Got $ to spend, what router and base do you recommend?

[Robert Mayer]

Got a nice amount of Xmas money this year and was trying to decide what router to buy. I have about $250 max to spend. I would like to be able to get a router and a stand, but I will settle for just the router for right now. I am leaning towards a Bosch or a Freud. I plan on using it for every application you can imagine.

question #1

1. Do I need a fixed base AND a plunge base? Or should I just get a plunge base?

[Keith Starosta]

...that I just might be getting the newest offering from Porter Cable for my birthday. I haven't yet tried the new 890 series myself, but man...from everything I am reading about it, it sounds like a great tool. I've seen a few ads that has the same package, containing both the fixed and plunge base, along with the motor, for around $280. I know you said you had a hard limit of $250, but it might just be worth looking into, IMHO. Good luck!

Keith

[Mark Singer]

Got a nice amount of Xmas money this year and was trying to decide what router to buy. I have about $250 max to spend. I would like to be able to get a router and a stand, but I will settle for just the router for right now. I am leaning towards a Bosch or a Freud. I plan on using it for every application you can imagine.

question #1

1. Do I need a fixed base AND a plunge base? Or should I just get a plunge base?


Hi, Robert,
The best deal on the best router is the Hitachi @ Amazon...It is $159 with free shipping and an additional $25 off if you get the code from "TOOLSEEKER.com". You won't get even close to that deal! I have the Freud also ...they are very similar. Eventually add a 2hp and the Bosch pair 1617evs with both bases is what I like. I still have one Porter Cable and I have had several 690 series in the past they are not nearly as nice as the Bosch. The Hitachi will work well in a table..it has a fine adjustment ...you don't need a special widget to raise and lower. The Bench Dog tables and fences are great! I know everybody has their favorites. I would jump on the Hitachi NOW while it is on sale!
Mark

[Jim Martin]

Bosch makes a nice router but at one time they were having trouble with corrosion, you might want to research that to make sure they have corrected the problem.
As to the kit question, I have a Makita kit and it was nice to have the various capabilities all at once. But since then I have purchased other routers dedicated to certain tasks. It seems like I would have the fixed base on it and set up for dovetails when I wanted to do something else. I would have to switch everything to perform that task and then hope I got the dovetail back just right. I should probably be more organized but am not. So I leave the Makita set up for dovetails, when Lowes was closing out the Dewalt plunge routers I bought one for $99 and it works smoother than the Makita ever did. Finally, I bought a Porter Cable and dedicated it to the router table.
Anyway, you might want to consider the Porter Cable and Dewalt kits. Go to Lowes or Home Depot and pick them up and see how they feel. See if the weight feels balanced in your hands. You will see enough different opinions here that it is obviously different for everyone.

[Tom Hintz]

I have the Bosch kit and love it. This is one strong but very smooth router! the bases are great, especially the height adjustment and buckle-type motor clamp that apparently is getting copied by other manufacturers.
I have a review of the kit (lots of photos...) at the link below.
As for the corrosion deal, I think that was limited to one of the early production runs as I have not heard of it occuring with recently purchased machines.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/bosch1617EVSrtr.html

[Robert Mayer]

Hi, Robert,
The best deal on the best router is the Hitachi @ Amazon...It is $159 with free shipping and an additional $25 off if you get the code from "TOOLSEEKER.com". You won't get even close to that deal! I have the Freud also ...they are very similar. Eventually add a 2hp and the Bosch pair 1617evs with both bases is what I like. I still have one Porter Cable and I have had several 690 series in the past they are not nearly as nice as the Bosch. The Hitachi will work well in a table..it has a fine adjustment ...you don't need a special widget to raise and lower. The Bench Dog tables and fences are great! I know everybody has their favorites. I would jump on the Hitachi NOW while it is on sale!
Mark

Anyone else use the Hitachi? I looked on amazon and its actually $151 not including the tool seeker coupon. Thats a really good deal. I could use the money saved to get a better router table for it. The hitachi seems like it has everything i wanted: At least 2hp, 1.2 collet, variable speed.

[Bill Esposito]

Got a nice amount of Xmas money this year and was trying to decide what router to buy. I have about $250 max to spend. I would like to be able to get a router and a stand, but I will settle for just the router for right now. I am leaning towards a Bosch or a Freud. I plan on using it for every application you can imagine.

question #1

1. Do I need a fixed base AND a plunge base? Or should I just get a plunge base?Robert,

My preference would be to have a large 3hp plus for the table and one or two smaller ones for hand held use.

Obviously they all should be variable speed and the hand held ones should also include soft start.

You will probably eventually need a plunge router although I havent as yet. All my projects have only required routing edges or dados and I havent needed to plunge for stop dados or the like.

I'm currently using a Triton ($320) for my table and the Milwaukee 5616 2.25hp Body Grip for hand held stuff ($180)...and a Craftsman 1.75 set up for my dovetail jig. The Milwaukee and the Triton share the same hole pattern.

