Replies

1. 
   RRusso | Apr 30, 2004 05:09pm | #1

   Phillip,

   I've had the PC for a couple of years, and it's been great. No experience with the Bosch. You mention that you're going to forgo any gadgets for depth of cut. That being the case, I'd just stick with the PC, as all you have to do is loosen a knob and turn (probably a bit less finicky than the spring-removal method you mention).

1. 
   PhillipB | Apr 30, 2004 05:30pm | #2

   Richard,

   Thanks for the information.

   I was wondering how the PC was adjusted for DOC. I've seen many pictures of this router and just assumed that that was how it was done because I thought I could see lines of increment on the ring. Does this router have a coarse and fine adjustment for DOC or do you just loosen the knob, twist to get what you want, then re-tighten the knob?

   Amazon/Tool Crib offers the PC for about $30 less than the Bosch. Doesn't come with a 1/4" collet though. Not a perfect world.

   Regards,

   Phillip

1. 
   RRusso | Apr 30, 2004 05:47pm | #3

   Phillip,

   Yes, you just loosen the knob and twist to get where you need to go. The ring is marked in 1/64" increments, I think. A while back, I was going to plop down a big chunk of cash on a heavy duty table insert. I decided against it, and I'm glad I did...don't really need one of those. Even though I use my router a lot, it only takes a few minutes to change bits and such. What I did spend some money on, however, was an Incra jig (Ultra 24"). That thing's great.

   Oh yeah, the 1/4" collet is only about 10 bucks.

   Edited 4/30/2004 11:26 am ET by RichardR

2. 
   Fingrs | Apr 30, 2004 06:48pm | #4

   Yesterday I was making some test cuts on my router table and came very close to tossing my 3 1/2 HP PC plunge router into the garbage!  I regret having bought this rather than the fixed base, since the latter is way easier to adjust.  My advice:  avoid the plunge router for use on a router table unless you have the patience of Job and tons of wood to render into scrap.  And if you remove the springs from the Bosch plunge router, what will you have?  A very tall fixed base router without the ability to make fine adjustments.  Sometimes simpler is indeed better!

1. 
   PhillipB | May 01, 2004 05:44am | #9

   Lofton,

   Thanks for your comments.

   If you have kept up with this discussion you then know that I went ahead and bought the PC 7518. Who needs a long springless Bosch plunger anyway? Ha! Anyway, can't wait to get the 7518 so I can hook it up to my new, almost finished router table.

   Regards,

   Phillip Anthony

1. 
   Fingrs | May 03, 2004 03:32am | #20

   Hi, Phillip,

   Your thread was something of an inspiration.  I had considered replacing the PC plunger with the one you bought, but realized I could not justify this on any count...and I am one serious master of rationalization!  So this afternoon I took out the springs from my unit, and re-attached a height-adjustment knob I bought at a wookworking show several years ago.  Without the springs, the height adjustment system is acceptable, although when I re-read the installation instructions there was no mention of removing springs. 

   You made a wise decision, and as soon as I have justification I'll follow your lead...after looking at the Milwaukee router Sarge is talking about.

1. 
   PhillipB | May 03, 2004 08:06am | #22

   Lofton -

   Yeah, makes sense to me to remove the springs because gravity keeps the router down and you don't have to fight the springs. This isn't too handy if you ever have to use it right side up though. Best to have at least two routers - one dedicated for under table work and a good plunger for everything else. I have a Bosch 1613 plunger that does everything I want but do not believe that it has the muscle for serious under table work. If a fixed baser is easy to raise or lower then that's probably the way to go. Who knows? Different stokes ...

   Someone mentioned something about the ultimate router bench ... Anyway, my next router project is a mortice/tenon setup. Most I've seen use a plunger set up in the horizontal position. So if the Milwaukee is that easy to adjust then this will work for that as well. Before anyone says anything, I know I can mortice/tenon with an under table setup but this is not as sure as having the work fixed and the router move. Again, different strokes ...

   We gotta do something about SARGE. He's costing me a fortune. He waits until I order the PC 7518 THEN he pops up with the Milwaukee thing. What'er friends for, I guess?? Gotta do something nice for him, like take his springs out. Ha!

