Router Selection

[RexInTheCity]

Hi all,

I've been doing a ton of reading here for my future build. I'm putting together my list for Santa and I want to start gathering tools. My current toolset contains hammers, clamps, wrenches, ratchets, drill, circular saw, and a belt sander. From reading all the build logs it looks like I'll need a router to clean up edges and even everything out.

I don't know much about routers and what to look for in a decent unit or what kind of router I would need during my build. Can someone point in the right direction or recommend one that isn't too expensive?

Thanks

[warnmar10]

One word: Porter Cable
1/2" collet, as powerful as budget allows, plunge base or multi-base kit like http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-693L ... ds=693LRPK

[aggie79]

Good all around recommendation. This will cover 95% of your routing needs.

[drhill]

you won't go wrong with a Porter Cable router, but I notice you want an inexpensive one. If you have gotten along without a router up until now then you can probably buy a much cheaper router for your teardrop build. I think the only bits I used were a 1/4" shank flush trim bit and a 1/4 or 3/8 round over bit.

I have a pretty well equipped shop and have never missed having a Kreg pocket hole jig up until I built the teardrop. This jig, KRE-MKJKIT, is about $20 and did the job well. And clamps, clamps and maybe some more clamps.

Cheers
Don

[noseoil]

Whatever router you decide to buy, get a plunge router base. It's just easier & quicker to set up and repeat settings. I've owned various types & the best home type of router I've found is the Ryobi model 150 or 151 version (no longer produced, check pawn shops). Their newer 2 hp model is overkill, but it's cheap on Amazon (refurbished @ $89).

[pchast]

Porter Cable is best.
I don't have one.

Working with Foam and lite cuts in Pine or Cedar I did it all with
a HF trim router, and no problems. It did get hot when clogged
with foam. I vacuumed it out and continued to use it.

[warnmar10]

... (no longer produced, check pawn shops). ...

[hijack]How does that work? Maybe it is a regional thing but; when I used to go trolling pawn shops for tools everything was marked near or even more than full retail price. Was I supposed to make offer and try to talk the price down? In fact, the last time I went to a pawn shop it was for a router and the most beat up rickety B&D they had was marked ~$90 for model that Home Depot sold for $59. The same goes for rusty hand tools and look-alike pneumatic tools. Please enlighten.[/hijack]

[Chuckles]

Its really a question of horsepower... in a fully stocked woodworking shop you will probably see three. A large fixed base unit in something like 2hp that stays in the router table most of the time. A handy little trim router (1/4 hp or so), and a mid size router (1 to 1.5hp) with a plunge base.

If you just want one go with a mid size variable speed router with the interchangeable bases and 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets. Stick with one of the big names (Porter Cable, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosh, Hitachi, Dewalt) and you won't go wrong. They all offer the two-base kits.

I would stay away from the off-brands.

Chuck

[RexInTheCity]

Thanks for all the info guys.

DrHill, I already have my Kreg jig. I bought one of those last year when I built my dining room table. Those things are awesome.

1-1/4 HP is enough?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable ... er_reviews

If not I can step up to 1-3/4 HP and stick with Milwaukee that's only $60 more: (gotta keep a theme going with the power tools)
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/corded/5615-24

I'll be using mostly 1x2, 1x3, and 1/8", 1/2", and maybe some 3/4" plywood in my build.

[drhill]

you don't need allot of power unless you plan on doing big cuts like raised panel doors etc. Then you want a big router mounted in a table. I have one of those but I can't see the name plate the way it is mounted. But my smaller router that I much prefer is only 6 amps and it was old when I got it about 20 yrs ago. If you are near a Home Depot, go have a look and get whichever feels good in your hands. My preference would be that little Porter Cable dual base unit. I am working on a little router inlay work tight now for a knife block that will go in the teardrop & I manage that without a plunge base, but I would look for the plunge base if I was buying a router again.

Good you have the Kreg jig already. I always got by without but had I known how handy they are I would have got one years ago.

Oh, and one think I learned is that the pilot bearings on new flush trim bits aren't tightly mounted. I had one vibrate loose when trimming an edge.

[Woodbutcher]

Get the Porter Cable 691. It has 1 3/4 HP and a D handle for the best grip. You will never need another Router in your life. Plus under power tools can be dangerous. I've been a Cabinet Maker for 35 years and have tried all kinds of Routers over the years. I own 2 of these 691's and will not buy anything else.

Check out Amazon. Less then the HD version and its a better tool.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-691- ... r+d+handle

[Chuckles]

Get the Porter Cable 691. It has 1 3/4 HP and a D handle for the best grip. You will never need another Router in your life. Plus under power tools can be dangerous. I've been a Cabinet Maker for 35 years and have tried all kinds of Routers over the years. I own 2 of these 691's and will not buy anything else.

Check out Amazon. Less then the HD version and its a better tool.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-691- ... r+d+handle

The PC 691 is a nice router but you won't regret getting one that has the optional plunge base.

As for the 1-1/4 hp PC router you linked to, the fixed base is set up like a trim router and it doesn't have any handles... fine for a trim router but you really want a fixed base you can hang onto except for the lightest work.

Chuck

[warnmar10]

The PC 691 is a nice router but you won't regret getting one that has the optional plunge base.

As for the 1-1/4 hp PC router you linked to, the fixed base is set up like a trim router and it doesn't have any handles... fine for a trim router but you really want a fixed base you can hang onto except for the lightest work.

Chuck

The D-handle base comes with a knob for two-fisted routing. The knob can be mounted for left or right handed operators.

[VijayGupta]

I've had a PC 690 for about 30 years, most of that time it was my only router. It's a fine router, but given that PC has been through several mergers, acquisitions, and realignment trying to find its niche (which seems to be Joe Garage instead of professionals,) I'm not sure I'd buy another. A few years ago I got a Bosch 1617 and like its soft start, variable speed, and depth adjustment. Wood Magazine rated it their tops a few years ago.

[dales133]

I just picked up a nice makita 1/4 inch router/trimmer today.
It's a realy nice unit very heavy for its size but in a good way.
I find the realy light trimmers tend to be hard to control.
I'll probably end up getting something in the half inch variety at some stage.
I had a variable speed 1/2 inch elu router that was Unfortionatly stolen....I'd had it since I was 18 and paid it off weekly...still angry about that one!