Need a plunge router

[Dave Cav]

First, I will admit I'm not crazy about routers, despite the fact that I have five or six of the d@mn*d things. Three are old Craftsman 1/4" pawn shop purchases, one is an old PC 690 (or what ever the 690 was 25 years ago), one is a big old PC 15 amp single speed (in the router table) and one is a newish DeWalt single speed fixed base model; I think it's a 616. One C'Man is pretty much always set up for dovetail jig work, and another has a laminate trim bit in it all the time. The others are used for normal utility router work. I find them a necessary evil, but sometimes they are the best way to get the job done. They are also noisy and messy.....

Anyway, my recent china cabinet project has made me realize that a plunge router might be a useful addition to the family. I haven't paid much attention to portable power tool reviews or discussions in the magazines or on line for years because I pretty much have everything I need, (and a lot of stuff I don't need, too) so I haven't a clue as to what the hot setup is these days for plunge routers. I'm not looking for anything fancy or expensive (so no Festool). I'd like to keep it under $150 - $200 if possible. I see that DeWalt does sell a plunge base for the 616 router, but it's over $100 at Amazon, which seems like a lot. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[scott spencer]

About the hottest deal I know of currently is the Milwaukee 5615-24 combo kit for $139.51 shipped (http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5615-24-1-75-Horsepower-Multi-Base-BodyGrip/dp/B000QV35AK) from Amazon. It's got a stout US made 11 amp motor, a nice BodyGrip fixed base and an excellent plunger, accepts standard PC bushings, carrying case, has both 1/4" & 1/2" collets, and is very well made.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WUKhQsajL._AA280_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ibDC4W-3L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[Mick David]

I have the Hitachi KM12VC, which sometimes goes on special at Amazon for $99. Right now it's $162, so I'd probably second the Milwaukee. Still, the Hitachi's not bad and when it's $99 it's a tough deal to beat.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z0KD89A8L._SL500_AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0002ZZWX8/sr=8-2/qid=1265637852/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi&qid=1265637852&sr=8-2)

[Dave Cav]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on both of them. Looks like either would work just fine.

[Derrell W Sloan]

If you don't need/want a combo kit, I would highly recommend the DeWalt 621. I have one and love it and have never wished for a fixed base for it. I would also suggest looking at Pat Warners web site. He sells some router bases that are fantastic and has a lot of great info on routers.

[Jerome Hanby]

Ditto and ditto. I have and like the Hitachi, but at the current price, I'd buy the Milwaukee.


I have the Hitachi KM12VC, which sometimes goes on special at Amazon for $99. Right now it's $162, so I'd probably second the Milwaukee. Still, the Hitachi's not bad and when it's $99 it's a tough deal to beat.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z0KD89A8L._SL500_AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0002ZZWX8/sr=8-2/qid=1265637852/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi&qid=1265637852&sr=8-2)

[Jeremy Killingbeck]

I have been happy with my Bosch 1617EVSPK combo kit. I did a lot of research on reviews before I bought my router. I narrowed it down to this or the Porter Cable & ultimately decided on the Bosch. I did find a couple of reviews that said the Craftsman 2 hp Soft Start Fixed and Plunge Base Router (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?mv=rr) does a good job for the price. It was rated the best budget router combo. I would have probably purchased the Craftsman combo if it was on sale when I was buying my router.

[Doug Shepard]

My dream plunge router would be if you could take the height adjustment mechanism from the DeWalt DW621 and graft it onto my Festool. I've used both and generally like the Festool better but I haven't yet seen any router that I think does the depth adjustment mechanism as well as the DW621 (or 625).

[Jonathan Hsu]

I've been leaning towards the Bosch 1617 combo, but with a new one coming out I thought that I would wait....either for the new one (depending upon how much $$) or maybe they'll discount the existing one then.

Anybody have any thoughts on this Freud?? It's $249 at Amazon. Not too bad in price considering it includes a plate for table mounting.