   All kidding aside, I think that the Milwaukee beast he recommends is the ticket for under table work. Especially since you can adjust it from aboveboard. Can't beat that. I probably will just send the PC 7518 back and get the 5625.

   Hey, SARGE! You gonna pay the postage?? Probably never hear from him again. Fine buddy he is!

   Take care,

   Phillip

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 03, 2004 05:01pm | #23

   Phillip

      Checks in the mail! Just fill in the blanks. Be sure to write it for enough to cover a switch that ties in to your router cord and mounts to the front of your router cabinet.

   ha.. ha...  ha..ha..ha..

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   PhillipB | May 03, 2004 07:35pm | #24

   SARGE,

   Beat you to the punch! Just bought a foot switch from Veritas/Lee Valley. Nothing like having both hands free to work with.

   Thanks for the check. You're awesome!! I'll probably just use it for a fork lift to move the Milwaukee beast around the shop. John Deer Ok? Or does Milwaukee make those too? Sure, you can borrow it anytime. Just don't bend it up, hear!

   I feel much better about you already - such generosity! Can I borrow the car, too?

   Ha, ha ... yourself!

   Regards,

   Phillip

3. 
   RANGERP75R | May 04, 2004 07:44am | #25

       Aw, come on an lighten up a wee bit Phil. No sense in being serious all the time. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

   :>)

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   PhillipB | May 04, 2004 08:03pm | #26

   Hey, good buddy!

   The Milwaukee has been ordered. Couldn't stop the PC7518 from shipping but it will go back. Thanks for taking the time to 'plunge' right into this thread. You cost me, er... saved me a fortune. When its up and running I'll send you a couple of photos. One of the rig and another of me working the night shift to pay for it all. ha ... ha

   Take care.

   Phillip

   P.S. Seems to me I read something you wrote - somewhere - about Atlanta and/or Highland Hardware. I could be wrong on this. But anyway, if this is correct I'll bet the guys at HH are feeling pretty uppity after that band saw blade review in FWW #169. I've used those blades for at least 6-8 years. Best there is

5. 
   Lar55 | May 06, 2004 03:45am | #27

   A wise decision Phillip.  Sarge was right on with his Milwaukee comments, a great router it is.

   Enjoy,

   Lar

6. 
   PhillipB | May 06, 2004 07:27am | #28

   Lar!

   Good to hear from you. Yeah, ol' SARGE did mention your name in his Milwaukee 'promotional'. He's cost me a fortune. ha ... ha ..

   All kidding aside, I'd be mounting the PC7518 to my bench tonight if it weren't for him.

   If you've kept up with this thread you know that I ordered the PC then SARGE came along with his Milwaukee stuff. So-o, I went ahead and ordered the Milwaukee as well. That aboveboard adjustment makes it the perfect choice not to mention the 3.5 HP muscle. I did not want to clutter up my bench with all sorts of gadgets and definitely did not want to buy a 'bit jack'. When he said that it adjusted from above the table I was all ears.

   Anyway, the PC did come today but Amazon told me to refuse it and that would be that. The Milwaukee should be here by Friday. Can't wait to bolt it on and crank it up.

   I read a review and the guy said that it sounded like a jet engine so it should fit right in around here because we hear nothing but that as we live close to O'Hare airport.

   Nice of you to 'drop in'. Take care.

   Regards,

   Phillip

7. 
   RANGERP75R | May 06, 2004 04:56pm | #29

   Phillip

      "it sounded like a jet engine".

     I spent 6 months with the Army 5th Div. rifle team during which time I fired 600 rounds a day, 7 days a week. It always seemed that when I was in base-camp in VN (which wasn't often) I would get to sleep in a bunker on the side of a hilly perimeter and there was always a 155mm Howitzer battery with muzzles pointed at the DMZ just over the top of the bunker.

      "it sounded like a jet engine"...  Funny, I never noticed!!

   ha.. ha...  ha..ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   Edited 5/6/2004 10:01 am ET by SARGE

8. 
   PhillipB | May 06, 2004 07:08pm | #30

   Morning, Sarge!

   What'd you say? ha, ha ...ha

   Ah, the sweet sound of freedom. I sure miss it - the sound that is. We'll never miss our freedom cause we'll never lose it. Too much blood on 'ol Glory for that.

