Talk me out of buying this router

[Mark Gary]

I want a router. I do not need one I just want one. I do not build anything except some crude outside furniture. (Benches etc.) When I bought my table saw (before finding this site) I latter wished I had done more research and waited.:mad:

Anyway – I saw this on sale at Sears http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=00926501000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

It is on sale for ½ price. For $60 I don’t see how I could go wrong. And if it doesn’t work out I could always return it within 90 days. I would love a better table and router but I can not justify it at this point in time. So what do you think of this for a first time hobby router?

Thanks for your advice,
Mark

[scott spencer]

Hi Mark - I wouldn't do it. There are lots of better choices IMHO. You'd be limited to bits with 1/4" shanks with that router, not to mention that it doesn't have the greatest reputation. Craftsman has a couple of other routers that are better.

This Hitachi is only $10 more and accepts 1/2" shanks plus has a better reputation. It's still a single speed router but that's fine for hand use for most applications. This is certainly not the world;s greatest router but is a better starter for nearly the same price.

You can always build your own table if that's something that was part of the appeal.

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-M12SC-Fixed-Single-Router/dp/B0009VCBBQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_5/103-0666017-4028638?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1181694832&sr=8-5

[Mike Henderson]

There's two negatives I see right off: It only has a 1/4" collet and it's not variable speed. Why don't you post in the classified that you want a router with a 1/2" collet and variable speed. And if you want the lowest price, look for a fixed base instead of a plunge. There's always sombody who upgraded and has an older router that they want to get rid of.

Mike

[added note] Scott's suggestion is good.

[Peter Pedisich]

Mark,

It looks like a Skil brand router - check out how much they go for on Amazon.
But for $60 you should get 2-3 years out of it.

Pete

[Jim Grill]

This Hitachi is only $10 more and accepts 1/2" shanks plus has a better reputation. It's still a single speed router but that's fine for hand use for most applications. This is certainly not the world;s greatest router but is a better starter for nearly the same price.



Agree.

I have one those Hitachis and I think it's a great router.

[glenn bradley]

You'll be disappointed with a 1/4" collet only very quickly. Did that help?

[Randall Davis]

I want a router. I do not need one I just want one. I do not build anything except some crude outside furniture. (Benches etc.) When I bought my table saw (before finding this site) I latter wished I had done more research and waited.:mad:

Anyway – I saw this on sale at Sears http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=00926501000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

It is on sale for ½ price. For $60 I don’t see how I could go wrong. And if it doesn’t work out I could always return it within 90 days. I would love a better table and router but I can not justify it at this point in time. So what do you think of this for a first time hobby router?

Thanks for your advice,
Mark

save your money!!!

[Bruce Page]

Being limited to a 1/4" shank would suck.
You should take Scott's advice and go with the Hitachi.

Probably not what you wanted to hear.

[John Hain]

I burned out a similar router in less than a year.

Save your money.

I'll third the Hitachi model. I have the plunge version and am very pleased.

[Don Bullock]

Mark, I have to admit that I have that very router and table. No, I didn't pay full price for it, but I paid more that $60. Like you with your saw, I bought it long before I even knew places like this were on the Internet. I have dreamed for years about having a router table and I saw this as my chance to get one.

That being said, the router and table are very limited in what they can do. As has been stated, the collet only takes 1/4" shanks, there is no speed selection and, something that hasn't been said, the table is very small with a lot of plastic parts. Saying that the table and fence are cheap is an understatement.

For someone like me who has never used a router, it's fine as a starter. I have used it with excellent results.

I'm planning on keeping it around for working on things like boxes. It's actually very good for that. It is not a set up that could be used for large pieces, especially furniture. For that I'm planning on adding a larger router table next to my table saw and using the Incra fence system that I have with a Bosch router that I bought a couple of years ago (before sawmill Creek).

I can't tell you to buy or not to buy. That's something that only you can decide. It all depends on your experience and what you intend to use a router for. What is a "good buy" for some here, would be a terrible selection for others. Weigh all the advice, especially from those who have a lot more experience than I do, and they do as you wish. It's your money.

[Tom Slupek]

I want a router. I do not need one I just want one. I do not build anything except some crude outside furniture. (Benches etc.) When I bought my table saw (before finding this site) I latter wished I had done more research and waited.:mad:

Anyway – I saw this on sale at Sears http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=00926501000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

It is on sale for ½ price. For $60 I don’t see how I could go wrong. And if it doesn’t work out I could always return it within 90 days. I would love a better table and router but I can not justify it at this point in time. So what do you think of this for a first time hobby router?

Thanks for your advice,
Mark

Do not buy it. I have one and it's not worth the $60. The height changes by itself the table is not very stable. You can not buy plunge base for it.

Wait a while and you will find a deal on Hitachi, Bosch, DeWalt or Porter Cable.