Freud FT1702VCEKP 2-1/4 HP Variable Speed Router with 2 Base Combo Kit - 1 Fixed base and 1 Plunge Base with Machined Aluminum Insert Plate Included In Kit Box

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-FT1702VCEKP-Variable-Speed-Router/dp/B001CGWCNE/ref=sr_1_55?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1265654029&sr=1-55

[Mark Woodmark]

Saw this on Ebay. Looks like a good price

[scott spencer]

...Anybody have any thoughts on this Freud?? It's $249 at Amazon. Not too bad in price considering it includes a plate for table mounting.

Freud FT1702VCEKP 2-1/4 HP Variable Speed Router with 2 Base Combo Kit - 1 Fixed base and 1 Plunge Base with Machined Aluminum Insert Plate Included In Kit Box

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-FT1702VCEKP-Variable-Speed-Router/dp/B001CGWCNE/ref=sr_1_55?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1265654029&sr=1-55

The FT1700 (http://www.epinions.com/review/Freud_FT1700VCEK_2_1_4_Horsepower_Variable_Speed_F ixed_Base_Router/content_228357738116) is a great table router, with a full compliment of above table features that allow easy one handed above table bit changes, above table height adjust, and a above table height lock. Those features are so convenient that the fixed base spends more time in my router table than my Milwaukee 5625, which is an excellent 15 amp table router. At 13 amps it'll do most tasks, but it doesn't have the guts that the MW5625 has. With that said, I don't think the plunge base is as good as the MW5615/MW5616, Hitachi, or Bosch. I also think $249 with an aluminum plate is pretty expensive for that kit....it was on sale without the plate for as low as $100 last year...those deals are gone, but you should be able to do better than $249....ReconditionedSales.com has the combo for $150 without a plate.

[Stan Mitchell]

+1 on the Milwaukee - excellent combo

[Frank Martin]

My favorite plunge router is DW 621. It is just the right size for most applications, very ergonomic and has great dust collection.

[Dave Cav]

Thanks again for the input. I ordered a Milwaukee from Amazon this afternoon. Looking forward to using it. Great price, looks like a nice machine. The reviewers on Amzon seem to think so.

[Jay Jeffery]

The FT1700 (http://www.epinions.com/review/Freud_FT1700VCEK_2_1_4_Horsepower_Variable_Speed_F ixed_Base_Router/content_228357738116) is a great table router, with a full compliment of above table features that allow easy one handed above table bit changes, above table height adjust, and a above table height lock. Those features are so convenient that the fixed base spends more time in my router table than my Milwaukee 5625, which is an excellent 15 amp table router. At 13 amps it'll do most tasks, but it doesn't have the guts that the MW5625 has. With that said, I don't think the plunge base is as good as the MW5615/MW5616, Hitachi, or Bosch. I also think $249 with an aluminum plate is pretty expensive for that kit....it was on sale without the plate for as low as $100 last year...those deals are gone, but you should be able to do better than $249....ReconditionedSales.com has the combo for $150 without a plate.

+1

I got mine for about $100, love the fixed base, but it leaves me wanting a better plunge router.

[lowell holmes]

I agree. I have the DW 621. It is a soft start variable speed router. I use it with Jeff Miller's mortise jig. I didn't like the DW edge guide, so I made one from a 5/16" plates rod and a piece of white oak that is stiff and does a great job on the jig. You can cut the mortises in a rocking chair using ths jig and the DW 621 quickly, safely, and precisely.

[Van Huskey]

At the price point you are probably looking at 2 1/4hp routers more or less. This is perfect for non-table use. The Triton and Freud are both great but are better in a table IMHO. The Bosch 1617EVSPK is my favorite with the Dewalt 618PK close behind. One thing to note is if you use a vacuum the Dewalt has the best dust control. Both are going to run you right in the $200 range, if you want to stay closer to $160 the Hitachi KM12VC is the no frills price winner.

