reible wrote:I went out e-looking at Porter Cable routers to see what the prices are and what options you have.
1) You can purchase just the motor for $179*.
2) You can get the motor and fixed base for $189*.
3) You can get the plunge base for $106*
4) The fixed base is $60*
5) If you get the motor/fixed base/plunge base together it is $259*
6) So say you wanted to put together an option that PC doesn't sell that being a motor and plunge base together. 179+106 = $285*.
7) Say you got the motor and fixed base as a set for $189 but later decided that you really wanted the plunge base. 189+106 = $295*.
8) If you happened to get just the motor and went for the bases later then this is what would happen 179+106+60 = $345*.
9) Another option might be you get the combo at $259 and then add another motor. 259+179 = $438*. If you do this then you have two routers, one with a fixed base and the other with a plunge and the average cost is $219 for each router and base.
You can do the rest of the sets and decide for yourself which way you might want to go... and of course you might want another brand so you can do your own homework to see how they check out.
Ed
Ed
Perhaps it is cheaper to buy the premiere PC router as a kit at this point in time. Also you will notice buying individual parts instead of complete routers give hokey prices. Like the Motor for $179 and the fixed base for $60 but the complete router is sold for $189 which tells me the base is really only worth $10.
But once these kits are on the market for awhile the prices for the kits even get realistic. Dewalt intro'ed the 618pk (which I believe is superior to the new PC kit routers) for around $300 but almost immediately offered reduced prices around $240. Then after a few years the kit price came down to what I think is fair I saw them going for $160 which I would have jumped on had I wanted a two base router system.
But let us get past this point. I think the user must find their preferrence and then make a decision for there. Reible seems real happy with fixed based routers. However I don't care for them. For me I would be more prone to buy a two base one motor package if it came with two plunge bases, but that is just my preferrence.
Frankly I keep an eye out for plunge router close outs and when the price gets to what I consider the router is worth I jump on it.
Incidently I have a D handle base, and really nice edge guide for a Dewalt 618 that I might one day buy a router for. Perhaps the D handle will make me a believer in fixed base units, who knows.
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