I have alot of routers and i cannot say that one is overall better than the other..The Bosch 1617 combo kit is 2 1/4 hp..Its a great router...Lightest in its class..the pistol grip handles on the plunge is excellent..The only negitive things, are dust collection is an option and you need to buy Bosch bushings to do template work..Unless you make your own base plate.
I also have the Porter/cable 694 combo with D handle and 690 with fixed base.Excellent router, 1 3/4 hp and you can get aftermarket bushing for 19.00
Look for a combo kit, with Variable speed and soft start.I think you are on the right track with Hitachi and makita..but it sounds like you may want to buy bushings and also Dust collection., for the work you are doing.DEwalt and the 800 series Portercable have the DC built in.Quaility routers are made better, they can take more heat..the tests have shown that over cheaper models..Bosch is quailty but bosch also makes Skil and Craftman, which are cheaper in price and quaility..doesnt mean they wont last for years, but if you are using a router alot, for long periods of time, you need to get the best you can afford.
I also have the Porter/cable 694 combo with D handle and 690 with fixed base.Excellent router, 1 3/4 hp and you can get aftermarket bushing for 19.00
Look for a combo kit, with Variable speed and soft start.I think you are on the right track with Hitachi and makita..but it sounds like you may want to buy bushings and also Dust collection., for the work you are doing.DEwalt and the 800 series Portercable have the DC built in.Quaility routers are made better, they can take more heat..the tests have shown that over cheaper models..Bosch is quailty but bosch also makes Skil and Craftman, which are cheaper in price and quaility..doesnt mean they wont last for years, but if you are using a router alot, for long periods of time, you need to get the best you can afford.