I have 5 routers.

My first one is a Porter Cable 7518, a heavy 3+ hp tank that rests in my router lift. It is very accurate and I get tired before it does. It will take whatever I choose to give it without any consideration of load. It weighs about 15 lbs, so is heavy for handheld use.

My second one is a 3hp Ryobi plunge router. I have it set up for handheld and table use (9" round router plate) and accomodates the large 1-3/4" guide bushings. It is heavy, but I've had it a long time. It also is heavy (~13 lbs).

My third and fourth ones ares a Freud 1710 2hp router and a Craftsman 2-1/4hp router, each with dual bases. These are about 8 lbs and are for hand-held (plunge base) and jig (fixed base) operation. They weigh about 6-8 lbs.

My fifth one is a Bosch Colt "laminate trimmer". It only takes 1/2" shank bits but is good for small edge work and fine work. It is small and only weights a few pounds so is easily controlled.

At some point I will likely add a Bosch 1617 2-base kit to my stable of routers because I really like its plunge lock mechanism.

Although not a necessity, you will find over time the advantage of having multiple routers so you can switch routers when you need to switch bits as if you later need the first bit at the original depth you will not need to try to match it. Since the bit's still in the original router you just grab-and-go. This is akin to the advantage of having a set of open-ended wrenches instead of a single adjustable wrench in mechanics, except the adjustment time for routers can be much longer.

Just one man's opinion.

 

I have 2 Makita 3612C's plunge routers. They're 15amps, take both 1/4" & 1/2" bits, again, plunge, nice comfortable feel and they have an electric brake on them.

I also have 2 craftsmen combo routers, 1 15amp pro model, it's ok, I don't use it much since I have the above routers. The other craftsmen router is the 2.25hp combo, soft start, LED lighting and did I mention, soft start?

All 4 routers take on both 1/4" & 1/2" bits. I prefer my Mak's again, because of how they feel in my hands. They're heavy but, that's something I've never really noticed or felt.

I do have another router that I simply don't ever use, it's become a good paper weight. It only takes on the 1/4" bits.

 

Bosch 1617EVSPK (kit with two bases, through-table adjuster, two collets, quick-mount bushing adapter and wrenches.) I don't use the quick-mount bushing adapter, as I have a sub-base that accepts Porter-Cable-style bushings.

Am considering adding a higher horse-power router for table work.

Cassandra

 

Two Freuds, two PCs and one Ryobi.
Had two Crapsmans. Never again! The ones I have now are far better than the 28190s I had...POS IMO. Gave one each to my sons and they tossed them after a few trials.

 

I have 6 routers. 1 - 2 1/2 Triton in my table, 1 - 2 1/2 digital plunge Craftsman, 1 - 2 1/2 dual base (fixed/plunge) Craftsman, 1 - 1 1/2 Ryobi fixed, 1 - 2 1/2 GMC dual base and 1 Harbor Freight trim router.

 

George..

what have been your experience's with the craftsman digital plunge? thoughts/opinions would be appreciated. I'm always looking for a dedicated plunge and that one keeps popping up its head..


thanks
bill

 

I have a pair of craftsman fixed-base routers. They're ok, but I bought them used and were my first routers. I'm looking to step up, a newer/better fixed base, and possibly a nice table router?

 

I only have 2 routers.....1 Skil 1-3/4 plunge 1/4" only, and 1 Bosch 1617 that I use in the table.....if I ever replace the Skil, it will be with another Bosch.....

 

I've a DW625 for the Woodrat, a Triton 3 1/4 in the router table, a Ryobi 2100, a MacAllister 1250 which was ludicrously cheap and came with 50 bits (Bits are hard to get here) and a little Einhell 850, which is an Elu knockoff and probably gets the most use for handheld work. I originally had to go with what I could get here, as there is not the availability that there is in the US, UK, Canada and the States and gradually upgraded. The cheap ones still come in handy as I can keep a particular bit in them to save swapping bits for some jobs. The MacAllister was particularly handy as it came with a comprehensive selection of collets, which also fit some of the others that came with just one or two.

Cheers

Peter

 

For me ,it's easy-er to say what I don't have " the DeWalt and the green and black one from UK the norm,that looks like a big hand drill" they all to the same type of job some better than the other, but it's like asking what type of car/truck do you have and why.


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What is the green and black one Bob, a Lucas? I've not seen one in the flesh but the Lucas brand name in the UK was normally for auto electrical stuff or diesel injectors and pumps. How they came to be using the brand for things like routers, I don't know. It's a bit like Caterpillar branded stuff. They stretch the quality image of a brand to push stuff they've no previous reputation for.
I used to think it was bad enough with brands like Stanley. You'd buy a Stanley plane, but not chisels. At least with them it was all related. Lucas and Cat have nothing traditionally to do with hand tools.