Dunno how you hate routers because they are by far the most useful single tool in the shop, but they are a money hole given that the bits just keep adding up. I have 5 routers worth about $1200 but I have probably 3 times that in bits but the array of things they will do is amazing.

[Hank Wangford]

How about a review from you?!
Does it meet your expectations?
Worth the money?
Would love to hear...
:)

[Jerome Hanby]

I've got the Hitachi combo and it works well. It would be better with fine adjustment controls. The Milwaukee packs looks pretty similar but the case looks loads better. The stupid little closed compartment in the Hitachi won't stay closed, so it's contents are always rattling around the case. The spots for the guide collars don't seem to hold onto them very well either. But then again, who buys a tool based on the case! I keep the fixed base attached to the router wing on my table saw and use the plunge base for all the free hand and jig use. If you buy the Hitachi, go ahead and order another locking lever. The kit's intent is for you to move that lever between the bases and that gets old fast. I ordered the lever through Lowe's and it took MONTHS to arrive. Surely there must be a better way to obtain one!

[Curt Harms]

I've got the Hitachi combo and it works well. It would be better with fine adjustment controls. The Milwaukee packs looks pretty similar but the case looks loads better. The stupid little closed compartment in the Hitachi won't stay closed, so it's contents are always rattling around the case. The spots for the guide collars don't seem to hold onto them very well either. But then again, who buys a tool based on the case! I keep the fixed base attached to the router wing on my table saw and use the plunge base for all the free hand and jig use. If you buy the Hitachi, go ahead and order another locking lever. The kit's intent is for you to move that lever between the bases and that gets old fast. I ordered the lever through Lowe's and it took MONTHS to arrive. Surely there must be a better way to obtain one!

This doesn't help you, Jerome but perhaps it will help someone else
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/hitachi-router-parts-c-7927_13365.html

[Jerome Hanby]

This doesn't help you, Jerome but perhaps it will help someone else
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/hitachi-router-parts-c-7927_13365.html

It might help me. My part took so long to get here that I put the shipping envelope to one side until I needed it and haven't seen it since :eek:

[Dave Cav]

How about a review from you?!
Does it meet your expectations?
Worth the money?
Would love to hear...
:)

The Milwaukee kit seems like a great setup, especially for the money Amazon was charging back in February. It's up to $180 or so now, though. I haven't used it a lot, but it seems to do everything a plunge router is supposed to do. For most of my router work I always seem to grab a PC or the DeWalt, though.

Oh, and I got a cheap little orange trim router from Harbor Freight, too. It is noisy, but compact (and did I mention cheap?) and works fine for laminate trim work and for routing out hinge gains.

[Curt Harms]

It might help me. My part took so long to get here that I put the shipping envelope to one side until I needed it and haven't seen it since :eek:

Sounds like one of my tricks:D.

[glenn bradley]

Thanks again for the input. I ordered a Milwaukee from Amazon this afternoon. Looking forward to using it. Great price, looks like a nice machine. The reviewers on Amzon seem to think so.

I think you will be happy for most hand work with that combo. The light weight makes it great for mortising and other detail work. I picked that kit up because I wanted a second plunge base and the whole kit was only $1 more during a sale. I have a couple 5625's, a 5616 and a pair of 5615's. The ability to interchange the 5615 and 5616 motors between the bases makes things real flexible and I have all the 1/2" and 1/4" collets I could need. The dust collection attachment is worth the effort for MDF or other situations where dust control is important enough to maneuver around the vac hose (which is most of the time for me and not much trouble). The edge guide is just as overbuilt as the routers themselves but, I have never quite found the need for one in my work. YMMV. I really prefer the two wrench collet to levering against the router body as with an arbor lock but, with the router in a table (like with the Triton automatic arbor lock) the mechanism is pretty usable. Except for my Bosch Colt, all my other routers have wandered off due to being ignored.