buying a router - Kreg Owners' Community2024-03-28T15:49:44Zhttps://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/buying-a-router?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A165582&feed=yes&xn_auth=noFixed base and plunge routers…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-22:2900167:Comment:1688472011-03-22T03:42:58.255ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Fixed base and plunge routers are very handy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The plunge feature is very handy, but not a must, for making plunge cuts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1-1/2 to 2hp is adequate, for the homeowner and DIY woodworker, and for most routing tasks. </p>
<p>Larger HP models are heavier and more difficult to handle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PC (Porter-Cable) 690 series is my first choice, and probably the most popular with woodworkers and many cabinet shops.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bosch offers routers that are…</p>
<p>Fixed base and plunge routers are very handy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The plunge feature is very handy, but not a must, for making plunge cuts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1-1/2 to 2hp is adequate, for the homeowner and DIY woodworker, and for most routing tasks. </p>
<p>Larger HP models are heavier and more difficult to handle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PC (Porter-Cable) 690 series is my first choice, and probably the most popular with woodworkers and many cabinet shops.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bosch offers routers that are excellent and are the choice of many.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I also have another router, a hand-held router, that features a ''micrometer'' type adjustment, an integral light, and a trigger switch---these features are very important to me. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Routers that offer 1/4 & 1/2 chucks, are the way to go---they accept both size router bits.</p>
<p>For many uses and smaller tasks, the 1/4" shank will suffice.</p>
<p>For heavier cutting and larger cutter bits, the larger 1/2" shank is the way to go.</p>
<p>A larger selection of router bits are available in the 1/2" size shank, which will result in less vibration, when using the larger diameter bits, making larger cuts and heavier work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do a search on web sites, and read the various reviews that are posted---under ''router discussions''.</p>
<p>Evaluate the pros and cons of the various models and the features they offer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Get a router model that can be used for both hand-held routing and for mounting in a router table.</p>
<p>Sometime in the future, you may be looking into a router table.</p>
<p>A router table will be very useful. Many routing operations have to be done on a router table.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bosch offers router tables that fit-up nicely with there routers and other brands/models of routers.</p>
<p>The bench top style router tables are very handy.</p>
<p>They can be portable as well and mounted on the portable stand, for mobility.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For many uses/applications, a ''speed controller'', for your router will be very useful.</p>
<p>You'll need to make cuts, at a slower rpm than the 25,000 rpms, rated on most routers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Buy the best you can afford.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good luck---Wishing you the best in your findings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> If you are going to get the s…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-14:2900167:Comment:1653272011-03-14T04:17:44.888Zdaniel woodyhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/danielwoody
If you are going to get the skill go to lowe's they have the combo for 89. I would not get the skill table top router table. I have one and hate it. The router will not stay tight and wobbles. If you are just using it as hand held it is not bad for the price.
If you are going to get the skill go to lowe's they have the combo for 89. I would not get the skill table top router table. I have one and hate it. The router will not stay tight and wobbles. If you are just using it as hand held it is not bad for the price. I have one OLD Craftsman that…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-14:2900167:Comment:1655822011-03-14T02:41:37.453ZJohn Schabenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JohnSchaben
<p>I have one OLD Craftsman that is a PIA to adjust height on, hence, it is a dedicated dovetailer. This Craftsman looks like a good deal though:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1">http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1</a></p>
<p>I have one OLD Craftsman that is a PIA to adjust height on, hence, it is a dedicated dovetailer. This Craftsman looks like a good deal though:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1">http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1</a></p> It is hard to beat a Craftsma…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-14:2900167:Comment:1654922011-03-14T00:06:58.433ZHal Schmidt "Woodmeister"https://kregjig.ning.com/profile/HalSchmidt
It is hard to beat a Craftsman professional combo for the price. It will give both fixed and plunge capability. They are not the highest quality, but the newer versions have great features and are great for a small shop. I would recommend a router table. I do most of my work on a table and over the years I have ended up with 4 of them. I just got a horizontal router table to make molding. Set up time usually takes more than actual routing time. Variable speed is a must if you want to use…
It is hard to beat a Craftsman professional combo for the price. It will give both fixed and plunge capability. They are not the highest quality, but the newer versions have great features and are great for a small shop. I would recommend a router table. I do most of my work on a table and over the years I have ended up with 4 of them. I just got a horizontal router table to make molding. Set up time usually takes more than actual routing time. Variable speed is a must if you want to use larger router bits. I have this one <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927680000P?blockNo=7&blockType=G7&prdNo=7&i_cntr=1300060967476" target="_blank">http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927680000P?blockNo=7&blockType=G7&prdNo=7&i_cntr=1300060967476</a> and this one <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902768000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6" target="_blank">http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902768000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6</a> They are on sale tonight<br/> Hi Ken - Good idea and nice s…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-13:2900167:Comment:1654882011-03-13T23:01:33.159ZJohn Schabenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JohnSchaben
Hi Ken - Good idea and nice score on the Bosch. With this economy, pawn shops and craigs list are good sources. Same precautions with craigs list apply. Another source is the reconditioned market, think "used with a warranty", right now Tyler Tool has a reconditioned deWalt 618 kit for $140. Several good recon sellers on the internet; reconditionedsales.com, CPOoutlets.com, tylertool.com to name some. Many of those also sell on eBay or Amazon but going direct you usually get better shipping.
