I can't decide what plunge router to get.?
Question:i've pretty much got it down to two router kits...
the DeWalt DW618PKV 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base / Plunge Router Combo Kit
or another DeWalt combo kit
and the
Bosch1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4 Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets
or of coarse any other routers
i would like the rounter to be a "kit" with a plung and fixed base
have variable speed
accurate
be a resonable weight for hand routing
and not be a piece of junk or too expensive.
Answers:
Try this web site http://www.cpoworkshop.com punch up plunge router. Porter Cable makes a great plunge router...
i am very happy with my dewalt plunge router with one exception, that is, any router with a "soft-start" feature,is not compatible with speed control devices. so if you plan to use your router in a table with large bits that require slower speeds, then choose one without all the fancy electronics.
go with porter cable very good quality tools you will never regret buying it
i have the porter cable 800 series combo, can't go wrong with that
The routers you have listed have way too many bells and whistles for any benefit. Who ever uses those things?
On quality that Dewalt is very good but in my opinion I do not like that toggle switch on the side. It is way to hard to shut off and start. I like a trigger grip switch on a router for safety's sake.
Unless you are going to make cabinet doors, a 1/2 inch collet type router is totally un needed as you will find a lot of the smaller radius cutters come only in 1/4 inch shanks.
And on Plunge cut, I dont use that fixture at all. Its too much bother and i dont do almost ZERO plunge cuts.
Why dont you go to www.craigslist.org and buy a router there. There are so many people who buy these routers only to leave them on the shelf and have to rid of them. My friend bought a brand new plunge router 1/2 collet on there for like $50 and people are glad to rid of them.
I own 15 routers of many makes and model. My favorite one for an all around good choice, if all I had was one router would be
The Porter Cable model 690 series.
Powerful and versatile, and it is lightweight and Porter Cable makes more router accessories like collets and templates than any other company. And this particular router uses 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collets. It is just powerful enough to cut raised panel doors (so long as you are not trying to do production) and if you buy this router, you will probably never come a day when you wish you had bought a better router.
Porter Cable. That is all we ahve in our shop and I personally own. Very dependable.
Both of the brands (deWalt and Bosch) are good ..I would go for one of the deWalts.They've been around longer and have proven themselves to be extremely reliable and durable...Milwaukee and deWalt have just about become the industry standard when it comes to pro-level tools.Don't buy a router that is too big for the type of work that you are going to do with it..some times too big is not better...match you router to your work..Most 1 or1-1/2 h.p. routers are good enough for most work,,,,, I sometimes use a small trimmer router for small work ,and I have a bigger 3-1/2 h,p, router that I use for heavier work..It also depends on the size and diameter of the router bit you intend to use.larger diameter bits such as horizontal raised panel bits will require more h.p. and the ability to slow down the r.p.m.'s of the router...
Dewalt would be fine if you have never used any Bosch power tools. Bosch has well surpassed Dewalt in all aspects of power tool manufacturing.
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