   Take care,

   Regards,

   Phillip

9. 
   grousemouse | May 06, 2004 07:23pm | #31

   Sarge,

   I dont want to hijack this thread but I have an additional question regarding the Milwaukee.  I currently use a Porter Cable "Speedmatic" 3-1/4 HP plunge router (plunge version of the 7518) with a "Router Raizer".  This system doesnt work like I had expected.  Because the router raizer threads through only one of the plunge posts it tends to bind quite a bit, enough so that the hex head wrench socket has stripped.  I have been considering to upgrade to the 7518 and a woodpecker PRL lift (tried many lifts at a show and the woodpecker won hands down) or the milwaukee with built in lift.  My only concern with the milwaukee is that it lifts by one post, is that correct?  Have you had any problems with binding in actual use.  Does it adjust as smoothly as a quality lift and can you change bits above the table.  This last one is not nearly as important as smooth adjustment.

   Thanks for any info

   Brian Klare

10. 
    RANGERP75R | May 07, 2004 09:12am | #32

    falcon

       Yes.. It has one raise post, but it is very large. The base plate is held on with 5/16" bolts. The whole router is pretty healthy. On the other hand, I do not make thousands of adjustments so time hasn't told yet. I don't suspect it from the size of the threads, but time will tell.

       I do not use the router daily. If I did and made many, many adjustments; I would consider the Wood-Pecker! I checked it out at the Atlanta WW show by request of Tom F. and it is a solid peice of work. Those gears would seem to drive a 426 Hemi. ha.. ha.. The whole thing was engineered well and built to last as I saw it. Tom bought it and has raved since.

       I would conclude it depends on your personal use and budget. The Pecker route is expensive, but worth it if you travel often. The Milwaukee is stable for non-production but I would probably go shaper if I were production as the price is about the same. Bits aren't cheap there, but the bottom line is get there as fast as possible in the world of dead-lines..

    Regards..

    sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   Robbie | Apr 30, 2004 06:58pm | #5

   Phillip:

   I concur with many of the comments above.  But don't take my word, log onto Pat Warner's website as he tends to be really experienced here and his website is largely dedicated to routers.

   In a nutshell, there is little reason to want a plunge router for a dedicated table.   It can only introduce error and stress associated with the plunge mechanism.  The 7518 fixed base is a workhorse for the table and is time tested.  Further, it can be simply mounted to a table, a piece of MDF or a plate, or a lifter and provide great service.  There are other very good choices for a fixed base.  I have no experience with the Milwaukee, but have heard good things about their big fixed base router.

   I own two Dewalts (a 1.5 and a 3 hp) and a Bosch 1617.  For the same reasons you describe, I just bought a fourth router, the 7518.  You can pick it up at a number of places for $300 or less and PC is having a $50 REBATE THAT ENDS TODAY.

1. 
   PhillipB | Apr 30, 2004 09:30pm | #6

   Robbie - and everyone else who joined in!

   I just bought the PC 7518. And yes - Whew! - last day to get the $50 rebate as well. That's a HIGH 5, Robbie!

   Total for router and 1/4' collet, $321.98. Shipping was free.

   Funny but I had always wanted that router for router bench work. I've never had a dedicated router bench so never took the purchase any further. This router just looks like it belongs under a bench. I would not trade my 2 1/4 HP Bosch 1613 for any router, but I had my doubts about using the big Bosch plunger under the bench.

   Man, what would we do without Knots????????????? I know I don't have the experience some of you have so I did the best thing I could and put it up for you guys to slice and dice. I can't lose.

   Final Thoughts.

   Yeah, Pat Warner comes to mind when I think of PC routers which is precisely why I stayed away from him. Seems to me that PC probably gives him his routers which obligates him to say nice things about their products. I know, I know, this can be spun many ways. I just prefer to hear it from the guys who don't write books, do seminars, workshops, and so on. I think its safe to say that most of these guys have sponsors and so they have to behave else their sponsor picks up their toys and goes home. On the other hand, sponsors can help us out with their sponsorships if you go to those things. I'm certainly no expert on who pays who or who gets what. I just like to keep an open mind but keep a cautious eye open at all times.

   I will shortly be posting a new subject called 'Sand Anyone?' in Gen. Disc. Some of you may find this helpful.

   And Robbie. Did you just give me a hand with my search for Baltic Birch plywood? If so, Thanks Again.