I'd eventually like to get a small soft start fixed base for the DT jig (although the plunge Festool would be nice for that) and a 2ish hp plunge for hand use.

So back to your question, with $250 perhaps the best thing to buy now would be one of the 2.25hp combo kits.

Both the Bosch 1617EVSPK and the PC 895PK are $229 on Amazon. You can also get the 894PK which is the same router but the fixed base is designed for better dust collection.

The only problem with combo kits is that you wont own as many routers...we're all striving to have at least 8 routers like Ken Salisbury. :)

[Robert Mayer]

Are most router bases compatible with most routers? Or are they brand specific?

[Mark Singer]

Anyone else use the Hitachi? I looked on amazon and its actually $151 not including the tool seeker coupon. Thats a really good deal. I could use the money saved to get a better router table for it. The hitachi seems like it has everything i wanted: At least 2hp, 1.2 collet, variable speed.

Robert
It is actually 3 1/4 HP same as the big Porter Cable and a lot lighter.
It is one of the smoothest plugers out there. A little silcon spray on the posts is good...because the clearances are tight...thats a good thing
Mark

[Bill Esposito]

I saw this on another board:

The M12V is part of this week's Friday sale for $151.99.

The url is MV12 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000223K9/qid=/br=1-3/ref=br_lf_outlet_3//104-4988036-5990341?v=glance&s=outlet&n=548166)

You can also use the Hitachi $25 discount coupon code THHTACBBK337 for a price delivered of $126.99.

[Gene Collison]

Got a nice amount of Xmas money this year and was trying to decide what router to buy. I have about $250 max to spend. I would like to be able to get a router and a stand, but I will settle for just the router for right now. I am leaning towards a Bosch or a Freud. I plan on using it for every application you can imagine.

question #1

1. Do I need a fixed base AND a plunge base? Or should I just get a plunge base?

Dewalt DW 618 Kit or Makita RF 1101 and don't even look back. Get one of the kits for sure.

Gene

[Ed Falis]

Robert,

Adding to Bill's comments about the combo kits, also check out the DeWalt 618PK kit along with the Bosch and the new PC kit. I'd say it would be a tough choice among those three.

On the other hand, if you need somthing strong for your table, that Hitachi really is an unbelievable value at the price.

In an ideal world, I'd want one in each of those categories.

- Ed

[Bob Lasley]

Hi Robert,

Are you looking for a router strictly for table use or one for table and hand held use? If strictly for table use, I agree with the others, go with one of the big 3-1/4 hp routers. If it will be for both table and hand held, you will be better off with one of the 2 to 2-1/4 hp routers. I think the big routers are just too big to control properly when using them hand held, that is unless you're a "big ol' boy".

I have the Freud mounted in my table if you would like to come by and take a look at it. I also have a couple of mid size routers you can check out as well. Drop me an email and I'll give you more info, if you are interested.

Bob

[Marv Arnold]

Dewalt DW 618 Kit or Makita RF 1101 and don't even look back. Get one of the kits for sure.

Gene

I've had the Makita kit for about two and half years. Used in a table (mostly) and for hand use. Plunge mechanism is good and enough power to do big bits. $240 and free ship @ Amazon.

Good luck.
Marv

[Thomas Prondzinski]

Got a nice amount of Xmas money this year and was trying to decide what router to buy. I have about $250 max to spend. I would like to be able to get a router and a stand, but I will settle for just the router for right now. I am leaning towards a Bosch or a Freud. I plan on using it for every application you can imagine.

question #1

1. Do I need a fixed base AND a plunge base? Or should I just get a plunge base?
Hitachi M12v is the only way to go,I love mine and at that price you couldn't go wrong

Tom

[Robert Mayer]

Well I looked into all the routers and decided to go with the Hitachi. The 3 1/4 hp will be nice to use with a table. The price was a big factor since it was $100 less than the Bosch. I wish it came with a fixed base also but I think most of the work I will do with it will be on the table.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000223K9.01.MZZZZZZZ.gif

I also found this router table top im going to get. I am going to build a cabinet for it. Which is better than buying an already built one.

http://www.woodmagictools.com/rtt500a.jpg

I will post a pic here of the table when its all done. Thanks for the help guys!

[Bill Esposito]

Robert,

Looks good.

Just two last things to consider with he Hitachi which I dont think came up.

First, in order for the big bits to fit through the base you'll have to cut off the tangs which hold the bushings...and after doing that you wont have anything to attach the bushings to (although I think you can get a Pat Warner base for it)

Second, make sure you are happy with using the Hitachi's built in height adjustment. If you end up not liking it you'll spend more money in the long run because you'll need to buy a lift.

Some of the more expensive 3hp routers come with a height mechanism which work great. Some of the 2.25hp do as well. I think I've read that the Hitachi's is only adequate but I have no experience with that model. Maybe someone else can comment on it.

