. I would hazard a guess that it is the same router as this one sold by Canadian Tire up here and branded as such: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maximum-fixed-plunge-router-0546810p.html#srp The CT router has a warranty of 5 years. The Masterforce didn't say that I was able to find. You can expect to get a few years use out of it. That's my experience with quite a few other CT tools. One of the issues will be parts just a few years down the road. They won't be available so that should factor in but it should give you decent service until that happens. The size is a pretty good all around size for a router.

 

[woodknots]

Welcome @RmBrumfield - hope you find the time to enjoy the forum - lots of folks here with plenty of experience and knowledge - and they're friendly too.

That router/table combo sounds like a good deal especially for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to spend in the shop - but that will probably change in the future for you and you won't have spent a ton of money if you don't continue with the hobby.

Not sure what your experience is with routers but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Knothead47]

Warranty? Availability of parts?

 

[old55]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Herb Stoops]

Welcome to the Forum,Congratulations on the new family member on the way. You should be OK with the router purchase, just get some quality bits and you will like the results.

Go Harbor Freight!!!
Herb

 

[DesertRatTom]

A little late to the party. First, welcome. Second, if you live in the USA, $219 will buy you the Bosch 1617 EVSPK kit with fixed and plunge bases. Suitable for the table, the fixed base even has a small accessory key that helps you adjust the height of the bit above the table from above the table. The 1617 is pretty much agreed to be the best for the money, and is a first class machine. It has soft start, speed control, 1/2 and 1/4 collets and wrenches for mounting bits. It is generally available for that price at Home Depot or at Amazon. Occasionally for a bit less. It gets high marks from most of the US users here. And Bosch has great customer service and parts are easily available when needed.