   Ok, guys! Beer and pizza's on the way.

   Phillip

1. 
   Robbie | May 01, 2004 01:09am | #7

   Phillip:  Yeah.  Owl Hardwoods is a place that I go to drool occasionally.

   Now let me broach this next topic with a bit of trepidation... Here it goes... 

   If you are more directly informed regarding Pat Warner, his sponsors, and his impartiality, then I apologize in advance for any of my following comments.  Unless you have inside information that I lack, I will disagree with your opinion as it relates to Pat Warner. 

   I have found Pat to be EXTREMELY responsive, willing to answer questions and a great help in thinking about how I will approach the use of the router.  He personally returns e-mails promptly.   He provides thoughtful answers to questions and hints on where to find information.  His reviews of routers tend to be fairly fact based and unbiased, other than by his own hands on experience.  I say this with the knowledge that he, in all likelihood, does receive merchandise from manufacturers without charge.  

   With that in mind, questioning his impartiality, without supporting fact, bothers me a bit.  This man has produced a quality site, apparently makes quality products and is in business to make a living.  Other manufacturers whom I have personally spoken with echo their support of Pat. 

1. 
   PhillipB | May 01, 2004 05:36am | #8

   Rob,

   Great response to my comments about Pat Warner. You're right on all counts as I don't know of him as well as you.

   All I was going on was as long as I have been involved in working wood, I have never seen him with anything else but a PC router in his hands which makes it easy for one to draw the assumption, correctly or incorrectly, that he is connected at the hip to PC. If I sought his opinion on whether the 7518 PC router was superior to the Bosch 1619 plunger I could well believe that he would say the 7518 was the correct choice. If my neighbor drives nothing but F-150 Ford pick-ups, I see little point in asking him whether I should purchase a Toyota 4x4 or an F-150.

   I have a book entitled 'Router Magic" written by Bill Hylton in which you see every router know to modern man. I have "Advanced Routing" by Nick Engler in which he also uses many different routers. In fact, the cover to this book has the 7518 on it. I know of no other high-profile wood worker who uses one manufacturer's routers exclusively as Mr. Warner does. This in itself is not wrong nor am I trying to infer that it is. I simply wanted to get an unbiased opinion upon which to make my choice and seeking his advice did not seem appropriate. For all I know had I sought his help he may have said, "Go ahead and buy the plunger, but don't whine when you discover that the 7518 would have been the better choice!"

   Again, repeating what I said in my preceding comments, you can spin this many different ways.

   Now that I have purchased the 7518, I will indeed seek out his website as you suggested. The fact that he answers personal email is incredible and says a great deal about him personally. I have read one or two articles he has written in FWW (or elsewhere) and my recollection is that he is dedicated and pretty savvy in the router department. Seems to me that he has a book on the subject as well.

   My grandfather told me a long time ago that a true friend is one who tells you what he truly believes whether you want to hear it or not. So, Rob, my hat is respectfully off to you for your well written and thoughtful comments.

   Regards,

   Phillip

4. 
   G3ne | May 01, 2004 06:31am | #10

   I recently finished my quest for the "ultimate router setup".  After reading every router test for a few years and reading forums at various sites, the unanimous pick of the bunch for a big table-mounted router was the PC7518.  I bought the motor-only version and a Woodpeckers Precision Router Lift, and haven't looked back.  After many years of using a 1-1/2 HP router, this beast can really hog off the wood.  I was fortunate enough to be able to afford this purchase, and I'm thrilled with the results.

1. 
   PhillipB | May 01, 2004 07:46pm | #12

   Geno,

   Thank you very much for your input on the PC7518 and the Woodpecker lift. I never knew that there was a lift for the PC7518. I think that most of us suffer from information overload and sometimes we tend to tune out some of this info. In my case I always go back and re-read my WW periodicals because I know that I will find a gem of information that will be exactly what have been looking for. However, when it comes to WW catalogs I usually peruse very quickly and then they either get 'filed' or saved. This is probably why I have never heard of the Woodpecker lift.

