Replies

1. 
   j_w | Dec 16, 2008 10:10am | #1

   I bought this kit a couple of months ago and have been very pleased with it so far.  I haven't been able to get as much shop time as I would like recently and have not yet used in a table although I've mounted it and gotten familiar with adjusting and changing bits.  It's definitely easier to adjust height and change bits than with my other table-mounted routers, none of which are equipped with lifts.  I paid considerably more than the current sale price at Woodcraft and I would definitely recommend getting a set at that price...

2. 
   Knotscott | Dec 16, 2008 05:45pm | #2

   I bought the fixed base version a couple of years ago and am really happy with it. The above table bit changes, height adjustment, and height lock are the cat's pajamas! I literally tend to have the
   FT1700 in the table while my MW5625 sits on a shelf. I've only used the plunge base sparingly and find it fine for my needs, though others have been more critical of the plunger.

   http://www.epinions.com/review/Freud_FT1700VCEK_2_1_4_Horsepower_Variable_Speed_Fixed_Base_Router/content_411774455428

3. 
   forestgirl | Dec 17, 2008 09:13am | #3

   Gone now!  :-(

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 17, 2008 09:24am | #4

   Alright - who bought my router?Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   BruceS | Dec 17, 2008 05:09pm | #5

   IMHO,  Loosing was a fortunate thing.   The Freud plunge base leaves something to be desired.  There is nearly a 1/16" of slop,  the tolerances on the plunge bushings is terrible.(this was a new out of the box observation)   Even though the I/O switch is well located I am fearful of the switch itself.   It is a slider type with a plastic catch to keep it in the ON position,  I fear that the thin little latch will wear and not lock, but that is just an observance and not a tested with time fact.

   The DeWalt and newer PC  combo kits are 10X better.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

4. 
   WoodLess | Dec 18, 2008 05:10am | #6

   There are a couple of reviews on Amazon and both are highly negative. As said above both had to do with the bases.

   Chuck

1. 
   Knotscott | Dec 18, 2008 03:29pm | #8

   There are a couple of reviews on Epinions that are very positive....wonder who's right? ;)

5. 
   cherryjohn | Dec 18, 2008 06:13am | #7

   The Woodcraft site says its discontinued.  Be that as it may I bought this set a couple months ago.  The one you are talking about has a fixed base and a plunge base correct?  Mine also came with the base plate for a router table ( on its own thats $65 I think) it was on sale at Woodcraft and I got there early to get it,  I got an extra discount for being in the store before 9 am.  I paid like  $160 for the whole shebang.  I love it.  One minor complaint...I dont really like the position of the on/off switch when its fixed on the router table.  Other than that it is slick.  Its so easy for me to change bits now and it has plenty of power.  My other router table was a pain to change bits so I made " adjustments" ( like using not exactly the right bit because I had one already in there and went with what I had).  Changing bits now is easier that falling off a slippery log after a rain storm. 

   Of course I have only used the fixed base for my router table  not the plunge base....and I might be a wood butchering hack..but it works for me.  Oh  one complaint...it came with the wrong collet.  I had to back and get the english collet....it came with a metric one I believe.  Wouldnt hold a bit

   Wicked Decent Woodworks

   (oldest woodworking shop in NH)

   Rochester NH

   " If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/17/2008 10:16 pm ET by cherryjohn