Anyone have a Freud FT3000VCE

[Wade Lippman]

My old table saw had a Woodpecker Quicklift and a Bosch 1617, but I sold it all with the saw because I wanted something bigger with my new TS.

A new quicklift and a PC7518 would run $550; while I can get a FT3000VCE for $250. Is is a reasonable substitute?

How big a bit can the Freud handle?
Turning that little knob to move it up and down could get tiresome; can it adapted to use a drill?

Any other comments would be appreciated.

[Russell Tribby]

If you used the code end07 at Peachtree Woodworking you can get the Freud for $210.

[Rob Will]

Nice router, nice handles, big power and QUIET.
Yes, the little knob thing needs a speed wrench.

Rob

[Charles McCracken]

The FT3000VCE will run 3-1/2" diameter bits.

It takes a lot of turns of the knob to cover the whole range of height adjustment but for most use the bit is not moved so far as to require many turns.

[Wade Lippman]

The FT3000VCE will run 3-1/2" diameter bits.

It takes a lot of turns of the knob to cover the whole range of height adjustment but for most use the bit is not moved so far as to require many turns.

But can it be turned with a drill, or a crank? Since I want to put mine in a TS wing, it has to disappear between uses. That is easy with the quicklift.

[scott spencer]

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Freud-FT3000VCE-Variable-Featuring-Adjustments/dp/B000OYIYNM)'s website lists a bunch of it's capabilities....plus shows a code for 10% off.

[Charles McCracken]

But can it be turned with a drill, or a crank? Since I want to put mine in a TS wing, it has to disappear between uses. That is easy with the quicklift.

The included crank is 10mm hex so you could obtain a 10mm Allen wrench and cut off the L but you would need a 1/2" drill chuck to accommodate this. It is also possible to use 3/8" hex which would fit a standard drill but it would be a little loose in the router. If you try this take care to not overpower the stops at full and lowest height.

[Steve Leverich]

I just ordered the 3000 from Peachtree last nite - one thought about using a drill for quick height adjustment would be to set the clutch just heavy enough to turn the wrench - that way the stops shouldn't be overpowered if you "overshoot" a bit... Steve

[Bill Franklin]

I have that router. I have only spent a few hours with it in the table. I am happy with it so far. I already had a rapid crank, shapped like a drill brace, with a 3/8 drive. Got a 10mm hex from Schucks auto for $5, made all the difference in the turning for height adjustment.