router advice

[Andy Henriksen]

I know this gets asked a bunch here, but I could use it one more time. I've got a bday coming up - still a bit over a month away :( , but I decided I need a real router. I'm looking at the 200-220 range, and would like a fixed and plunge base. At the Borgs or Sears, there are the following all which seem they may be good choices. How do I choose?

PC (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926845000&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers) 10-27,500rmp / 1.75hp
Craftsman (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926620000&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers) 8-25,000 / 2.25hp
Dewalt (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926823000) ?-24500 (maybe not variable?) / 1.75hp
Bosch (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0726643595.1126803032@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccddaddfjkkgmhkcgelceffdfgidgnj.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24) 8-25,00 / 2.25hp
Others?

I like the feel of the Bosch plunge mechanism, when I've played with it at the store, but other than that I have no real preference.

[Tom Hintz]

I'll cast the first vote for the PC or Bosch routers though I have heard good things about the DeWalts but have not tried one yet.
I have reviews of the current PC and Bosch kits that have the fixed and plunge bases at the link below(scroll down to Routers) with photos and more on thier features.
Both are 2.25 Hp now, variable speed and come with 1/4 & 1/2" collets. Both are very good routers, both in your price range also.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/index.html

Either would be a good choice and will last a very long time.
Have fun shopping!

[Don Baer]

Andy;
If you haven't visited his web site you should vist Pat Warner's site on routers. He is a good source on information on routers and techniques. I wish I had before I got my current batch of routers. Anyhow lots of good info there.

http://www.patwarner.com/

[pat warner]

Dewalt (http://www.patwarner.com/dw618pk.html), definitely worth a look.

[Bob Noles]

Andy,


I have the Dewalt 618pk and could not be happier. It is 2.25 HP and one nice machine. I believe you will find that Pat Warner agrees :D

[Von Bickley]

I would have to vote for the Bosch or the PC..... :)

[Andy Henriksen]

Dewalt (http://www.patwarner.com/dw618pk.html), definitely worth a look.

Pat your website is great!

[Larry D. Wagner]

:) Of your choices, I think you'll find that the Dewalt 618 kit is without question the most user friendly. The Dewalt line seem to have the best balance also. All the choices are good units, but Dewalt would be my choice.

Larry :) :) :)

[Andy Henriksen]

I'm swinging towards the dewalt....It would make my matt kenseth obsessed buddy pleased as punch.

[Jim Becker]

I am also very pleased with the DW618 kit...'have all three bases for versatility (I like a D-handle for edge work), but the two-base kit is great for most folks. I have a review (http://sawsndust.com/r-dw618k.htm) on my site. Please note that they sell a fixed speed "1.75hp" version of this unit (DW616). The 12 amp "2.5hp" kit is the better value all around...

[Mark Singer]

I would go with the Bosch..

[Wes Bischel]

Andy,

Don't buy at Sears. :rolleyes: Actually check around the web. Amazon usually has good deals as do some other online retailers. I have the older version of the PC (non VS). They were what we used in the model shop at work - they are still humming along (screaming? :D ) and they were there before me (20 years ago). The 690 is considered a basic workhorse of many shops.

FWIW,
Wes

[Corey Hallagan]

Another Vote for the DW 618 PK. I tried both the Bosch 1617 and the DW618 and I loved the feel of the dewalt. It has this low squatty comformable feel to it. I look at it and can't believe it is a 2 .25 HP unit. Soft start is very smooth. I really like this router.

Corey

[Dave Berger]

I love my Porter Cable, however, all the mentioned routers are great tools. It equates to "do you like chevy or ford?". While personal taste accounts for your like or dislike, one thing is that template bushings, and other accesories are standardized to Porter Cable. If used with other routers, you will most likely have to purchase additional baseplates or adapters to get them to fit froperly. By the way, Hitachi makes an excellent router also. I would steer clear of Makita.

[Steve Clardy]

Porter Cable.

[Peter Pedisich]

I have the DW618 3 pack and I decided on it over the others after holding each of them.
After using it for over a year now I still like it, but let me tell you some cons.
1) It feels heavier than the Bosch, does this matter to you?
2) The depth adjustment ring gets tougher to fine tune in a table.
3) The DeWalt edge guide is...let's just say my old Ryobi had a better quality edge guide.

I think the Dewalt fixed base is just about perfect ergonomically for me.
The Bosch depth adjustment system is better, IMO.
The Porter Cable 890 motor is smoooth, quiet and has a nice soft start and a very handy off switch.

Pete

[john whittaker]

Andy, I've got the DeWalt 618 kit and use it a lot. Been a very good choice for me. The PC & Bosch are also good choices. I have a Delta/DeWalt/PC factory store (parts & service) about 1.5 miles from my house so I choose something from their species.

Contrary to Pete, I also happen to like the DeWalt edge guide. The PC guide looks better but I've never used it so can't compare, Just know that I get good results with mine. The adjustment is done via a # 32 thread machine screw so one turn = 1/32". Most other manufacturers guides also have a # 32 thread for adjustment. I added a longer fence face. (It's already set up to add yur own fence)

I think PC, DW, Bsh are all quality tools so pick the one you like best. OH, and I agree that the 2.25 HP is a far better value & worth the extra $$$. Especially if you are thinking about hanging it from a table sometimes.

Best wishes on the new baby. Hope it's a woodworker !!!

[Andy Henriksen]

Awesome tips guys. Thanks a million. As I mentioned in my first post, sadly it'll be a month probably before I need to decide, but I'm already getting excited, and your opinions really help. Because I am largely poor and cheap, I basically have 2x a year (bday and xmas) to feed my various habits/hobbies, so I tend to get excited early. I also have a guitar/homerecording habit that can be quite expensive...always difficult to decide where to spend the bucks...

[Donnie Raines]

I have owned the PC kits and liked them very much. I recently bought the Bosch kit.....I like it better. It just feels easier to use....sounds crazy...but...it tis what it tis....

[Barry Beech]

While personal taste accounts for your like or dislike, one thing is that template bushings, and other accesories are standardized to Porter Cable. If used with other routers, you will most likely have to purchase additional baseplates or adapters to get them to fit froperly.


I have the Dewalt 618 PK which I love and use the PC bushing on it. FYI :)