Help on router choice.

2500 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by template tom, Feb 21, 2005

archer_456

Discussion Starter · Feb 16, 2005

I have decided to get a new router, mainly for under table use and occasional plunge use. I am stuck on the decision of which one to buy. I have narrowed the choices down to 3 routers, Porter Cable 893PK, Bosch 1617evspk (all magnesium casing), and the Hitachi M12vc. I have read reviews on all three, but can't come to conclucion. If you had to choose one of these 2 1/4 hp Routers with a fixed base/plunge base package in the $200 range, which would you get? If you have any other router suggestions, please feel free to post them. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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DONALD

· #2 · Feb 16, 2005

archer_456 said:
I have decided to get a new router, mainly for under table use and occasional plunge use. I am stuck on the decision of which one to buy. I have narrowed the choices down to 3 routers, Porter Cable 893PK, Bosch 1617evspk (all magnesium casing), and the Hitachi M12vc. I have read reviews on all three, but can't come to conclucion. If you had to choose one of these 2 1/4 hp Routers with a fixed base/plunge base package in the $200 range, which would you get? If you have any other router suggestions, please feel free to post them. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I have the PC and the Bosch. In my opinion they are both good routers. One feature of the PC I don't like is the height adjustment. It's the same one that Craftsman used in the 70s. It's exposed but it's really no problem if it's kept clean and lubed. My Bosch had the magnesium motor housing and base. The motor housing was corroding so it's at Bosch now having the motor housing changed to aluminum. Other wise the Bosch is an excellent router. I think you would be pleased with either one. I think their HP rating of 2 1/4 is a little bit more than they actually have. Don't let that influence your decision between these two routers because they'll do every thing you want to do. I've never tried them on raised panel doors but they may be a little underpowered for some of the very large bits in hardwood. If you don't really have to have a plunge base HD has the PC 690 on sale for $99. It's a step down in power but it too is a very good router. I don't have any experience with the Hitachi but all the comments I've read have been very positive. Good luck in your choice.......don't get bogged down in the "witch one should I buy" rut. Buy the one that feels best to you when you hold it and operate the controls.

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Mike

· #3 · Feb 17, 2005

Archer, I have a pair of 1617's and my buddy bought one since he liked mine so well. They have been trouble free. Keep in mind that the new Craftsman 26620 router is almost identical to the 1617EVS, there are a couple small but important differences. The new Hitachi looks suspiciously like a 1617, and it wouldn't surprize me if Hitachi had made a couple of improvements. All these companies build quality tools. Do yourself a favor and go put your hands on them before buying one. See which feels best in your hands and adjusts the easiest for you, both upside down and right side up. Let us know what you decide, and good luck!

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archer_456

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 18, 2005

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I am leaning towards the Bosch because of the way it feels, the handles feel good, the weight is right, and I like the plunge base better than the other two. The only thing I am worried about is the corrosion problem. Is there any way to tell if they have changed all the motor housings yet? I would really hate to get it, use it a couple months, and then have to turn around and send it in for repairs. Does this corrosion problem happen pretty quick, or does it take a couple of years?

Thanks.

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Mike

· #5 · Feb 21, 2005

The 3 I can speak for are problem free. Having used and owned several different brands and models including Craftsman, Rockwell(the predecessor to Porter Cable), PC, Bosch, B&D and Ryobi I like the Bosch 1617 the best. If you choose to go with this model you can remove the handles from the fixed base for easier table mounting. Mine have been in the case since day one.

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template tom

· #6 · Feb 21, 2005

archer_456 said:
I have decided to get a new router, mainly for under table use and occasional plunge use. I am stuck on the decision of which one to buy. I have narrowed the choices down to 3 routers, Porter Cable 893PK, Bosch 1617evspk (all magnesium casing), and the Hitachi M12vc. I have read reviews on all three, but can't come to conclucion. If you had to choose one of these 2 1/4 hp Routers with a fixed base/plunge base package in the $200 range, which would you get? If you have any other router suggestions, please feel free to post them. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Enclosed is my views on what I would prchase if I was on the look-out for a new router
http://www.wa1.quik.com.au/tod/2_buying_a_new_router.htm

Tom

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