[Drugstore Cowboy]

Just my .02 on the 17543 combo
After hearing it so highly recommended on here -
I broke down and picked one up this weekend
I've thought about moving up to a 1/2" shank machine for some time - but never really needed to.
Haven't found anything I needed to do my 1.5hp Ryobi couldn't handle.
But - at that price point --
I could finally justify the investment for possible future needs.

Haven't really tested it yet -- just some rabbets and lap joints in pine using 1/4" shank bits. I DID like that the extra power let me make deeper cuts without straining the motor -- and I LOVE the soft start.

The only real negative I have seen so far is that it is VERY top-heavy (as has been alluded to by others) - that plus the small handles made it about the most uncomfortable router I have ever held.

But -- if it does everything else as well as has been reported on here --
I can deal with that minor issue. Just takes some getting used to.

 

[Drugstore Cowboy]

. . . That said, I totally agree with you about feel, and sort of disagree with Cowboy. I don't want to get used to an uncomfortable set of handles. I want a router that's going to stay planted and be fully in control without any extra effort. . . .
-bob

I don't think we disagree at all - not on any basic point -
We totally agree on not wanting to use a tool we didn't feel like we were in full control of. If I had felt that way -- it would be back on the Sears shelf today - because well over half of the router work I do is hand held.

As for the handles -- It's like a new pair of boots -- the first time you put them on they are almost never going to be as comfortable as the old workhorses you wore into the store. It's all in what you are used to.

As for my top heavy comment --
I noticed that I as I was tlilting it to give it the once over.
In actual use -- with the router vertical and resting flat on the workpiece -- I did not notice it at all and felt no lack of control.
The only time I notice it is with the router tilted -- and with the plunge base -- I shouldn't have any need to do that (so they tell me - this is the first one I have owned .

I suspect -- at most -- we 'disagree' on the level of discomfort we consider a deal breaker. My bar is not set has high as some in that regard -- because where some of you use routhers 8 hours a day --- I may use one 8 hours a month. So -- for the price savings -- I am willing to adjust my grip.
:sold:
But - yes - handling a tool before you buy it is always a good idea - and I broke one of my own rules this time by not doing it.

 

[Drugstore Cowboy]

"and I LOVE the soft start."

Cowboy, I have 3 soft start routers and the craftsman is what I call a true slow start...lol.. that thing is like a 5 ton truck in granny gear. Winds up pretty guick to top end... mine vibrates a slight amount at very top end...

Corey

Well - its the first one I have had --
so I really have nothing to compare it to except the loud harsh start of my others ---
I wouldn't have bought a new router JUST to get that - but having bought one -
- I really do LIKE that feature.

 

[Drugstore Cowboy]

I just bought the 17543 the other day. I cant complain at all for 89.99.. . . I guess if I'd bought the craftsman one it would have fit right away.

NOT necessarily a safe assumption -
I bought a Ryobi router at the Orange box not too long ago -- and went back later looking at their router tables-- They had a basic Ryobi table with some handy accessories at a good price and I ALMOST bought it -- until I noticed it was bored for a 3 hole base -- and mine had 4.
So much for brand consistancy.

But back to the 17543 -
I bought one a few weeks ago and just finished a mantel that gave me an excuse to play a little with it a little more.
Confirmed most of my initial impressions listed earlier.
Wish it DID have a D handle -- my hands like those better.

The only BIG issue I have is the position of the power switch --
I don't like not being able to reach it with both hands on the handles.
I'm thinking of getting a 'dead-man' foot switch for my router table --
May just use that for hand held work too.
For that matter --
Since I mainly bought the Craftsman for its half inch collet and the ability to use larger bits for molding etc ----
It may spend most of its time in my table.
That eliminates all three negatives.

Keep the Ryobi for handheld work.

 

[Drugstore Cowboy]

you could be right cowboy....anyways I only have to do one hole as it's centred with the two that fit.

That's what I'm sayin
You might have had that same work -- or more -- to do even if you had bought the Craftsman one.

Glad it was that easy for you.
I wound up building my own -- and by the time I got through tweaking it --
It cost more than a commercial one.

 

[Drugstore Cowboy]

well for the money the bosch one was vs me building it I think I saved money with the bosch

I'm willing to bet you did --
I know I would have - and it would have definitely been lighter -
I have a bad habit of tweaking and adding 'just one more thing' until . . . .