routers

[Dave 2N]

Any recommendations on a router brand/model for personal woodworking use?

Thanks.

 

[farmerjohn]

I have a Bosch with variable speed and plunge fearture and am pleased with it.

 

[thurlow]

Have got 3 different brands and they all work; I REALLY like the 'trigger' in the handle rather than a switch on the body.

 

[fixerupper]

Dave, a Makita 3621 is a kind of handy router to use. It's a 7.8 amp motor and chucks 1/4" shanks so it's no biggie, but it seems to be handy and easy to use. It's light enough to be run one-handed if you have to hang onto the board. (not recommended) Jim

 

[MarkB_MI]

I have a Milwaukee 5616 that is powerful and works well. It has the "soft start" feature that slowly spins up the motor so the router doesn't twist in your hands from gyroscopic loads on startup.

It has one aggravating characteristic: The arbor tends to loosen on the armature shaft, allowing the commutator to strike the brush holders. When this happens, I have to disassemble the motor and file down the brush holders so the brushes can contact the commutator. I now tighten the arbor with an allen wrench before each use. No doubt they've had a lot of warranty returns as a result of this issue, so perhaps they've fixed this problem in current production.

I highly recommend that you get a router with a half-inch arbor. Even if you don't intend to use large bits, the thicker shank makes even the smaller bits much stiffer in 1/2" versus 1/4" shanks.

I wish I'd bought a router with dust collection. Routing even a small amount of MDF coats my entire shop with dust.

If you intend to use templates or jigs that use bushings, note that most brands other than Porter-Cable will require you to buy a special baseplate to use bushings. No big deal.

 

[edj856]

I have a Bosch that came in a set with a fixed base and a plunge base. Soft start motor, variable speed, and both 1/4" and 1/2" arbors. Been great so far. Much, much better than the Craftsman I had before that.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I concure with the afore said.I would add,I seldom use the plunge router for other cuts because it is heavier and in my opinion not as precise as non-plunge modeles.I have a 1/2",a 1/2"plunge,1/4"and a 1/4"laminate trimer.I use the 1/4"laminate trimmer for most any cut with small bits and non-precision cuts because of its lite waight and ease of operation.If I could have only one it 1/2"non plunge if two I would add a 1/4"laminate trimmer.Value is good with P. Cable and DeWalt.

 

[PJH]

Porter-Cable is my choice. Can't remember the model number, it's out in the shop. You'll notice that all of the woodworking mags list the router accessories as being compatible to Porter-Cable routers.

I hope you enjoy your new router, whatever brand you choose.
Paul

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have several, but my favorite is an old (probably 25 year +) Black & Decker with a rack and pinion depth adjustment. I recently found another one at a flea market for $10, never hurts to have spare router.

 

[Buzzle]

I agree with many above,

Variable speed and 1/4 and 1/2 collets.