Greetings, @ hudejo,
Not sure which country you are in, in the EU. We would be pleased if you would add some information to your profile.
1. The Bosch GOF range are workhorses. I recently bought a GOF1300, but have not used it much yet. Fair value for money. The limitation is the maximum 8 mm shaft bits. You might want to look at the GOF 1600, which will take 12 mm and also 1/2” bits (but you may need to buy a 1/2” collet, depending on your country).
It does not have the fine depth adjustment, but to be honest, I have never used it on my routers that have it. For about 20 yrs all I used was a single-speed 900 W Hitachi 1/4”, 6mm, 8mm. With no fancy bits and pieces.
2. As you say, there is the Bosch Green range, which is less powerful. If I remember correctly, the POF 1400 will also take 8 mm bits. I think they are bulkier than the GOF range.
3. The Makita 710 W is more properly what Tom calls a trim router, but like Tom, I often reach for my trim router first, because it is so convenient. If by the three attachments you mean three bases (that model is optionally sold in a kit with fixed base, plunge base and angle base), it would make a great start-out router, but it will struggle a little with heavier work. Still, 1 hp is not to be sneezed at - it just means multiple passes compared to a more powerful machine.
4. The Makita MT 3602 is a compromise router: industrial grade, but with no bells and whistles. Perhaps for a production environment, where a number of dedicated routers are used with permanent bits and depth settings. It can take smaller bits - it usually comes with a reducing adapter. With that much power, it can be somewhat awkward without variable speed. Soft start is not a must-have, but once you have had it, you wonder why anybody would make a router without it. Like James, my 3612C has never quit, and has variable speed. The current equivalent is a model RP1800X which ticks all the boxes, but may be a lot more expensive.
5. The last Makita is pretty basic. I have never looked at one, as it would be no better than my trusty old Hitachi, but I remember some guys on this forum complaining about a sloppy plunge action.
6. If available in your country, have a look at Hitachi. There should be a reasonably-priced 1600 W model. Also nothing fancy, but just keep going.
7. Finally, you might have Ryobi available in your geography. I have not had much joy with the smaller router (1600 W - fully featured but poor quality), but my 1900 w is great (and heavy).
Your choice will depend on whether you will remain limited to small projects, or want to try bigger stuff as you develop your skills.
I have to warn you that buying a router is addictive - no matter which one you settle for, you will find cogent reasons why you need another one (or several, as in my case).
Not sure which country you are in, in the EU. We would be pleased if you would add some information to your profile.
1. The Bosch GOF range are workhorses. I recently bought a GOF1300, but have not used it much yet. Fair value for money. The limitation is the maximum 8 mm shaft bits. You might want to look at the GOF 1600, which will take 12 mm and also 1/2” bits (but you may need to buy a 1/2” collet, depending on your country).
It does not have the fine depth adjustment, but to be honest, I have never used it on my routers that have it. For about 20 yrs all I used was a single-speed 900 W Hitachi 1/4”, 6mm, 8mm. With no fancy bits and pieces.
2. As you say, there is the Bosch Green range, which is less powerful. If I remember correctly, the POF 1400 will also take 8 mm bits. I think they are bulkier than the GOF range.
3. The Makita 710 W is more properly what Tom calls a trim router, but like Tom, I often reach for my trim router first, because it is so convenient. If by the three attachments you mean three bases (that model is optionally sold in a kit with fixed base, plunge base and angle base), it would make a great start-out router, but it will struggle a little with heavier work. Still, 1 hp is not to be sneezed at - it just means multiple passes compared to a more powerful machine.
4. The Makita MT 3602 is a compromise router: industrial grade, but with no bells and whistles. Perhaps for a production environment, where a number of dedicated routers are used with permanent bits and depth settings. It can take smaller bits - it usually comes with a reducing adapter. With that much power, it can be somewhat awkward without variable speed. Soft start is not a must-have, but once you have had it, you wonder why anybody would make a router without it. Like James, my 3612C has never quit, and has variable speed. The current equivalent is a model RP1800X which ticks all the boxes, but may be a lot more expensive.
5. The last Makita is pretty basic. I have never looked at one, as it would be no better than my trusty old Hitachi, but I remember some guys on this forum complaining about a sloppy plunge action.
6. If available in your country, have a look at Hitachi. There should be a reasonably-priced 1600 W model. Also nothing fancy, but just keep going.
7. Finally, you might have Ryobi available in your geography. I have not had much joy with the smaller router (1600 W - fully featured but poor quality), but my 1900 w is great (and heavy).
Your choice will depend on whether you will remain limited to small projects, or want to try bigger stuff as you develop your skills.
I have to warn you that buying a router is addictive - no matter which one you settle for, you will find cogent reasons why you need another one (or several, as in my case).