Hi Ken - Good idea and nice score on the Bosch. With this economy, pawn shops and craigs list are good sources. Same precautions with craigs list apply. Another source is the reconditioned market, think "used with a warranty", right now Tyler Tool has a reconditioned deWalt 618 kit for $140. Several good recon sellers on the internet; reconditionedsales.com, CPOoutlets.com, tylertool.com to name some. Many of those also sell on eBay or Amazon but going direct you usually get better shipping. I would recommend hitting the…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-13:2900167:Comment:1655642011-03-13T21:48:20.859ZKen Mooneyhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenMooney
I would recommend hitting the pawn shops. they usually have a decent selection of power tools and if you know what you're looking for you can find some really great deals. I recently bought a Bosch 1617 fixed base and plunge base that came with the router edge guide. Both of these together @ $250 on Amazon. I spent a good 30 min in the pawn shop checking out the unit and plugged it in and smelled the motor - no burn smells. Got the whole package in the original case for $125 and the thing…
I would recommend hitting the pawn shops. they usually have a decent selection of power tools and if you know what you're looking for you can find some really great deals. I recently bought a Bosch 1617 fixed base and plunge base that came with the router edge guide. Both of these together @ $250 on Amazon. I spent a good 30 min in the pawn shop checking out the unit and plugged it in and smelled the motor - no burn smells. Got the whole package in the original case for $125 and the thing runs great. I spent a Saturday morning hitting @ 5 pawn shops and making notes of what models they had, did the research online and then went back to make an offer. You never know what you might run across but you have to be careful that you don't pay too much.... hi mike, wish i could add som…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-10:2900167:Comment:1644202011-03-10T18:27:38.081Zsteve kiddhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/stevekidd
hi mike, wish i could add something but after reading jays comments he covered it all pretty good. i will add that i have a ridgid and a triton, both are good routers would buy them again. have a hf router but havent tried it out yet. dad has a makita it is also a good router, just go with a good name brand and you should be happy with it.
hi mike, wish i could add something but after reading jays comments he covered it all pretty good. i will add that i have a ridgid and a triton, both are good routers would buy them again. have a hf router but havent tried it out yet. dad has a makita it is also a good router, just go with a good name brand and you should be happy with it. But David, it isn't the tool…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-10:2900167:Comment:1644152011-03-10T06:20:45.359ZJay Boutwellhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JayBoutwell
<p>But David, it isn't the tool or the grade of the tool that is important. It is the guy thats running the tool. Tools only do what the craftsman tells it to do. The differnce in the tools is how well they mind you when you tell it what to do. </p>
<p> Now I been looking at your page, reading your posts and have seen the photos of what you can do. I have to say not only are you a gentleman but a mighty fine craftsman too. Tools wear out but a craftsman never does, he just adapts to what…</p>
<p>But David, it isn't the tool or the grade of the tool that is important. It is the guy thats running the tool. Tools only do what the craftsman tells it to do. The differnce in the tools is how well they mind you when you tell it what to do. </p>
<p> Now I been looking at your page, reading your posts and have seen the photos of what you can do. I have to say not only are you a gentleman but a mighty fine craftsman too. Tools wear out but a craftsman never does, he just adapts to what he has to work with. <br/><br/><cite>David Dean said:</cite></p>
<blockquote><div>Well you got me there Jay may tools are getting old and the drill anit going to last much longer.</div>
</blockquote> Well you got me there Jay may…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-10:2900167:Comment:1644632011-03-10T05:39:50.824ZDavid Deanhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/DavidDean
Well you got me there Jay may tools are getting old and the drill anit going to last much longer.
Well you got me there Jay may tools are getting old and the drill anit going to last much longer. Hi David - I agree with Jays'…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2011-03-10:2900167:Comment:1639582011-03-10T03:27:21.162ZJohn Schabenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JohnSchaben
Hi David - I agree with Jays' comments but just to throw in some perspective. General Tools makes a pocket hole jig about 1/3 the cost of the Kreg. Why do people opt for the Kreg.?<br></br><br></br><cite>David Dean said:</cite>
<blockquote><div>Hey what about that plunge router at wal mart I thank it is a skill it $ 69.00 it looks to be a good tool and as for some of us? I own black and decker tools and one of my drills is 9 years old my black and decker router is 7 years old so hey take it easy on…</div>
</blockquote>
Hi David - I agree with Jays' comments but just to throw in some perspective. General Tools makes a pocket hole jig about 1/3 the cost of the Kreg. Why do people opt for the Kreg.?<br/><br/><cite>David Dean said:</cite>
<blockquote><div>Hey what about that plunge router at wal mart I thank it is a skill it $ 69.00 it looks to be a good tool and as for some of us? I own black and decker tools and one of my drills is 9 years old my black and decker router is 7 years old so hey take it easy on the black and decker and skill and we had this happen before.</div>
</blockquote>