Need help to plunge or not to plunge

[Serge Pelletier]

Hi. I'm new to this forum and I'm starting woodworking.
I'm seeking help in purchasing 2 routers(plunge and fixed ).
I'm looking for quality routers that can be used with a table(and one hand free).

My needs: - variable speed motor;
- dust collector;
- 1/2 and 1/4 collets
- easy to change bits under the table;
- used with a good quality bits (Freud,CMT);
-:confused: a good router table and lift: Do I need one of these? Which one will be better to use with a brand mark router?


3 1/4 HP: for raised panels in a table
- Hitachi M12V(350$ CDN);
- PC 7518 (?$);
- Freud FT2200VCEP (269 $CDN);
- Milwaukee 5625-20 (450$CDN);
- Triton TRC001(298$CDN) Switch issue
causing fire;

2 1/4 HP: for general routing task and hand free
- Freud FT1700VCE (235$ CDN);
- Triton MOF001KC(198$CDN);
- PC 891 (379$CDN);
- Bosch 1617EVSPK (397$CDN) I have read
about a couple of Bosch problems(switch
issue and corrosion);


1 13/4 HP: forgeneral routing task and hand free
- PC 694VK(297$CDN) plus Router bits set
(PCRB506) free;

What about Dewalt's routers? Any suggestions.

I have read all kind of reviews(Tom Hintz, Bill Esposito, the routerman(Pat Warner) and a french review Réno-Bricolage). I can't decide wich way to go.
Since I live in Canada, I can't purchase from Amazon USA.
Thanks, Serge :)

[Dick Heifner]

Hi,
Bosch 1617EVSPK good router, 2-1/4 hp blow switch out once in a while. No problems yet. Quiet, leave fixed in the table and adjust height with allen wrench. I got mine for about 225.00.
Dick

[Jim Becker]

12 amp ("2.5 hp") router "kit" with multiple bases for hand-held use and whichever "beast" you prefer in your table. I use a PC7518, but there are some good choices available today in that space that come with above table adjustment standard so you don't need an expensive lift. My "kit" of choice is the Dewalt 618. But I also love my Festool OF1400 and OF1010 routers...