   As I mentioned at the beginning of this discussion I wanted to stay away from as many gadgets as I could in the construction of this router bench. My set-up is based around the Veritas/Lee Valley 24'x16' steel plate. They offer a 'router bit jack' which requires an exposed height adjustment rod on the router in order to operate and is for plungers only. I did not prefer to purchase any of the routers that they supported as I like Bosch routers. I have owned other brands but the Bosch 1613 plunger has always performed well for me and feels very comfortable in my hands. However, while all of these thoughts were being processed, the PC7518 kept coming to mind. This is precisely why I began this discussion - I needed to know what others with 7518 'under table' experience had to say.

   To date not one person has said a single negative thing about this router. Bit height adjustment was a concern for me (that ol' plunger vs fixed base thing again) but it seems simple enough from what I now know. After it's delivered I'm sure I'll be more comfortable about all of this.

   Again, Thank You!, for taking time to share your knowledge with me - and others.

   Regards,

   Phillip

5. 
   RANGERP75R | May 01, 2004 07:28pm | #11

   Phillip

      I have several different routers for specific purposes. My choice for a permanent fixed base was between the fixed PC and the Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP fixed. Went Milwaukee and here's why.

      The Milwaukee is a monster killer as the PC, but it has a built-in system that allows adjustment from above the table without having to crawl akwardly under or adding an expensive lift of some nature. The lift is a patented on-board lifter. Just drill a hole in your insert for the supplied wrench and you get access to raise or lower without ever bending over.

      Just a few thoughts  for you to ponder before you take the "plunge". ha.. ha...

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   PhillipB | May 01, 2004 08:25pm | #13

   Man, where were you yesterday?? I already took the 'plunge'. Fine buddy you are.

   This Milwaukee sounds too good to be true. Above table adjustments? What a concept! I have read about some routers having this capability but my knowledge on the subject ends there. Can you give me the quadrants to a test review on this router?

   I just checked it out in my Tool Crib catalog. Looks like it belongs over a mixing bowl. Great for parties and those delicious marble cakes that grandma used to make. Ha, ha. What I really like is that it has both coarse and fine adjustments as well.

   Geez! An under-table router without the BHA hassle! This is like getting the Bride-Of-Your-Dreams without the MOTHER-IN-LAW. Sarge, you're OK! Guess I'd better save the box that the PC7518 is coming in.

   Keep me posted.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 02, 2004 01:36am | #14

   Phillip

      "looks like it belongs over a mixing bowl".

      Only if you're mixing concrete or granite! ha.. ha...

    Hey, those handles looked wierd to me too. What I discovered when I got it was the way they shot the picture angle is why. It comes with additional round-over knob handles if you prefer, but if I was going to run it free-hand, those ugly in the picture handles aren't and are some of the most comfortable and well place grips I have ever had my hands on. Looks can sometimes be decieving.

    I took them off for table mount and they are so pretty and comfortable, I mounted them on my best Samsonite luggage for travel and have been a "hit" on the chic European travel scene ( Monaco, St. Moritz, Monte Carlo) since.  ... he.....

    Not sure where there is a on-line or mag review. I can tell you I have run over 8000 linear feet of moulding through that monster and it "b*tches" when you shut it down. It's a Clydesdale without a beer wagon but capable of a pulling a train.

    If Ed from Mississippi catches wind of this thread, he will add his approval as he and Lars both run one also. Maybe someone that knows these computer sites will post a web-site that contains test. Or if you want to drop by with about 1000 linear feet of wood, I'll give you a "show and tell" straight from the horse's mouth. ha.. ha...

   P.S. That PC is a work-horse too, you just gotta pay extra for a lift and that isn't cheap.

   Regards...

   sarge..jt Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   PhillipB | May 02, 2004 03:46am | #15

   SARGE -

   Now that I think about it, I may have seen you in the Grand Caymans last year because I do remember some flashy dude with fancy luggage sporting big, show-off handles. Was that you? Lots of rough cut lumber in the wagon? 'Powered by Milwaukee' on the bumper? Man, you get around! ha ... ha

   Hey, found a website with good stuff on the 5625 Milwaukee.

   http://www.1-home-improvement.com/routers/Milwaukee-5625-20-3-1-B00007FPJK-review.html

   One of these reviewers mentioned something about it slipping out of adjustment but that this had been corrected. Do you know anything about this?

   I'm sure there are more reviews around. Like I said earlier, I'd better keep the box.

