Plunge Router - Which one for inlay work?

[Stan Mitchell]

I'm planning to experiment with inlay and would like opinions on a router that would be particularly suited for this.

I've got several nice routers, but have never purchased a plunge router for some reason.

Good work visibility, smooth plunge action, soft start, and stability (quality that is) are at the top of my wish list.

What routers would you recommend that I take a look at?

[Keith Outten]

Stan,

You said you were interested in quality then you cannot beat the Micro Fence plunge base that fits a Bosch Colt router. The plunge base is called a 3 Axis Mill. Add the Micro Fence edge guide and you have a killer inlay setup.

For inlay work this is the hot setup that can't be beat IMO.
http://www.microfence.com/
.

[Doug Shepard]

Stan,

You said you were interested in quality then you cannot beat the Micro Fence plunge base that fits a Bosch Colt router. The plunge base is called a 3 Axis Mill. Add the Micro Fence edge guide and you have a killer inlay setup.

For inlay work this is the hot setup that can't be beat IMO.
http://www.microfence.com/
.

Thanks for saving me the typing:cool:

[glenn bradley]

I wish someone would fill this gap. There's the Dremel which is basically a toy and then there's the $400 Micro Fence dream base. Anyone seen anything I've missed in the middle somewhere?

[Mike Henderson]

Stewart McDonald (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bindings,_trim/Tools_and_supplies_for_binding:_Binding_channel_cu tting/Precision_Router_Bases.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=538&tgtiid=5260) has a good plunge base for the Dremel tool. One advantage of the Dremel is that you can find really small bits for it. For something like the Colt you're stuck with 1/4" bits unless you get a reducer.

The Stew/Mac base is designed to be used by luthiers.

A friend of mine does a lot of inlay and he uses a Dremel with some jigs he built himself.

Mike

[scott spencer]

Lightweight and well balanced are also features that I prefer for inlay and dovetail work. My Milwaukee 5615 (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=milwaukee+router&sprefix=milwaukee+router) is extremely well built, well balanced, and has an excellent plunger...you'd have to get the 5616 (http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5616-24-Max-Horsepower-Multi-Base-BodyGrip/dp/B000QV1CXW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1263165563&sr=8-3) to get soft start. The Hitachi KM12VC (http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-KM12VC-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B0002ZZWX8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1263165620&sr=1-1) is also very light, well balanced, and easy to handle.

Get one that feels good in your hands...

[Leo Vogel]

It does not get any better than the Micro Fence plunge base with a Bosch Colt router. If you love precision equipment, you will love this setup. Almost too nice to leave in my shop.

[Joe Scharle]

Look around for a used Dremel (Bosch) Advantage. Metal plunge base, 1/8" to 1/4" collets. Takes all the Dremel things, plus any 1/4" bit you can get in it. If you find a plunge base only, remove the adapter collar and insert a RotoZip (also Bosch). I made a beefier edge guide and added a 6" round sub base with a Porter Cable template guide hole to mine. I use the Dremel 1/16" tungsten tile bit for stringing and whatever 1/4" shank bit I need for banding. I made the sub base for cutting in ovals etc, using template guides. My eye-hand ain't what it used to be!:mad:

[Van Huskey]

Stewart McDonald (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bindings,_trim/Tools_and_supplies_for_binding:_Binding_channel_cu tting/Precision_Router_Bases.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=538&tgtiid=5260) has a good plunge base for the Dremel tool. One advantage of the Dremel is that you can find really small bits for it. For something like the Colt you're stuck with 1/4" bits unless you get a reducer.

The Stew/Mac base is designed to be used by luthiers.

A friend of mine does a lot of inlay and he uses a Dremel with some jigs he built himself.

Mike

I have a friend who uses what appears to be that base but with a Fordom I have never queried him about it but he does excellent work. For the price I would consider this base and a Fordom before a Colt and a microfence, I think would have far more useful tools beyond just inlay. But then again I think a Colt is a tool whose price belies its usefulness.

[Stan Mitchell]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

You've given me a couple of options that I hadn't considered. Very helpful, thanks.