Suggestions for a router

woodenSpoon

I am looking into getting a router and I need suggestions and input on what to look for. I consider myself an amateur wood worker and I don't need something that erl break the bank. any help is appreciated

hyunelan2

I have a hand-me-down Craftsman router that I used to get familiar with routing. It takes 1/4" shaft bits. If I were buying a new one today, I would probably look for one that takes both 1/2 and 1/4" shaft bits, for a wider bit selection. I'd also get one that has changeable bases between fixed and plunge. It's nice to have 1 tool instead of two for my DIY storage capacity. I also think horsepower is something of which you can never have enough.

I like reconditioned tools myself, as my livelihood does not depend on them and I can wait for an exchange if need be. So, with that prefaced, I would probably get something like this Skil ($70 refurb, $110 new): http://www.skilshop.com/factory-reco...d=skil-routers

PaliBob

Routers come in either a Fixed base or Plunge Base style. Router manufacturer's have combination kits so you get both styles interchangeable with one motor.

My first router was a Porter Cable 690Kit since mostly replaced by the 893PK (~$259) .
If I had to do it again knowing what I know now after acquiring more routers, I would start out with the Bosch 1617EVSPK (~$225).

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Daniel Holzman

A router is an inherently dangerous tool that must be respected. I personally own three routers, two are fixed base, one is a plunge router. I never use my old Craftsman router, it uses 1/4 inch bits which tend to wander in the collet, EXTREMELY dangerous. I have an old Stanley router, fixed base, that I use on occasion because it is light and easy to manipulate. I use it mostly for edge routing.

My workhorse is a 3-1/2 HP Porter Cable plunge router, that I have built a router table for. Most of my work is done on the table, much safer, and provides better results in my opinion than using fences and router jigs, since the tool is stationary and the work gets pushed through. I try to use all 1/2 inch bits, but there are a few types of bits only available in 1/4 inch format, and the router will accept these using a different collet. Half inch bits are more stable, and once they are tightened into the collet, they do not move at all.

That said, this is an expensive router, in the +$300 range. There are many choices, my main suggestion is to avoid really low end routers, if the bit is not firmly locked, you can lose a finger or worse.

PaliBob

After looking at the link in Post #2, I might change my mind.
The Skil Router is not highly rated and cannot use the larger ½” bits, but the price is right.
If you are like everybody else, you will be buying more (more $) routers in the future.

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hyunelan2

It can use 1/2" bits:
You probably just noticed the part where it talked about the 1/4" collet adapter.

I agree that this won't stand for comparison against a nice Bosch (Skil is Bosch's discount brand after all) or other high-end router, but for the price, and interchangeable bases - it might be the way I would go.

EDIT:
The reviews on Amazon are fairly good:
http://www.amazon.com/Skil-1830-120V...owViewpoints=0

Ravenworks

I have an old Craftsman that I use for a small round over bit router,I also have a Hitachi that I love,it takes 1/4" and 1/2" bits the slow start is a great feature.
Speaking of Bosh tools,they make certain routers for Sears that cost half of what their name brand does and they sell them side by side.

joecaption

http://www.cpoworkshop.com/porter-ca...efault,sc.html

woodworkbykirk

where did you hear this ... they dont make models specifically for anyone but bosch their routers are in the top 3 routers that are available.

craftsman routers on the other hand are made by ryobi, simply relabeled. simply look at the box for most craftsman power tools and there is usually a shipping label that clearly says that it was shipped from ryobi technologies... you can also put a craftsman right next to a ryobi and it i will identical except for the color. this fact has been clearly documented in both fine homebuilding magazine and fine woodworking

Ravenworks

I have a friend that owns one, I found out about it when we were at Hartville hardware picking up some parts.
I will get the Sears model number and you can check it out for yourself. I don't know if Bosch is still making them IFAK they were as of 2 years ago.

hyunelan2

All different bands make/have made Craftsman power tools. TTI (manufacturer of Ryobi, Makita, Homelite, Hoover, etc) is a big one, as is Black & Decker (B&D, DeWalt, Porter Cable, Bostich, etc). I haven't seen a model number decoder for their modern tools, but here is one for pre-1995 Sears. Bosch is 130.xxxx under the Sears part number system.

http://vintagemachinery.org/craftsma...facturers.aspx

EDIT:
The part number system is still intact, but the list linked is incomplete. For example my Craftsman Nextec impact driver and drill/driver are 320.xxxxx. There is no 320 on the list of manufacturers.

toolaholic

FWIW I purchased a craftsman fixed base/ plunge router kit based on the Bosch 1617 for my brother a couple years back on clearance for about $80 and some change! I liked that the craftsman router motor used polished metal and slid in and out of bases easier than the Bosch magnesium housing motors that oxidizes and makes installation and removal difficult!

del schisler

here is a good web site to join it is a router site. I have been a menber for 6 yrs now. I have 5 router's and 4 tables. The porter cable 690 is a very good router and the bosch 1617 also very good. I don't do sear's of any kind. the link http://www.routerforums.com/

Ravenworks

Is it the one with Wooden knobs?

toolaholic

Yes it is! Both have em! My Bosch 1617 and my brother's craftsman 1617 clone!