Kreg Owners' Community

Just getting back into woodworking and have a number of projects in mind ranging from cabinets, closet organizers, bookshelves, nightstands/tables and would like to get opinions on current table saws and routers for these types of projects.  I am looking for quality, reliability, without totally breaking the bank.

I reviewed a number of other discussions in this community but many are from 2011-12.    Would appreciate any and all suggestions and comments.

Views: 824

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

What kind of budget are you looking at?  There are good $200 table saws, better $600 saws and $2000 saws.  Same with routers.  It is best to get the "best" tool you can afford.

When I bought my saw, I had a budget of around $700.  I looked at the Ridgid R4512, the Bosch 4100-09 and the Delta 36-725.  There were things that stood out with all three saws. I ended up getting the Delta.  Of the three, it had the largest cutting depth (will cut 4x4 in one pass). 

I did get a new router when my old one developed bit slip without a replaceable collet. I looked at the Porter Cable 892, the Bosch 1617EVSPK and the DeWalt DW618PKB.  They were all about the same price point (about $189). Again, there were things that stood out on each.  They are all 2.25 HP routers with variable speeds. The PC is somewhat of a standard, but at the same price as the others, it wasn't part of a kit.  In the end, I went with the DeWalt because I liked the handles on the fixed base and the adjustments on the plunge base better than the Bosch.

I started working with a Skil 3310 table saw. even now, i'm kinda thinking "a saw is a saw"; it's how it's used that's key. once i built my own fence and sled, i started to enjoye this inexpensive table saw. obviously not a big expense, but when i'm making sawdust, my cuts are precise and the saw is easy to adjust. no bells and whistles, just a nice saw and it didn't cost much.

bought a 1.75 hp porter cable fixed based router. hm...ok, nice and heavy duty, does a really nice job but i have a few complaints. for about $150, i get a bare bones, no frills but solid steel, router. now i have to spend another $100 for the plunge base. AND make a router table...having variable speed would also have been nice. looking back, i'm happy with how little my table saw cost, but probably wouldn't buy this porter cable again. i'd spend a little more money on a variable speed, plunge base router that's easier to change bits with, and has a more stable way to calibrate the bit depth. that's the one piece of this router that they went cheap on, like the ability to determine bit depth was an afterthought.

oh, i also don't like where they put the on/off switch. i have to remove a hand from the router to turn it on or off and, being nice and heavy, it tends to jump a bit.

Sawstop,powermatic are top of the price line,a delta unisaw is timeless and can be picked up on fleabay or CL for under 500.00.

As far as routers there all about the same, but festool that's just overpriced.

When picking a router hold it in your hands,turn the adjustments,if you have big bear paws some adjustments maybe hard to get to but you won't know unless you hold it and touch and try it.How hard is it to change bases,collets,etc.,Can it take both 1/4" and 1/2" shafts.

Hi there! You have a lot of projects in mind. I have been remodeling my kitchen for the past weeks and have been looking for some nice cabinets to make. I have been looking for some ideas on how I can make simple cabinets for my kitchen.


1q6zh3jfc3s6i I built my own cabinets out of 1/2 and 3/4 inch oak plywood. I didn't have any plans, I just went to Lowes and measured a cabinet I wanted and duplicated the dimensions on paper at home - some really rough plans if you want to call them that. Anyways, measure the ones you already have  - these things are big boxes and easy to put together. Be sure to use a square to insure that everything trues up. I would have used my old cabinets for measurements but I bought a house (Victorian) that had a kitchen fire and the particle board material burned the kitchen up. I didn't have any cabinets to measure for most of it. If I can help, let me know. Mike


said:

Hi there! You have a lot of projects in mind. I have been remodeling my kitchen for the past weeks and have been looking for some nice cabinets to make. I have been looking for some ideas on how I can make simple cabinets for my kitchen.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Need Help?

For Technical Support, please call 800-447-8638 or send a message. Reps are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm CST. 

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

Forum

Jig settings for 2 ¾ x 1 ½ boards with 30 degree miters?

I making a hex ring out of 2x4s ripped to 2 ¾ inches wide with 30 degree miters.  What setting on the Jig should I used? 1 ½ is too much.  Thanks.Continue

Started by Patrick Halinski in Kreg Jig® Operation Dec 30, 2023.

40mm Cup Hinge Jig Question

Hi All.....I have the 35mm Kreg Jig hinge drill guide. The guide is great for 35mm Hinge Cups, but I have a speciality 40MM hinge cup to drill.Has anyone adapted the Kreg guide to work with 40mm Forsner drill bits? Or have a guide that works…Continue

Started by Ed Anderson in Beginners' Zone Oct 3, 2023.

Product Reviews

New Kreg 720Pro

I saw the video Kreg put out for this new jig and had high hopes for it.

I purchased one today and am very disappointed with it.

First the docking station is extremely cheap. The plastic is pathetic. A Lego has more…

Continue

Posted by Duke Leon on February 15, 2021 at 9:00pm

Not Pleased With Pocket Hole Construction

Several months ago, I purchased the Kreg K4MS so that I could build the Lego Table as outlined on the companion "buildsomething" web site which exclusively uses pocket hole construction.  I have considerable experience with conventional…

Continue

Posted by Robert Ringel on September 17, 2020 at 1:48pm — 9 Comments

© 2024   Created by KregRep.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service

_