Replies

1. 
   MP72 | Jan 30, 2009 04:43am | #1

   I wont be able to help very much as I do not own any Freud power tools but I can tell you that their upper end saw blades and dado blades are fantastic. I am not talking about the ones you can get at Lowes or Home Depot. Also their new router bits are excellent.

1. 
   derixn | Jan 30, 2009 04:49am | #2

   Thanks for the advice on blades,   I needed that also.  Is Freud American made or is it foreign?

1. 
   MP72 | Jan 30, 2009 04:59am | #3

   They are a European company with offices in America. If being made in America is important than I suggest that you look at Forrest blades and Whiteside router bits. They are in my opinion some of the finest blades and bits that you can buy. You can normally get The upper end Freud for a little less money. I am not sure who actually makes an American made router but I have switched to Triton Routers and love them and also have some Bosch and PC wich are also great tools.

1. 
   derixn | Jan 30, 2009 05:09am | #4

   Thanks.  Actually I guess I am too concerned about domestic products.  I have been burned  by a  lot of American products such as G E. G M C, Ford, Chrysler, etc.  Lemons grow in a lot of places.

1. 
   MP72 | Jan 30, 2009 05:17am | #5

   No problem I will tell you that the American companies that I mentioned are fantastic but they are expensive. You get what you pay for with them. Another Great American tool co is Lie-Nielsen makers of fine hand tools also very expensive but you wont go wrong with Freud either. Good Luck and I am sure someone will tell you about their routers.

2. 
   mvflaim | Jan 30, 2009 06:22am | #6

   Freud is an Italian company that was recently purchased by Bosch which is German. Both are fine companies that produce high end top quality products. 

1. 
   derixn | Jan 30, 2009 09:12am | #7

   Thanks MP72 and mvflaim,  I am familiar with Bosch, so I feel good about the Freud router.  I think I am going to go ahead with the purchase.

2. 
   BORKBOB | Jan 30, 2009 04:52pm | #8

   derixn,

   You don't give an age but if you can remember to turn off the tools after you use them you are not too old for woodworking. Oh, don't forget to put the cap on the glue.

   I have the 3.25hp Freud router in my table and I invented a method for above table adjustment. It has worked flawlessly. Another plus; Charles M., a Freud exec, visits WoodNet and maybe some other forums to answer technical questions or resolve issues.

   Please Pray For Our Troops

   Semper Fi!

   Bob Ross

   WalnutAcreWoodworking.com

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Jan 30, 2009 04:55pm | #9

   Charles M also is a member of this forum and Sawmill Creek. 

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   "Life is not a success only journey."  Dr. Phil

2. 
   derixn | Feb 01, 2009 07:03am | #16

   I got so excited about the new router that I forgot to give my age.....79 last Sept.

3. 
   BruceS | Jan 30, 2009 05:01pm | #10

   I believe the freud power tools are made in Spain. The Freud switches, IMHO, are a weak point and I don't like them.

   For a nice bench(hand use) router go for a DeWalt 621 or the Triton 2 1/4 HP,  Both are plunge routers.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   derixn | Jan 31, 2009 01:57am | #11

   BruceS and BORKBOB,  I bought the Freud this PM.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but in looking it over,  I think I already have the same opinion of the power switch.   It is STIFF, and I have a hard time reaching it with my short thumbs.

   I normally remember to turn off the power, but I did forget to remove a chuck key from a drill once.  I still have the scar between my left thumb and forefinger.  Experience is a tough teacher.

1. 
   heartwould | Jan 31, 2009 03:55am | #12

   I have the Freud in my router table.  It is plugged into a paddle switch mounted on the table which is very handy.  You will come to like that machine as time goes on.

4. 
   forestgirl | Jan 31, 2009 06:26am | #13

   You're never to old to start! but be sure to work safely.....

   Just to play devil's advocate:  The 24-tooth Diablo rip blade that's found at Home Depot is a very good, even excellent, value (Diablo is made by Freud).  I buy most of my Freud blades through various online stores.  I've boycotted Amazon, though, because they shipped me two blades that lost teeth during shipping due to poor packaging.

   I'm one of the Freud router owners, it's an older model 3+ HP plunge that lives in the router table.  It's a horse, I love it.  With new tools, it'd be a good idea to get feedback, and maybe read some reviews.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   derixn | Jan 31, 2009 06:40am | #14

   Your advice in the second paragraph is good, but I am afraid I was too anxious to wait.  I bought the Freud FT1700VCE, 2 1/4 HP with both fixed and plunge bases. Woodcraft had a special that I couldn't resist. 

   I'm afraid the 3+ HP you have is more horse than I care to try to ride.  I plan to use this by hand.  I already have the use of my sons table and router.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 31, 2009 07:12pm | #15

   Let us know how you like that kit, I've been tempted too!  You are wise not to choose a 3HP version for hand-held use.  That one is best suited, IMHO, to table use.  It's sweeeet in there though.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)