Freud vs. Bosch vs. PC Router

[Justin McCurdy]

Hey everyone,

I am looking for a 2 1/4HP router to use with both table and free hand/plunge work. Can anyone speak to what they would buy if this was to be their only shop router?

Bosch 1617EVSPK: $219
Freud FT1700VCEK + FT1760(free): $169
Porter Cable 895PK: $202

I really don't want to make a $200 mistake and I really don't have a lot of previous router experience with any of these brands. Has anyone ever had any notably good or bad experiences with any of these?

Thanks,
Justin




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Thanks to everyone that replied! Sometimes when you are really close to making a relatively expensive decision you need a few friends to push you over the indecisive edge. I think I am going with the Bosch 1617evspke. I figured out that at amazon.com I can hookup with the router kit and all available accessories for it for just over $300(with BOSCHOFF and NOVTOOLS). Merry XMAS to me. Now I have to let my relatives know what they are buying me.

Best Regards,
Justin