router to choose

[massey130]

I currently have 3 routers. 2 that are sick and i have to be careful, so i don't use them but very very little. my work horse is a 1 HP sears router i bought in 1976. it is still in great shape but won't last forever.

i would like to have one other router as working mate to the sears model.

what are your thoughts on routers i should look at or not look at in the 2 to 3 horse power rating?

while i believe you get what you pay for, i don't want to put a month worth of pay into one.

[thintz]

The Bosch 1617 kit is one of the most popular anywhere because it is a very good router with plenty of power (2-1/4HP) for most jobs and it comes with both the fixed and plunge bases. And, because it is so popular, the price stays pretty reasonable also.

Click Here to see my review of the Bosch 1617 Kit

[rick7938]

I am a big fan of the Porter Cable 690 series routers. While they are only 1 3/4-hp, I have had great service from them. I have one with a fixed base with offset sub-base, one with the plunge base, and one with fixed base mounted in my router table. They seem to never break and last forever.

You really can't go wrong with any of the top quality routers available today. I would just recommend that you get one with both 1/4 and 1/2-inch collets. Good luck with your hunt.

[massey130]

Ok, sounds good. i will check those out. i would like the soft start and different size collets. varialble speed is necessary as well. there just seems to be so many out there. i did an amazon search and wow, i could spend a month looking at all the search results.

thanks for the replies.

I will post when i buy. like i had said in another post, my birthday is around the corner, so i will have a great suggestion when my wife asks for suggestions.

[Rickm]

Massy -

I'll put in another vote for the Bosch 1617. I have the variable speed, soft start kit with both bases. I bought it at Lowes using a 10% off coupon. Note that some of these coupons are floating around on Ebay right now and might save you some money. Some out there are fake, but Lowes has released a series right now that is a professional printed coupon the size of a credit card. Just a thought.

Also, I have a Porter Cable 892. Also a great router. as previous posters have said, you can't go wrong with either brand. I would recommend a kit that has both 1/4" and 1/2" collets. I also think you should seriously consider going with this 2+ horse power speed. I bumped up to the Bosch from a 3/4 horse power Ryobi and it was a world of difference!

I wish my wife would buy me tools for my birthday!

-Rm

[Seamus]

Massey,

Although I tend to use my shaper table more than routers, I have the Dewalt 618 kit 21/4 HP, soft start, variable speed, which comes with fixed, plunge and D handle bases for around $250.00 I mainly use it on my leigh FMT jig where it excels. It can be used between bases in seconds thanks to the unique release system.

Good luck!

Seamus

[EricJ]

I know they're not as flashy or well reviewed as the Bosch or PC or Dewalt but I've got 2 of the Ryobi E180-1PL plunge 2HP routers. I've got one that I took the springs out of and mounted it into a table, the other one I took the factory sticky baseplate off and mounted another plate that will accept the PC router guides.

First one I bought new for $99 at Home Depot and the second I bought reconditioned from ***mins Tools for $69 I think.

I would like to get the Bosch or Ridgid multi-base routers, but I haven't run into anything that I couldn't do with these cheap Ryobis.

[isawzdust]

I love my TRITON MOF001 router-2 1/4 h.p.,soft start motor,plunge base,thru table adjusting handle,edge guide,1/2" shank 1/2" straight bit,self locking collet when fully raised in a table,wrench,book i believe i paid $209 at WOODCRAFT on sale.Goes into my KREG benchtop router table works great.

[iamwelty2]

Just ordered a Trition 3 1/4 for the TS router extension I'm building. Should have plenty of UMMMPPPHHH... and shouldn't need a router lift, this version comes with an above table crank... $269 with free shipping from Woodcraft. Crossing fingers that I didn't screw up.

[Seamus]

Woodcraft seem to be throwing some pretty good deals around at the the moment. I bought a lot of my stuff from them when I kitted out my workshop and got deals on a few things, all of which I am happy with. Given what I was spending with them they also donated a load of hardwood, which went a long way to cementing our relationship. Good luck with your triton!