I just upgraded to PC 890 series with two bases that I jusct bught from another Creeker in my area.

[William Nimmo]

I had a sears router and table once. Gave it away to an aquaintance. And I am a believer in Routers are kind of like clamps. You can never have too many. Don't buy crap, no matter how cheap.

[Bill Neely]

Another one, on the lower, left looks pretty good for about the same price with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00917541000&cat=Portable+Power+Tools&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers

You'd be better off screwing your router to the bottom of a piece of plywood than using one of the inexpensive aluminum tables.

[Keith Webster]

Craftsman tools are not what they used to be. I think the only good thing they still make are their wrenches.

[Jeff Raymond]

To chime in with the other posts, I agree, don't waste your money.

Many years ago when I started making hardwood furniture, I began with Crapsman power tools, which seemed reasonable at the time.

As they failed (quickly) I threw then into a 55-gallon drum (ha-ha) so I could fix them later, which of course never happened. As the years went by, the drum filled with power-hand tools. The sedimentary layers, when I cleaned out the drum were Crapsman at the bottom, Makita the next layer and some off-brand junk I should never have bought in the first place. There is one Milwaukee in the heap, which was my own fault as it was stored in a shed in Florida and I think the motor windings dried out (replaced last week).

The rest of my handtools these days are the durable Milwaukees, a couple of Bosch I am trying out and the Hitachi compound chopsaw with original blade after going through a whole bunch of wood and projects.

Especially with a router, get one which has 1/4 and 1/2 capability, plenty of power.

Forget about price when you buy power hand tools. The highest price ones you'll find aren't that much more than the cheapies, which will have to be replaced anyway (fake savings).

I'm done now so you can go off to something far more interesting.:D

[Ken Werner]

I sold my Craftsman router for about $15, and I think I got the better of the deal. [I bought it as a young newbie.]
All that was said about 1/4" collet vs 1/2" is true, but more than that, a good router is a pleasure to use. A cheap one is a scarey experience.
Ken

[Brian Kent]

Not the price that you are talking about, but I just bought my upgrade router - a reconditioned Porter Cable 892 on Amazon for $119. 1 year warrantee, variable speed, highly rated, and so much quieter and smoother than my $59 Ryobi that I actually use it.

[Brian Kent]

I sold my Craftsman router for about $15, and I think I got the better of the deal. [I bought it as a young newbie.]
All that was said about 1/4" collet vs 1/2" is true, but more than that, a good router is a pleasure to use. A cheap one is a scarey experience.
Ken


Amen! The Ryobi in a very cheap aluminum base took all the pleasure out of the experience. It felt shaky and out of control. A better made router was much smoother. Total noise when cutting is probably as loud, but it was a better noise - like great music vs. trash can lids.

[Jason White]

Ditto on the Sears router. I had one -- not worth it. Sears also has the Porter Cable 690 combo kit (fixed & plunge base) for about $200. Great router and it's really like having 2 routers because of the 2 bases.

JW


I want a router. I do not need one I just want one. I do not build anything except some crude outside furniture. (Benches etc.) When I bought my table saw (before finding this site) I latter wished I had done more research and waited.:mad:

Anyway – I saw this on sale at Sears http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Portable+Power+Tools&pid=00926501000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

It is on sale for ½ price. For $60 I don’t see how I could go wrong. And if it doesn’t work out I could always return it within 90 days. I would love a better table and router but I can not justify it at this point in time. So what do you think of this for a first time hobby router?

Thanks for your advice,
Mark

[Eric Walker]

I'm still a rookie at this woodworking stuff but I do enjoy it. I bought a router with a 1/4" collet a few years ago in all of my limited wisdom. I wanted to make some raised panel cabinet doors about a year later, bought the bits for the job, then realized my mistake on the router. With my newly acquired knowledge, I then bought a variable speed router with the 1/2" collet. My next dilemma...the fixed opening in my router "plate" attachment on my table saw wasn't large enough for the larger bit heads. No problem, I just need a dedicated router table with the right plate. Next dilemma, my workshop isn't big enough for yet another table...let alone the $ for it and the $ already invested in this 'hobby' of mine. No problem, I'll just sell the pool table and dedicate the entire basement as my workshop. Next dilemma, can't negotiate with the wife and kids for any more space out of the basement. Moral of the story...don't ask me for advice! ...but if I was doing it all over again, I would have started with a variable speed, 1/2" collet router. Anybody want my old router?! How about a pool table?!

[Bill White]

And to add to the fray......
To my limited knowledge ther ain't no such thang as a 2 hp, 10 amp motor running on 110v.
Bill

[Rick Lizek]

As I understand it Craftsman never made their own wrenches. Craftsman is now made by Danaher Tools last I heard.

