What is the difference in tools?
Question:OK, i need to get my husband, who is deployed, a router for fathers day, since its cheaper this day than anyother time, i want to buy now, while i can save a few. What is the difference in a PLUNDGE ROUTER and a STATIONARY ROUTER?
Also, when considering BRANDS, which is a durable brand for say the next 3-5 yrs, till he gets 'permanent' tools. As he is in the service, we don't want to buy hundreds of dollars worth of tools , just to have the movers drop them and break them, it happens and I want to wait till later to spend alot on 'good' tools.
I also need a circular saw, does the 'inch' matter?
and i need a table saw? will a black and decker do?
thanks!
Answers:
A Plunge Router is equipped with with two spring loaded rods that allow you to lower the blade into the wood during the cut. There is normally an adjustable stopping device which sets the maximum depth. A Fixed Base (Stationary) Router does not have this plunge feature, but still allows depth of cut to be preset. If your man is only doing the basics, a Fixed Base will do fine.
The standard size circular saw used by most DIYers is 7 and 1/4 inch. With a good "Combination" blade, you can cut plywood and 2X dimentional lumber in a single pass, or 4X dimentional lumber with passes on four sides. Larger saws are generally not required for the DIYer.
If you are considering a table saw, go for 10 inch or better. This will allow for cuts throught most sheet goods, as well as rip cuts on 2X dimentional lumber. Look for a saw with table extentions and a self-aligning rip fence.
As far as brands are concerned, stay away from cheap store brands. The $25 saw is only good as long as the blade remains on the arbor instead of flying across the room.
Porter-Cable, Delta and Craftsman are all good lower priced models. Dewalt and Makita are good mid priced models. After that you get into pro tools.
While you are thinking power tools, you might want to consider a Compound Miter Saw. This tool allows you to make straight or angled cross cuts on dimentional lumber and trim. It also allows you to make the complex cuts required to install crown molding. Go for at least a 10 or 12 inch model. For added capacity, a Sliding Compound Miter Saw gives you added reach for cutting planks and laminate flooring without having to flip the work over.
I hope this helps. God Bless our men in uniform.
what your asking about is already 100`s of dollars.
if you only had one router it should be a plunge.
the name brands are all about the same
the more inches, the bigger lumber you can cut
b/d is OK, craftsman or Milwaukee may be slightly better
you may want to buy gift certificates instead so he can get what he wants
Stationary, you can convert it. Porter-Cable or Hitachi would do. It matters on what work you are doing with your saw. On the table saw black and decker will do but craftsman is better.
If you need to buy a router I recommend Porter Cable that has both fixed and plunged as a kit...
Circular saw size does matter in what thickness you plan to cut usually 7 1/4" blade with atleast 13 amps no less...
the table saw you can get a b&d for small jobs around the home..
ALWAYS, you get what you pay for AND if in doubt like me I take no offence to a gift certificate to a tool store!
a plunge router is your best bet as it will also be used as a normal as fare as table saws a ryobie with all the bells and gagete , extention tabe ,sliding table,stand that folds on wheels is a good buy, some also have a router table built right in. Good luck, Thank your man for the job he,s doing Oddjobs, Ottawa Ont. C.A
a plunge router is more versatile and any name brands are ok...7 1/4 in for circular saw , i like milwaukees... table saw , you want a good saw my motor went on my craftsman, so i bought a ridgid with a collapsible stand works great...
I am kind of a tool junky..so here's my point of view. about 6 years ago I bought a Porter Cable router kit that came with a plunge base and stationary base, plus a very nice plastic case that protects it (as in moving around) I have yet to use the plunge base. Otherwise I am very happy with my purchase. Porter Cable also makes a very good Circular saw that I actually like more than my Skill worm drive. It depends on what you will use it for. My best recommendation is get a 71/4" saw (most blades available) and look for one with the blade to the left of the motor. Regarding table saws, you get what you pay for. The Cheaper portable table saws have fences and slides that will make you crazy and never be very accurate. DeWalt makes a fairly decent portable as well Makita. I have a Makita and have used it for 15 years.
i recently replaced my router. i bought a craftsman 3/4 horse. it cost like 59 dollars it's the best router i ever owned . it runs very quiet and smooth. I am very happy with makita 71/4in. circular saw again very smooth running and inches don't matter. no-matter how big the blade you can cut whatever you want149 dollars. you are going to spend quite a bit on a table saw. the only one i owned is a dewalt and i have been very happy with it's performance
Ok, I'm an old chick (hen?) that's into tools. I've got two routers that I've yet to use. I've got two houses (snowbird), and I've bought (one for each house) cheap Craftsman 10" table saw and cheap Craftsman 10" compound miter saw. I use these tools at both houses, as well as for building stuff for other people (I like to build bars).
Does DH want a router specifically? Does he have a compound miter saw (aka 'chop saw'). If not, I'd rather have one with the moveable blade that can cut thru thicker pieces. Mine is fixed 10" and I have to flip over a 4x4 to get thru it.
For a circular saw, I have a battery Craftsman 'trim saw'. It's light enough for me to handle... he's probably in better shape than I am, but mine's a 7" and cuts thru regular wood just fine.
By the way, I've lived thru 15 years of military moves, and all ya gotta do is put in a claim. The spec 4 that handles it don't care what you put as a price, you can get the best from the least.
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