Wood Routers

[RANOVRU]

So my router, router table and 36 piece bit set was stolen about two weeks ago, but this threads not about that. Ive moved on. Obviously Im now in the market for a new one.

Im familiar with the quality range among various brands for this tool, bottom line is Im looking for something between $200-300. The local Lowes has the Dewalt 618 combo base kit as well as the Bosch 1617 combo base kit. Online, I see that I can get the newest Bosch MRC23 combo base kit. Home Depot only has a Ryobi plunge that seems garbage and a Porter Cable, which if it had a plunge base with it Id be interested.


Right now Im leaning towards either the Dewalt or the new Bosch. Ive been looking at reviews of all online but havent had the chance to actually put my hands on the new Bosch because its not in stores yet. Thats the only downside for me with that tool


So, I know we have some woodworkers on here. Anyone had any experience with any of these tools or can you recommend another brand within this price range?

[Norton]

Porter Cable all the way: PORTER-CABLE 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit - Power Routers - Amazon.com

I have been using Porter Cable for 20 some odd years and this is a great router and a great deal.

My second choice would be a Bosch:http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSP...s=bosch+router

or a http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-MRC23EVS...s=bosch+router

As for router tables, check out Rockler: http://www.rockler.com/power-tool-ac.../router-tables
They are all high quality!

Cheers.

[MountainStorm]

Same here. I use Porter Cable. The only thing Bosch makes that I like is a jigsaw. DeWalt tools are decent...I have a planer and compressor by them I like. But all my routers are PC. The only complaint against the new generation of 1-3/4 HP flat tops is the damn rocker switch will fall apart after 5 or ten years depending on how much use you give it. Other than that perfect tool IMO.

[The Violator]

Just an idea, but I bought my routers, both hand and table router from a second hand shop. Picked up a porter cable 3hp plunge router for $40. In a box with a set of bits. Also picked up a table with router for $30. Also picked up a table saw ( cheapie $200 model) for $40. ALSO a Dewalt 24 volt drill and 24 volt impact. 2 separate kits for $125, the drill was used, the impact was brand new.

A little leg work might find you some older much heavier duty tools, or at least a great deal on some newer stuff.

[TEDROCKZ]

Pawn shops! Times are bad. Most shops will let you check things out, at least enough to be sure it works. I have scored many deals at the pawn shop next to the casino close to here. Have not been burned so far!

[BigSki]

Porter Cable FTW. I have one that is 10 years old and is still going strong.

[RANOVRU]

I like the bit height adjustment on both the Dewalt and PC, they are both similar. The cons for me on the PC is that the whole motor turns for the adjustment, moving the on/off switch to a different location each time the bit height is changed. The Dewalt does not suffer from this issue as the motor does not turn. Also the PC doesnt have basic features that pretty much all current routers have, such as variable speed and soft start. And the PC is only a 1 3/4 hp motor while most others in this class are 2 1/4 hp.

The 1617 Bosch has a knob bit adjustment similar to my old router (which I didnt like) but the tolerances seem a lot tighter and it seems very accurate. It also has the capability to make height adjustments from above the table when mounted in one. The lock on the plunge base on the Bosch seems unnatural to me having to pull up to lock and push down to release. The Dewalts plung base is the opposite.

I really want to get the MRC23 in my hands to play around with it. It seems to have been getting great reviews and has some trick features. I wish I knew where I could go look at one in person.


Im still leaning towards either the Dewalt or one of the Bosch tools. I use PC tools every day and theyre pretty good. Ive coincidentally been using the very PC router mentioned at work for the last week making some custom cabinets. It works fine and seems solid but with the minor inconveniences and lack of current specs itd have to be priced more in the $100-150 range with both bases for me to consider it. Everywhere Ive seen it sells for $150 with just the fixed base and $200-210 with both bases. For that price Id definately go with one of the others (Dewalt $200, Bosch 1617 $220, Bosh MRC23 $279).

[hotrodsonoma]

I have a PC router as well as a mini PC router.
A "used" to be friend sold them to me for $20 and picked up a craftsman router table at local pawn shop for $10.
Have had them for a few yrs now with no complaints.

[THW]

Used router and build your own lift into a work bench.

[bob1961]

Originally Posted by Norton

Porter Cable all the way: PORTER-CABLE 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit - Power Routers - Amazon.com

I have been using Porter Cable for 20 some odd years and this is a great router and a great deal.

I have that same kit ....could be happier....

[Bigfeet]

PC 690 series.I think I have four of them and they are the routers I grab off the shelf first. I don't use the plunge base much but try a D handle, you'll like it.

[RANOVRU]

Picked up this nice little score off CL yesterday. Guy also threw in a couple Freud table saw blades for free. Im also going to be meeting him this week to get a Dewalt plate joiner off him.













Ill have to wait a little longer now to get a new router but I thought this deal was too good to pass up on. Besides, now I have
more time to decide what to get.

[Sarra]

What kind of wood working do you do? Professional or just stuff you make for yourself?