Router masters???

[demtears]

I'm looking into purchasing a router and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I've never owned one before so I really don't know where to start. I've got my tear drop on the go as well home renovations, so I need something that is versatile and well made.

Also any suggestions for specific router attachments that would be useful in completing my tear?

[cracker39]

It's been many years since I bought my rountes. I have two Craftsman rounters (1 hp and 1 1/2hp) and have used them a lot. One I kept in a router table that I made and the other is for hand use. I wouldn't know what to tell you about today's routers, except that I believe a plunge router is the way to go. It isn't that easy to start mine for an inside rout or cut. I using a cutting bit starting on the "inside", I usually drill a hole first to start in. The plunge router lets you put the bit down after placiing the router base where you want it. Routers today are also lighter than my old ones. I plan to get a template bushing set to use on my trailer. and a new router table, as I through the old one away when I moved back to Florida.

[asianflava]

One thing I would say is a must have: varible speed. The router seems easier to control when you turn down the speed. The adjustment also allows better cuts in different materials.

[cracker39]

Do they make them now with variable speed built in like they do with drills and jig saws? I have the separate speed control and yes, they really help reduce splintering and rough edges when routing with big bits.

[Steve Frederick]

Porter-Cable..I have a 2.5hp w/ 1/4" and 1/2" collets, a plunge and d-handle base. Ditto on the variable speed. This one is variable. It's nice to pick the best speed for the material. My router table has an old, 15+, Sears unit. The "table" is an extra wing for my table saw.

[cracker39]

I just went out and looked at my router speed control. It is an OLD one, probably a rheostat type control. It says Dayton 10 amp speed control on it. It has an off/on switch and a large dial knob with numbers from 1 to 10 around it.

[demtears]

I've considered porter- cable! and by the sounds of it I will definately make sure it has variable speed. I dont mind spending a few extra bucks for a good one if its going to be around for a while. Thank's for the advise Ill look into them.

[cracker39]

Good plan. From my many years of using tools, I've found that you are better off with a few good ones than a lot of cheap, poorly made ones. Craftsman may not be the best (and you don't know who actually makes their tools), but they do stand behind them and I've been using my Craftsman routers for at least 15 years. I also have a Craftsman radial saw (my 2nd one...I sold my first one and got a higher end model). My table saw came from Grizzly in PA. Most of my other power tools are Dewalt, Ryobi, and Makita. I don't have any Porter Cable, but would like to...that's a good brand. I have a B&D orbital sander that works pretty good, but I don't generally like or buy B&D products.

[asianflava]

Yes, speed control is on the routers now. I ended up getting a 2.25hp Bosch it came with a regular base and a plunge base. It is almost the same as the Porter Cable setup, probably made by the same source. I keep the regular base mounted to the router table and use the plunge base freehand.

One thing I noticed on the variable speed control, some of them say that they will not work for soft start routers, which mine is.

[Ken A Hood]

I picked up the Hitachi M12V it's a variable speed 3hp, and was recommended by the router guys.....Bob and Rick from "The Router Workshop"

The cheapest I could find was HERE

[demtears]

Not rich by any means! But I seem to go for quality, I think its more cost effective in the long run.

I like how you can switch the router between base mounts. I will probably get a table also so that would be a perfect setup! RIGHT ON

[Kevin A]

Yes, speed control is on the routers now. I ended up getting a 2.25hp Bosch it came with a regular base and a plunge base. It is almost the same as the Porter Cable setup, probably made by the same source. I keep the regular base mounted to the router table and use the plunge base freehand.

One thing I noticed on the variable speed control, some of them say that they will not work for soft start routers, which mine is.

I saw one of these Bosch routers (Model 1617EVSPK) at Costco yesterday, the price was just under $200. I've also seen them online in the $210 range. Does anyone have opinions about the quality?

[demtears]

I picked up the Hitachi M12V it's a variable speed 3hp, and was recommended by the router guys.....Bob and Rick from "The Router Workshop"

The cheapest I could find was HERE

Hey Ken! do you think I could borrow your router for a couple of month's.
( just kidding) Ill check out home depot to see what routers they have and check that one that you have. If they got it I have a $100 dollar home depot gift cert so that will help out. Thank's

[Ken A Hood]

Sure, I can send it your way for a frame.....

I've used it for about 10 min, in the table; now i have to clear out some storage space to use it.

[demtears]

Hey ken! checked out some review's on that router you have, most of the guy's that own one like it, I will definately check it out.



when are you starting on your frame and what do you plan on building?
size, style?
If you need a hand not a problem I have a chop saw and welder at home!