   Regard,

   Phillip

1. 
   Robbie | May 02, 2004 08:05am | #16

   Phillip:

   I bought the Woodpecker PRL lift for the 7518 after hearing Sarge convince Tom F. that is was a great set up.  Originally, however, I bought the Woodpecker Plunge lift for my DW625 plunge router.  Didn't care much for that setup as it was really difficult to raise a panel bit high enough.  Took it back and exchanged for the PRL and then bought the 7418 a few weeks ago.  Incidentally, the DW625 is Warner's recommended big plunge router.  Didn't know that when I  got it 5 years ago and am not really thrilled with it as it is hard to handle. 

   RObbie

2. 
   RANGERP75R | May 02, 2004 05:39pm | #17

   Robbie

      I wouldn't personally mount a DW625 or DW621 in a table. You lose to much depth which it's short of to start with. I do run a DW621 for my free-hand plunge. I like it with the exception that the trigger is tricky. The way the base is set up (like the old Elu) takes some getting used to also. One of the Pat Warner bases for it makes sense.

      If I had the PC, the Pecker would be my choice of lifts from what I've seen, but I haven't seen them all.

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   RANGERP75R | May 02, 2004 05:44pm | #18

   Phillip

      That wasn't me down in the Caymans. Those local hair-do's remind me too much of rappers, which I avoid at all cost! he..

      I have not heard or experienced any problem with adjustment slippage. With the size of those threads used, I can't even imagine it. But as someone said, "All things are possible".

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   Robbie | May 03, 2004 02:52am | #19

   Sarge:

   Agree wholeheartedly.  I scrapped my idea of the 625 for the table and bought the offset base to make it practical to use it for edge routing.  So, the 625 has become my Go-to-third router.  Instead, I bought the 7518 and the pecker PRL.  For everday use, I have a Bosch 1617.  It is a good router, but I am currently having probs with the base not being flat.  It is throwing off some cuts.

   Robbie

5. 
   RANGERP75R | May 03, 2004 06:59am | #21

   Robbie

      My hand-held fixed is the Bosch 1617. That problem has popped up several times on the forum in the last two years. When I first saw it, I checked mine and it was slightly off. I found the metal on the base slightly off an so was the plastic base-plate. I corrected both on the same piece of tempered glass I use for scary sharp. Piece of sand-paper put it where it should be with about 15 minutes of very careful attention.

      The only other problem I have had with the Bosch is the magnesium casing gets sticky if you don't clean it ocassionally. No big deal with that.

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   PhillipB | May 08, 2004 08:51pm | #33

   Well, I got it up and running. Came in on Thursday. I really like it. Don't sound like any jet engine I ever heard.

   One thing though - can't use the aboveboard adjustment. The Veritas router top that I use utilizes 3 7/8 inch inserts which is why I bought it in the first place. These inserts are too small to overlap the hole above the depth adjustment knob. The adjustment hole is outside of this diameter. And no way I'm gonna start drilling holes - yet. This hasn't been a problem because it simple to unsnap the locking lever and twist the adjustment knob. Don't understand how that 'reviewer' was complaining about slippage. Believe I could hang from those big threads.

   We'll see how it goes. I've already made a finger-jointed drawer with it. Gotta get back to work.

   Regards,

   Phillip

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 08, 2004 09:01pm | #34

   Phillip

      Like I stated, it's healthy. Sorry about the above board adjuster hole not being located correctly. I would probably drill the hole. But when I really think about it, it is easy in my opinion to open my cabinet door and raise the router and insert out to change bits. Really wouldn't be any more difficult to raise and lower as long as the router is mounted on the insert with the knob facing the cabinet door.

      BTW, those handles look different in person, huh?

   Enjoy...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   PhillipB | May 09, 2004 08:00am | #35

   "BTW, those handles look different in person, huh?"

   Yeah, they do. Left'em on just so they'd help 'balance' out the torque! ha, ha ...

   All kidding aside, this machine is well made. The collets are machined very nicely, the whole package is solid. And yeah, I set it up so I could reach the speed control and the depth adjustment knob from the front. No problem making any adjustments.

   I was wondering if I should remove the sub-base so the bit would extend as far as possible until I played with the depth adjustment and discovered that the collet would actually extend past the sub-base AND bove that table! Man, that may come in handy some day.

   Again, thanks for helping me out. Hope you have a good weekend.

   Regards,

   Phillip