Cheers

Peter

 

Hi Peter

Festool
Router Forums - View Single Post - jig for let-in stair stringers

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1 1/2 HP fixed base Ryobi.

 

I have the big Hitachi M12V2, that stays in the table. Also the discontinued red top Craftsman that was a clone of the Bosch 1617 with fixed and plunge bases. The fixed base has above table height adjustment, but I never used it in a table(in fact I've never used that base at all). My old Bosch 1613 has the same feel as the Craftsman and the(plunge) sub bases interchange. I make my own subs and usually keep one for PC guides on the Bosch. And one for the larger guides on the Cman. I also have a Bosch Colt that I would'nt want to be without. I'm sure I need a few more, but I'm very happy with the ones I have. I used to have a PC 690. It was my first "real" router. I loved that router, but at the time, needed to sell it to purchase a plunge router. Thinking back know, the only thing the 690 can do that the Colt wont, is take 1/2" bits. The router I upgraded to was the Hitachi KM12SC(no longer made, I think) with fixed and plunge bases. It was my first plunger, and worked well. But when I got my hands on a Bosch plunge, the action of the Hitachi plunge became very disappointing. So it went out by way of Craigslist. The action of my big Hitachi may be no better, I don't know. I took it out of the box, removed the springs, and stuck it in the table. That's where it stays, and it works very well for that.

 

I had several but kept two, I kept upgrading until I was satisfied. a Triton 2.25hp on the table and a Makita 3162C for everything else. and I couldn't be happier with them...

 

1 Triton 2.25 hangin' in a Table, 1 new craftsman 2hp with both bases. Both have been good to me.

 

Just bought a shinny new 1617EVSPK and I LOVE the way it runs and feels, I am thoroughly impressed with fit and finish. It comes ready to mount in a table and comes with a carry case ( like I would actually put it away ). The plunge base is smoother than than my triton or craftsman.

 

Shane, as you can see there are many brands of routers and most of them will get the job done. I bought and worked with as many routers as possible so I could give first hand observations on them. To date my favorites are my Bosch 1617's.

 

EVS or the 11 amp ?

 

A DW625ek on the Jessem Rout R plate. An Elu177e (similar to the DW and intechangeable with it), an Elu 96e, a Bosch 52, an an old Dremel in their router base.

 

Lets see, Marvel 40 trim, Ridgid 2.5hp combo, just bought the Sears combo 2hp and 2 Dremels.

 

Dewalt 618 - 3 bases. I use it mainly in my my Oak Park router table with the fixed base, but very easy to pop out for hand routing when needed. I also have the Trend T-4 trim router and the components to use my Dremel for those really tiny and rare jobs. Very happy with my set up for what I do.

 

HI Jerry,

How do you like that Marvel 40? I see MLCS has it advertised for $89.95 for an additional $80.00 you could get their 8 piece 1/8" router bits too. It's something that's tempting but, I've been holding off due to other issues, they are taking precedence.

 

1/8" set, high speed steel
H0880 Mini Bit 10 pc. Set , 1/8" Shank
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I have a Hitachi M12V in the table and a Mastercraft Combo for handheld work. I also have a Bosch Colt and of course the Dremel for fun. I had another smaller Mastercraft plunge router that I sold, it was a good starter router but that's about it. I had a used Craftsman for a while. Sold that too, it didn't do anything to convince me to keep it.
If I was going to buy another router (and probably will) I'd consider Porter Cable, or Freud. Dewalts are popular but I see so many of them for sale on the used tools sites it makes me wonder why.

 

Deb,
You can't go wrong with either choice.
I agree with Norm Abrams. You need a router for every bit!:dance3:
Gene

 

I have three: a Porter Cable 7518 3 hp (single speed), a Porter Cable 895 2 1/4 hp with two bases (fixed and plunge) and a Porter Cable laminate trimmer with three bases. The only one that I am not happy with is the big Porter Cable that I bought used and did not pay attention to the fact that it was a single speed model. Right now, I use the PC 895 in the router table with the fixed base - since it has an above the table adjustment handle.

 

A correction - My big router is a 7519 - again single speed. Sorry about that.

 

Duane, I use the Bosch 1617 with the straight switch. This allows me to use a larger after market speed controller. I am happy to say I avoided the switch problems by going this route. Both of my 1617's have been trouble free. I like the EVS feature, I owned a 1613EVS and had no problems with it. My PC 7518 has also been trouble free and that is a soft start variable speed model. Bosch and PC are the only brands that offer readily available 3/8" collets which allows you to use special application bits.

 

That's good to know Mike.
Thanks !