Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Nov 13, 2008 03:23pm | #1

   Dear Doug,
   Bosch, no question. Powerful, smooth, accurate and reliable. I have had mine now for 10 or fifteen years, in a commercial application and it is my "Go To" router.

   Best,

   John

2. 
   Routerman | Nov 13, 2008 06:06pm | #2

   A carry over from the one handed (switch-in-hand) Skillsaw design, still just as unwieldly.

   X default, your hands on these routers are high & situated around the center of mass for max instability. You can't negotiate 90 degree turns without wrist calisthenics. They don't accept nor handle edge guides well and I don't like them either. Of all castings the dee-handle is the least sold and most difficult to make, therefor either sold at a loss or they are more expensive.

   Notwithstanding, people love them!

    

   Routers

3. 
   RalphBarker | Nov 13, 2008 06:33pm | #3

   I adapted Smith & Wesson grips to mine. Great for shooting rabbets. ;-)

4. 
   terrylee86 | Nov 13, 2008 06:50pm | #4

   I agree with John. The Bosch 1618 is my favorite router and I have 6. I like it when doing dadoes and rabbets especially. I would stay away from anything Porter-Cable because you don't know which items Black & Decker are going to discontinue. My local tool supplier has been a PC and Delta dealer for years and he says B&D are running them into the ground. Getting parts can be an adventure he says.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/13/2008 10:54 am ET by terrylee86

5. 
   JJV | Nov 13, 2008 09:18pm | #5

   I had the PC 691 for a while; sold it some years back.  Recently purchased a DeWalt kit which has 3 bases, a d-handle being one of them.  I prefer teh DeWalt motor and the PC base-sish there was a way to combine them. 

   And notwithstanding what Pat said above, I find the d-handle base to be quite enjoyable to use.  To each their own. 

    

   Most nights are crystal clear, but tonight it's like he's stuck between stations.

1. 
   doug07 | Nov 15, 2008 06:11am | #6

   Hello,

   Thanks to everyone for your replies. my next move will be to physically hold each one and with the info above, I'll make a decision.

   Thanks

   Doug

6. 
   Frank Vucolo | Nov 15, 2008 07:00am | #7

   I have had the 691 for years and like it a lot.
   There is a plunge base available for it which makes the combo very versatile.
   I've got a big PC under the router table and a Bosch Colt for smaller stuff. The PC690 gets all the rest of the jobs.