routers and router stands

[tom hagan]

I am in the process of selecting a router and router stand. The problem is that the more I research routers and router stands the more I am uncertain as to what I need. I would like to know what router and router stand everyone uses along with some pros and cons. It seems to me that many of us prefer to have more than one router, a fixed router, plunge router and possibly a compact router. I would like to maximize a router system to get the most use out of it that I can. Please help me with recommendations and advice on how you use your router system. Thanks!

[michael evans]

Triton router and Kreg table are a good combo. A smaller router for hand held work is a good idea too. 

[Brad Martin]

Triton and Kreg too with a Bosch 1/4 and a 1/2 on order for hand held use or with guide rails.

[Ken Darga]

Tom,

There are several discussions on this matter,

with lots of good info to peruse.

Enter the applicable description in the search field,

located in the upper RH corner of this page.

Good reading.

If you see comments of interest, "highlight" and copy them---

then paste them to a separate word document and file in your PC.

Then you can edit all from there.

[Dan Wilson]

The Kreg Router Tables DVD will give you step-by-step instructions to build a great router table with storage for your bits and accessories. The design also provides very good dust extraction, and the enclosure reduces the noise. I recommend using a phenolic top by Woodpecker and a Triton plunge router. The top is excellent, and the Triton routers are very well suited for use in router tables. The DVD is available for $10.49 at Rockler, but other retailers of Kreg tools have it as well. By the way, if you make all of your cabinets out of the same type of materials, you end up with a classy-looking shop. I use Oak plywood to match the trim in my shop. The light color brightens the work area.

[R Anderson]

I have a Bosch “RA1181” table that perfectly compliments my Bosch “MRF23EVS” fixed base router. This the “BEST” wood working investment I have ever made. There’s so many different things you can accomplish with the router table and the router. I did however pick up a separate plunge router because taking the Bosch router off the Bosch table is quite frankly a colossal pain. Hope this helps.

[tom hagan]

Good recommendations and comments. I think I am now leaning towards a Triton plunge router. I need to research them a little more, but I think they have three basic models to choose from. I like all of the Kreg products. They are a little more pricey then I wish they would be, but I guess you get what you pay for sometimes. Light colored cabinets makes a lot of sense too.

Dan Wilson said:

The Kreg Router Tables DVD will give you step-by-step instructions to build a great router table with storage for your bits and accessories. The design also provides very good dust extraction, and the enclosure reduces the noise. I recommend using a phenolic top by Woodpecker and a Triton plunge router. The top is excellent, and the Triton routers are very well suited for use in router tables. The DVD is available for $10.49 at Rockler, but other retailers of Kreg tools have it as well. By the way, if you make all of your cabinets out of the same type of materials, you end up with a classy-looking shop. I use Oak plywood to match the trim in my shop. The light color brightens the work area.

[tom hagan]

I to am thinking of getting an additional router. I do like many of the Bosch products and they usually have good reviews. I need on for a CNC machine so I'll be sure to check them out. Thanks

R Anderson said:

I have a Bosch “RA1181” table that perfectly compliments my Bosch “MRF23EVS” fixed base router. This the “BEST” wood working investment I have ever made. There’s so many different things you can accomplish with the router table and the router. I did however pick up a separate plunge router because taking the Bosch router off the Bosch table is quite frankly a colossal pain. Hope this helps.

[LenInSebastopol]

I suggest the Porter Cable 690 and build your own everything. You've read routers are the most versatile (and dangerous) tool and it's true. All the plunge, compacts, trims, interchangeable types are all good and purposeful as well, but all may be done on the basic PC. When comfortable with that, go for the rest.  I've only 6 routers and that is the one I reach for most often, above a piece as well as below a table. Enjoy and take it slowly.