Which router to buy?

[Lloyd McKinlay]

Time to get a "big" router to use almost exclusively on my Veritas table. I have a 10 amp combo kit for the vast majority of freehand routing, now I need something that can handle large panel bits, etc.

I've read rave reviews for both the Porter Cable 7518 fixed base and the Bosch 1619EVS plunge router. I also have some interest in the Triton line with the ability to change bits above the table and maybe a $50 savings. All these machines are 15 amp and I'm certain they are reliable, so the main criteria is performance and ease of use.

With its primary use on a router table, suggestions or comments?

[Paul Kinneberg]

Lloyd, I have used the PC 7518 for about 6 years in my router table with out any problems. It does great wor but changing the bits from the top would be a huge advantage and one I would pay for.

[scott spencer]

The Milwaukee 5625 is often picked tops for convenience of use in a table. It has above table height adjustments, VS, softstart, etc.

http://www.epinions.com/content_245903494788

[Jerry Olexa]

Don't forget the Milwaukee 5625..I just bought one for my new router table's exclusive use...

[tod evans]

lloyd, the big portercable is the time proven workhorse in lotsa shops, you can`t go wrong with it. .02 tod

[Curt Harms]

Freud is coming out with a new plunger with the table friendly features found on their FT1700. I think it's being distributed in Europe now. If I were buying a router intended primarily for table use, I'd look for built-in height adjustment and the ability to change bits without removing the router from the table. I suspect the router lifts may be more precise than the built-in lift mechanisms but they can cost as much or more than the router. Are they worth it? Only You can make that determination.

I've had a Freud FT2000E with a router raizer for about 8 years. It works fine but if I didn't have to spend $89 for the router raizer, that'd be nice.

Curt

[glenn bradley]

Another vote for the Mil 5625. Variable speed, above the table adjustment, plenty of power, table friendly, large opening, etc. Do a search on the forum, I got a pretty good deal and folks have done even better by watching Amazon carefully.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

Damn near every router mentioned will serve well. So too the Hatachi.
I have the big triton permanently in a machine rig. It goes back and forth from my slot mortiser to my router table.

I'd not pay a penny more than the Show Price of $190.00 for the thing.
If you are going to pay more get a better tool.

[Bartee Lamar]

Hitachi-M12V (http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-M12V-Electronic-Variable-Plunge/dp/B0000223K9/sr=8-8/qid=1157554178/ref=pd_bbs_8/002-0817807-7454414?ie=UTF8&s=hi)

You want to keep an eye on this. The price will sometimes go down to $170

[Hugh Jaskok]

Keep your eye on the Hitachi, I got one last year during an Amazon SNAFU for $69. :D It has been a terrific router.