Router Recommendations

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:49 pm

I'm in the market for a new router that will spend most of its time mounted to a router table. I want something capable of using both 0.25" and 0.5" shank bits and have the ability to adjust the depth of cut easily without the expense of a lifter. Any suggestions?

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:06 pm

This one went on my wishlist
craftsman-14-amp-2.5-hp-fixed-plunge-base-router/p-00927680000P

But I'll be following this thread.

THOMRIDER · Post by **THOMRIDER** » Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:18 pm

I went with a Rigid combo and I keep the fixed base in the router table. It came with an above the table t-wrench which works pretty well, only thing is you have to unlock the base and then lock it back when adjust is complete.

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 12:35 am

Bill,
Routers are like cars in that it depends on who you talk to as to which is best. I have had a Triton router mounted on my table for at least five years now and it still purrs like a kitten. The Triton is made to be mounted on a table and is easily adjusted from above or below without a lift. I have the 2.5 hp which can work with 1/4" and 1/2" bits and it has handled everything I have thrown at it so far, but if you want more power go for the bigger 3 hp model.

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 1:00 am

Hi,

Picking a router by seeing what others have is a way of going but you will be better server by finding a store that has several brands and get a hands on feel for them.

One I personally would recomend that you look at is the Hitachi KM12VC. I own 4 of this model, one on the overhead router, one below(old OPR), one mounted on the table I have for the shopsmith and one as my traveling router. I have a couple extra bases mounted as well. Very quiet and I've had no problems with them(one is a factory rebuilt). The kit comes with a lot of extras and it pays to shop around as I have seen this on sale of late for $129.99. Here is a link, but shop for price before you buy.

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-KM12VC-4- ... chi+router

You are most often better off to get both a fixed and plunge base at the same time, cheaper that way.

I also like to have the router mounted to a sub-base that lifts out of the table to change bits etc., like the router workshop guys.

If you plan to use large bits, like 3" or more you should start looking for a larger router in the 3-1/2HP size.

I've lost count but I think I have about 15 router, and in my defence that is because they are the cheap item... by the time you start getting a nice set of bits you find you paid more for the bits then you did the router. Honestly.

Ed

newportcycle · Post by **newportcycle** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 5:30 am

terrydowning wrote:This one went on my wishlist
craftsman-14-amp-2.5-hp-fixed-plunge-base-router/p-00927680000P

But I'll be following this thread.

I can vouch for this router, I just picked one up two weeks ago. Very nice lots of power, soft start is great, the lift can be adjusted from the top of a router table with supplied wrench.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:54 am

Thanks, I'll keep it on my list.

Hard to use the Sears Card on Amazon

berry · Post by **berry** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 12:41 pm

If it strictly for table use or mostly for table use any of these would work well as would my Bosch 1617EVSPK. I would find it hard not to consider one of the combo kits. A fixed base and plunge base - wow!

Ed was on the money. If you'll be handling it it best to hold the options in your hands,

reible wrote:Hi,

Picking a router by seeing what others have is a way of going but you will be better server by finding a store that has several brands and get a hands on feel for them.

Ed

When I did my kitchen I made loads of mortices with my Bosch plunge router and an upcut spiral bit. Depressing the 'thumb-lock' got to be painful after a while. It just didn't fit my hand.

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:52 am

Wow! Thanks everyone for the feedback. Looks like I have my work cut out for me. I'll definately check out these recommendations.

Any thoughts on whether built-in variable speed is a "must-have" or not?

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:02 pm

Bill,
If you really want the lowdown on routers check out THE ROUTER FORUMS. I have been a member there for years and the guy and gals there are just as friendly as the ones here as well as highly knowledgeable about all things routing and or woodworking. You can browse to your hearts content and if you can't find the answer to your questions just post the question and I guarantee you will get plenty of answers. There are already a few of us Shopsmith owners in membership there.

Sorry for the non-working link. It has been fixed.