Where to find a Router

[Nate]

Does any body know where i could find a Low price , good quality ,compact Router for a beginner

[John Schaben]

Low price and good quality are hard to find, not usually used in the same sentence. That said, there is always a compromise. Give us an idea of your budget and what your intended projects are and we can likely come up with something. The selection ranges from heavy duty beasties at 3+ HP, general use 1½ - 2 HP, or trim of about 1 HP. The super cheapies, I hesitate to recommend to beginners as, while they are generally serviceable units, they are usually loosey goosey enough that it takes some experience to handle them safely and effectively.

[James Waller]

Try "craigslist.com" in your area.

[Nate]

My price range is about $90.00
And my intended projects are building workbenches , build book shelves

[John Schaben]

This one should be OK. I don't care for the idea that it uses an adapter/bushing for 1/4" shank bits but it does have soft start and variable speed which I consider something of a must have for a beginner. It also includes both the fixed and plunge bases.

http://www.skilshop.com/factory-reconditioned-skil-1830-rt-2-1-4-hp...

Nate said:

My price range is about $90.00
And my intended projects are building workbenches , build book shelves

[Ken Darga]

Check pawn shops, in your area.

The cpo Skill, John posted, is a good buy.

NEW $110.

a factory reconditioned product,  generally means that the product has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the product back to like new condition. Some products may contain cosmetic blemishes. Includes 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router Kit w/ Soft Start - 1830-RT, Aluminum Fixed Base, Aluminum Plunge Base, Chip Deflector, 1/4-in Collet Adapter, Collet Wrench, Carrying Bag.

 

What a great router deal. It has the power, the flexibility, and the technology necessary to get any job done. The smooth start technology is really nice to have. This allows the use of a 1/4" shank. Changing the stands are easy with the way they are engineered to go in just one way. Skil quality with a price combined with the full, new warranty.

(Note: It is a 1/2" shank and when it arrives there is a 1/4" shank adapter you have to remove, just pop it out).

 

You may be able to pick up a Ryobi carbide router bit starter set, for about $50 at Home Depot.

 

[Ken Darga]

Nate,

The Skil 1830 video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq21vBhb0KQ

[John Schaben]

Tony, with regard to router bits, this is a pretty decent starter kit, I'd recommend the 1/2" shank bits to start if you go with the 1830 as it will take them. A little more robust than the 1/4" shank variety

 

Router bit set

[James P. Cottingham]

One of the places I like to visit is propertyroom.com. This is an auction site for Police, Fire Stations, municipalities, etc. I bought an industrial grade circular saw for $10 and paid $15 for shipping.

Because this is an auction site, some people tend to get caught up in the bid, though. I've seen items that cost less than a hundred dollars new, go for much more because of a bidding war. The only thing I don't like about the site is they allow third-party sales for companies that sell cheap junk. You can block those sellers, however when you look at the items.

[Ken Darga]

John,

WOW!

That is a ''great buy''!

Can't get that price, for that selection, anywhere.

John Schaben said:

Tony, with regard to router bits, this is a pretty decent starter kit, I'd recommend the 1/2" shank bits to start if you go with the 1830 as it will take them. A little more robust than the 1/4" shank variety

 

Router bit set

[John Schaben]

Hi Ken, I like MLCS. Quality is decent and free shipping on everything is a BIG consideration.

Ken Darga said:

John,

WOW!

That is a ''great buy''!

Can't get that price, for that selection, anywhere.

John Schaben said:

Tony, with regard to router bits, this is a pretty decent starter kit, I'd recommend the 1/2" shank bits to start if you go with the 1830 as it will take them. A little more robust than the 1/4" shank variety

 

Router bit set

[Ken Darga]

John,

Thanks for the heads-up.

I'm putting MLCS on my list of places to shop. 

Shipping costs are a big consideration.

I'm sure those bits, for the DYI/homeowner, are quite adequate.

The price for the whole set, is less than I've paid for just some single bits, from other sources.

John Schaben said:

Hi Ken, I like MLCS. Quality is decent and free shipping on everything is a BIG consideration.

[Nate]

Thanks for y'all's help