OK Type of Router to get?

[Kelleyaynn]

OK, y'all have convinced me. I'm getting a router. Except, there are only what seems like a zillion different routers out there. I'm only buying one.

Suggestions on horsepower? Any other specs that will help me out?

Thanks to all who so graciously offer their expertise to those of us who are clueless (like me)

Kelley

[Larwyn]

If I had to get rid of all my routers but one, I would keep the Porter Cable model 690. It's a good un!

[aggie79]

If I had to get rid of all my routers but one, I would keep the Porter Cable model 690. It's a good un!

+1 on the PC 690.

I have others, but this router has the best combination of power, weight & size, and is used the most. I think its horsepower is around 1 3/4 - plenty for most bits. It takes 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits (generally use the 1/2" shank bits if they fit what you need it to do.)

[Looneytoons]

If you want a combo package, you can check out this Bosch combination fixed base and plunge router.

I like it a lot and it has received consistent good reviews

[cuyeda]

First, I am not considered an expert woodworker. Second, I have no intentions of criticizing anyone elses decision on the 690.

I purchased the Porter Cable 690. As soon as I mounted it to a router table and turned it on, I packed it up and took it back to Rockler! Don't get me wrong... the 690 is a very popular model, and is on sale from time to time. I exchanged it for the 892, with plunge base.

Please correct me if I am wrong, it does not have a variable speed, a fine micro adjustment, or a soft start. You turn it on and, Bam! it's at full speed. When mounted on a router table, there was no stop lock on the spindle to change the bits. You have to use the two wrenches to loosen/tighten the bit. When returning it, I explained that my Craftsman had these features, and thought Porter Cable was a superior brand. I also assumed that the 690 had these features. My mistake, I should have done more research!

My first router was a Craftsman that had the above features, and performs for hand held use nicely. When I set up a router table, I didn't want to keep changing the routers, so I wanted a dedicated router, since I could not find a mounting plate for the Craftsman for the table.

[cocobolo]

If I had to get rid of all my routers but one, I would keep the Porter Cable model 690. It's a good un!

Same here. I have 4 routers and the 690 is the one I grab about 90% of the time. That poor thing has been beat to death over years of use and is still going strong.

chad

[asianflava]

I'd say that Porter Cable or Bosch and you can't go wrong. Just make sure to get a model with varible speed, and the ability to use both 1/4in and 1/2in bits.

I have the Bosch set that Looneytoons posted. I keep the fixed base in my router table and keep the plunge base outside.

[Mightydog]

PC makes good stuff. Anyone who watches Norm on New Yankee Workshop sees him work with it every week.

However...



We have a Milwaukee 5615-20 router and love it. The handle design makes control very easy. It adjusts quickly, easily and accurately every time. And, well, it's a Milwaukee. We upgraded to the 1/2-inch collet for the larger bits and a little better feel while working.

They're about $160 to $175.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/5615-20.html

[NathanL]

If it's only for doing your teardrop look for a reman one.

I bought a reman Festool a while back for 50% the price of a new one and I'm sure it will last me forever in a non production capacity.

[mikeschn]

If I had to get rid of all my routers but one, I would keep the Porter Cable model 690. It's a good un!

Same here. I have 4 routers and the 690 is the one I grab about 90% of the time. That poor thing has been beat to death over years of use and is still going strong.

chad

+2

I use this one more than any other router I have...

Mike...

[Juneaudave]

I wouldn't rule out a nice trim router...they are pretty light, capable of doing great work, and might be a pretty good alternative for the type of work Kelley might encounter. I have one and like it. Here is an article from Popular Mechanics from last January. They gave the Craftsman a best buy rating, although I would research a few more reviews...

[Woodbutcher]

I have 2 Porter Cable routers. I think they are a 692. Same as the 690 but with a D-Handle. I much prefer that handle verses the 2 knobs. Alot of times I am using 1 hand on the router and the other on the work or the cord. These things are 12 years old and just keep going. You will not be dissapointed with them.

[halfdome, Danny]

All my routers (10) are Porter Cable and 4 of them are the 690. With it comes a 1/4" collet and 1/2" collet along with two very easy to use wrenches. I use the bench to hold one wrench while my hand turns the other. Home Depot usually has them at a good price but if you have a Rockler store near you call them as they are having a one day sale (6 per store) at if I remember correctly $99.99. I threw out the ad but I think it was on Jan. 30TH. Danny

[afreegreek]

in my 25 years as a cabinet maker I've used almost every router on the market. there are only two worth considering in my opinion. the PC 690 and the Milwaukee. either the single speed 5615-20 or the multi speed 5616-20. there are many reasons I think the Milwaukee is better. #1 the body grip feature. #2 the linear travel rather that rotary for height adjustment. #3 the screw feed height adjustment accessible from the top of a router table. it also has a much better, smoother plunge base available in a kit or as an accessory. http://www.milwaukeetool.com:80/Product ... 3a+Routers

PC are still good but not even in the same ballpark as the Milwaukee. I suggest buying an older model PC if you can find one over new. they've sadly gone down hill over the past few years.

[afreegreek]

I wouldn't rule out a nice trim router...they are pretty light, capable of doing great work, and might be a pretty good alternative for the type of work Kelley might encounter. I have one and like it. Here is an article from Popular Mechanics from last January. They gave the Craftsman a best buy rating, although I would research a few more reviews...

trim routers are great and the new ones are plenty powerful. their downsides are they are limited to 1/4" bits and most of them are not easy to accurately set bit heights on, the base is small and fairly unstable compared to a regular router. they also turn at extremely high speeds. my Makita 3708F turns at 35.000. much too fast for many bits.. just a few of the things to consider. one more is my tilt base trim router was only $40 cheaper than my multi speed Milwaukee. $190 vs $230 CDN

*BTW.. spankin' trailer Juneaudave!!