Replies

1. 
   jerrymayfield | Oct 18, 2005 06:16pm | #1

   If it were to be used only in a table -the bigger the better. Since it sounds like it will be used hand held as well, I would suggest one of the combos available from the three companies you mentioned. I have 9 routers and think you can't have too many.

   Regards

   Jerry

2. 
   woodworker79 | Oct 18, 2005 06:22pm | #2

   I have the Hitachi 3.25 and I love it. Forthe price, I don't think there is a better plunge. I use it mainly for table use. I've done a little with it as a handheld and it's not too heavy.

3. 
   MatthewSchenker | Oct 18, 2005 07:55pm | #3

   woodphil,
   As you do more woodworking, you'll probably end up with more than one router.  This might sound funny to you now, but I have two, and I'm thinking of a third.  I'm sure there are other people who have three, four, five, or even more routers.

   Here's my router team:

   Porter+Cable 3.25-HP, model #7518. 
   This one is dedicated to the router table.  It's a workhorse that has never failed me after three years of hard work.  And the one I have was bought reconditioned!  For a router mounted permanently in a table, you just want it to plough through wood when asked.  You want it to be powerful and you want it to have very little runout.  I recommend the Porter+Cable 7518. 
   Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000222V3/qid=1129654003/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-6200427-9474418?v=glance&s=hi&n=507846

   Festool OF1400
   My second router is for general hand-held use.  This one needs to be a plunge type.  It needs to be lightweight and accurate, with easy bit changes.  Of course, it should also be powerful, but does not need to be a brute like the table-mounted one!  The clear winner in this category is the Festool OF1400.
   Here's a link: http://www.festoolusa.com/category.aspx?ID=4

   ???? Next ????
   There are times when I need to do finer work, and I am about to get a trim router for this, aka laminate trimmer.  Great for hinges, inlays, and, what do you know, trimming laminate!  I'm considering the new Bosch Colt.
   Here's a link: http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/bosch/pr20evsk.htm?L+coastest+dvmh8927ff356435+1129716812

4. 
   Ricks503 | Oct 18, 2005 08:21pm | #4

   It all depends on what you will use it for the most.  In a table mount - again the bigger the better. If mostly used hand held go with a 2 1/4 HP kit.

   I have the Makita RF1100 and the only thing I do not like is that it does not have the option for below table height adjustment.  I also have a laminate trimmer that I use for light duty routing and for detail work I have a Dremel with a router base,  If you can call it a router, I also have a rotozip.

   If I had it to do over, I would have gone with the Porter Cable or the Bosch 2 1/4HP kit. - whichever way you go, make sure that it has the below the table height adjustment - that way you do not have to spend extra for lift or have the hassle of height adjustment.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
5. 
   BArnold | Oct 18, 2005 10:24pm | #5

   Phil,

   Get the Hitachi M12V for your table and the Bosch 1617EVS kit for handheld operations.  I have those as well as a couple of HF trim routers (the ones the always have on sale for $20).  I keep a flush trim bit in one trim router and a 1/4" roundover in the other.  I also have a PC trim router but use the HF more frequently because they are easier to set up.

   Regards,

   Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
   Mensa Member
   Click Here if you're interested in a good, inexpensive website host.

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   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

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6. 
   Troy | Oct 19, 2005 12:15am | #6

   Have the dewalt 625, have been pleased with it.

   Troy