[Charlie Steck]

I know this is an old post ... I've been searching for answers .... Just checking if you could tell me how to seat the motor unit in the plunge base on the Makita RF1101.

TIA !
Charlie

[Jim Dwight]

I only use 4 of my routers but I have another couple cheap ones. Two motors are PC690s and I have 4 bases for them. That lets me leave a couple in router table setups and still have a couple for hand held use. The 89X are the more modern versions. Right now, none of my routers has variable speed. That isn't a big deal because I have a separate speed control that I can use on any of them. I have a bigger router for the router table (the Hitschi mentioned above would be good for this) and a smaller Bosch Colt for little chamfers and round overs.

I would not start with a 15 amp plunge router. I agree it is a good deal but you will want to use your one router hand held and a 15A router is big for that usage. A plunge router also tends to be top heavy. I like a fixed base mid or small router for hand held use.

I'd get the Bosch or PC mid-sized set. It is the best way to start. You can put these routers in a router table, you just have to make an additional pass versus a 15A when your raising a panel or other heavy usage. For most things, a 10-12A router will do what a 15A model will. And they are easier to control hand held.

[Charles Lent]

If this will be your first router, buy a mid sized router and get a multi base package. A 2-2 1/2 hp router is quite versatile. Powerful enough to handle most of the work you will likely want to do, yet light enough not to break your arms when using it. You should be looking for a variable speed router with soft start and both 1/4 and 1/2" collets. Stick with one of the better brands, like Bosch, Porter Cable, DeWalt, and Makita. I don't think Freud is selling routers any more.

Go where they sell several brands, look at all their features, hold each one and imagine using it, then pick the one that seems best for you. Weight and balance are important to me, but so is an easy to adjust depth stop or depth setting, and where the power switch is located in reference to where you hold onto it (I usually use a foot peddle switch, so I can turn it off while using both hands to hang onto the router). What style router bushings does it take? I like the 1 1/8 diameter bushings, so I look for a base plate with the 1 1/8 stepped hole designed to accept the Porter Cable style router bushings. Some routers have a very large hole in the base to accept a larger diameter bushing held in with two screws. They seem to work OK. I just prefer the smaller ones that are more commonly used. You will have to decide this yourself. How is the collet tightened and loosened, one wrench or two? Some routers have a shaft lock and one wrench while others have no shaft lock and two wrenches. Still some others have a shaft lock, but you can still use two wrenches if you want to. I have all three versions, but prefer using two wrenches, if I can.

A router fence and router bushing set are some great accessories to consider that will help you make good use of your router and the fixed and plunge bases will let you do many different tasks with your router. You can even mount it in a router table and it will perform very well for most everything you will want to do. My first router table was a piece of 3/4 plywood with a hole in it for the bit to come through, plus holes for mounting the router. My fence was a 2 X 4 with a notch in it to go around the bit, and two C clamps. I attached A piece of 2 X 4 to the under side of one edge of the plywood that I would clamp in my bench vise when I wanted to use the router table. You can learn to make many jigs that will help you use your router for many different functions. A jig to use my first router to make mortises for floating tenons that I made on my table saw was s significant help to me. Hinge mortising with a router jig and mortising bit significantly speed up hinge installation. Circle cutting with a router and circle cutting jig is also of great use. I could go on, but i'll leave the rest to your and your router. There are many good books about building router jigs.

You are also going to need router bits. I think the 10 or 11 bit basic carbide bit sets now being offered with 1/2" shank are the best choice for someone new to routing. They contain the bits that you will most frequently want when just starting out. Later you can buy bits as you need them for more involved projects. Buy a good brand and you will likely have them for years.

A router is a very versatile tool and it will take some time to learn all that it can do. Start this journey with a good quality multi base router and a basic set of good quality bits and they will quite likely last you many trouble free years. I still have and use my first router. It was a very good quality router when I bought it and it's over 50 years old and still running well, but I now have 12 routers of different sizes, brands, and capabilities. The most used of these routers are the routers of the 2 - 2 1/2 hp size with multiple bases. Three of them are DeWalt DW618 routers, two of these are 3 base kits and one is a 2 base kit. The other routers are both larger and smaller than these. Be careful, routing is very addicting, and I'm a long time router addict.

Charley

[Jim Becker]

Are most router bases compatible with most routers? Or are they brand specific?
Brand specific.

If this is your only/first router, I also recommend you consider one of the great two or three base kits with 12 amp (~2.5hp) router motors as the place to start. And yes, there are some operations where I find a fixed and/or D-handle base to be the best choice. Later, a heavy router dedicated to table use is a good choice to make while keeping the more maneuverable "kit" setup for general hand-held routing.

[Rich Engelhardt]

I know this is an old post ... I've been searching for answers .... Just checking if you could tell me how to seat the motor unit in the plunge base on the Makita RF1101.I suggest you start a new thread asking how to seat the base. It appears your question has been lost in the shuffle....