[Mark Gary]

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I will pass and save up some more money and buy a better router and maybe try to build my own table.

Thanks again for all of the advice,
Mark

[Rich Engelhardt]

Hello,

I think I will pass and save up some more money and buy a better router
Wise choice - IMHO.
I bought both a Craftsman and a Ryobi, before I "knew better".
I've since bought a Freud 1700.

The Freud is a pretty decent machine.

The other two have their uses,,,but,,,,

[Don Bullock]

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I will pass and save up some more money and buy a better router and maybe try to build my own table.

Thanks again for all of the advice,
Mark

Mark, great move. There are plenty of great "deals" out there from time to time. Decide what you want and then look for a deal on that model or it's equivalent.

Amazon comes to mind as one place to start. Some people put an item in their cart and check each day to see what the price is. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but some have found great deals that way.

Secondhand may also be possible, but personally I'd be hesitant because a router is a tool that can easily be abused.

A review of posts on this site should give you a lot of ideas as to which router you might want as well as other ways to find a good deal. Go rot it and enjoy.

[James Ayars]

Bill, you get an A+ for that. One of the things I do with my students is show them labels for power tools, compressors etc and ask them if they see any conflicts. The disconnect between amp and horse power ratings are the first thing they look at.

True Rick, Danaher has been making C-Man ratchets, sockets and wrenches for years now. No Craftsman factories anywhere.

A few years ago I was given a 1/4" C-Man router as a birthday present. I truly appreciated the gift, but found the 1/4" limiting and the noise and vibration level high. Last year, I made it the permanent resident of my router table and am now looking for a plunge router(1/2") to use as my "carry around" router.

[Richard Blaine]

Another one, on the lower, left looks pretty good for about the same price with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00917541000&cat=Portable+Power+Tools&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers


Is this the one made by Porter Cable for Sears?

[Charles Jackson III]

I have this router http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002ZZWXI/sr/ref=pd_cp_hi_1/102-2822461-4288117?ie=UTF8&qid=1181694832&sr=8-5&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_r=0JFHJ961V53CBE6299A1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=277661601&pf_rd_i=B0009VCBBQ Its a good router for the money.

[Christopher Pine]

I agree with the others comments.. Buy quality and you will only cry the one time at the checkout counter. :) Only will hurt a little when you pay for it.. WHen you buy low quality you wiull be paying for it often times whenever you go to use it and the piece of ..... well you get it :)

Chris

[Bill Neely]

Is this the one made by Porter Cable for Sears?

It looks like it but I don't know for certain.

[Mark Gary]

Thanks for all of the advice,
I bought the Hitachi KM12VC at Lowe's.

I really liked the feel of the router in the store. So far so good.

Again, thanks for all of the advice,
Mark

[scott spencer]

Good for you Mark. That's a sound decision IMHO, and it should serve you well.

Thanks for following up with update. Nice to hear the outcome!

[Bob Feeser]

Many years ago, my brother was given as a holiday gift, an inexpensive Craftsman router with a 1/4" collet. He never used it, and wound up giving it to me, in an unopened box. I put a bit in it, and was using it for the first time, and it threw a bit at full speed. It had a Mickey Mouse collet on it, so I reinstalled the bit, and this time I tightened it down so hard, I was almost afraid of breaking it. I started my routing again. This time with the opening of the router facing away from me. Sure enough the bit would creep a setting and it wound up throwing the bit again at such a high speed, it put a nick in the cinderblock wall. (Think about a high speed, router bit, with sharp edges on it, spinning away, flying fast enough to nick a block wall :eek: )

I cleaned it all up and took it back to Sears without an invoice. I told the guy the truth. He tempted me to lie about when I bought it, and I said, that it was a gift, and that he should be able to tell that it was not used but once. He then told me that it was no longer in their database, but obviously with Craftsman written all over it, it was theirs. Then he said, I can not take a return on it, but I can give you a $50 discount on any other router in the store. I bought the Bosch and never regretted it.

I think with routers their isn't a one size fits all. It really is an example of you get what you pay for. Try and find one on sale, or consider buying at least a 2hp somewhere used, that will take 1/2" bits with less vibration, rather than buying something that will eventually collect dust, while you use the router you really wanted in the first place.
My feeling is that a router is the single most important tool in the shop, to take your projects to the next level. Instead of having a bunch of squared off, boxy looking boards, you have ornate well shaped ones. No. 1 easy way to achieve the beauty quotient is routing.

[Mark Ball]

I started out with a sears router and router table. The spindle lock broke off inside the body of the router, thus making it next to impossible to change bits. I bought a new freud, with both 1/2 and 1/4 shank capabilities and more h.p. and have not regretted it. I got it from amazon.com and paid about 150 or so, if I remember. Of course, it didn't fit into my craftsman router table, but that is another story (read new router table)

Mark