Replies

1. 
   mr_kramer | Sep 15, 2009 06:51pm | #1

   I prefer the porter cable complete laminate trim kit. If you do as well, you will find that every thing you encounter will have an attachment. Has a good square base and will hold up to a 3/4 inch mortising bit. Also has a good micro adjustment feature.

1. 
   Jackldde | Sep 15, 2009 06:56pm | #2

   Thanks, I'll look at it.

2. 
   Eef | Sep 15, 2009 07:30pm | #3

   jack,

   since the 80's, i've owned,used and worn out four or five porter cable routers. no complaints about pc routers. the last one was a re-conditioned one that served regularly for ten years and recently gave up the ghost. currently i'm using a 2hp bosch and it is a great machine.
   eef

1. 
   Jackldde | Sep 15, 2009 08:08pm | #4

   The Bosch PR20EVSNK has gotten great reviews, I'm torn between that and the PC97311.

1. 
   IMERC | Sep 15, 2009 09:36pm | #5

   the Boschs out last the PC's and Bosch's customer service is way better... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

1. 
   Jackldde | Sep 15, 2009 09:49pm | #6

   Thanks, it looks like Bosch is ahead at this point.

1. 
   IMERC | Sep 15, 2009 09:56pm | #7

   no problem...

   my Bosches did more than my PC's and still out lasted them...

   the depth setting is easy and accurate too... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

3. 
   Senomozi | Sep 15, 2009 11:52pm | #8

   I have a Makita 3709. Having a transparent base is a really nice feature. You get great visibility and see layout lines well before you get to them. Especially useful when doing mortises. Before buying this tool I did all my mortises with a Triton 2 1/4 but now all my 1/4" wide mortises are done with the little Makita. Much easier to control and only needs a small surface to be steady. Nice when routing mortises in legs.

   On the negative side, the depth control mechanism is not easy to ajust precisely and the straight cutting bit that came with it is a little less than a 1/4" wide. Nevertheless, if it broke tomorrow I would buy the same one again.

4. 
   Knotscott | Sep 16, 2009 01:29am | #9

   Since it's for hand use, it's especially important to get one that feels good in your hands.

   If you're considering anything in the 11 amp range, the Milwaukee 5615-24 combo kit has been on sale from Amazon in the $100 range (free s/h) for the past couple of weeks. It's got a very stout 11 amp motor, is built like a tank, comes with the Body Grip feature, and has an excellent plunge base that also fits their 5615. No variable speed, and not much to speak of in above table features, but is an excellent basic hand router. Quality wise, it's in the same league as the Bosch 1617 and PC690 IMO, and happens to be on sale at a killer price.

   http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5615-24-1-75-Horsepower-Multi-Base-BodyGrip/dp/B000QV35AK

   
   

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   Edited 9/15/2009 6:32 pm ET by Knotscott

5. 
   Routerman | Sep 16, 2009 04:54am | #10

   Some tips.