Need a plunge router – not for table.
Hello everyone,
I know there have been many threads on plunge routers but I’ll add another one.
I recently started building furniture and cabinetry full-time and I need a plunge router for mainly mortising (tables, desks, beds, etc) and some dado’s also. I probably won’t ever mount it in the table since I have one there already. I probably won’t be using it everyday in my one-man cabinet shop but more than the typical weekend woodworker.
Can I get away with the 2hp versions or do I need >3hp? I know with the greater power comes bigger size and I’m concerned about that. I want something fairly easy to handle.
I don’t need anything fancy, just a good solid workhorse that won’t break my bank and will plunge accurately. So far I have been looking at the Dewalt DW621 after reading all the reviews. The Triton looks nice also and I see they have both 2 and 3hp versions.
Thanks to all!
FV
Replies
The Triton has been getting excelent reviews, whether or not its destined for a table.
And since yours will be hand-held, it makes sense that you won't be using any of the really big bits in it. Which means that you could save some money and get the 2HP version.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
Both of those options are good ones. The Dewalt is the old Elu and the Triton is the new kid on the USA block. I have both of those routers( mine is the Elu) and both have their pluses. The Triton is kind of funky shaped and took some getting use to but I really like it and reach for it first a lot of times now. Triton has a lot of extras in the box so it is pretty desirable. The triton 3HP is their old design and isn't that many more amps. The 2HP is a new design where they listened to all their customers ideas and redesigned the 3HP.
Edited 2/14/2007 9:16 am ET by terrylee86
Frankv,
If there be a key meaningful difference between the two routers, it would be in the switch. The Dewalt is integrated into the handle with a dead-man thingie...ie, flinch and it shuts down. I like that because I don't have to take my hands off the router to turn it on...but that is personal preference. Likewise, when I have used the Dewalt in a table, I had to duck tape the switch on..a pain.
I have a PC 600 series plunge router which i like a lot.
Pat Warner, the router guru, touts the Dewalt 621, which is a re-branding of the old ELU:
http://patwarner.com/dw621.html
And he also sells some useful accessories for this router, particularly the round base plate:
http://patwarner.com/621_offset.html
If I were buying another plunge router these days, I would familiarize myself with the Triton, but I would most likely end up with the above Dewalt.
********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Hitachi TR12, it's a workhorse.
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
One thing i like about the DeWalt ( 3 hp) is that it has a deep hole in spindle,so bits wilth long shanks can b e shoved all the way down.I think the hole depth is at least 2"
Chris
The Hitachi M12V plunge router is available from Amazon at significantly less than any other router in it's class, it'll save you some serious cash. It also comes standard with a very nice fence with fine adjustment, I had to buy this as a separate accessory for my DeWalt 625. Check the price on Amazon, can't be beat. It's a big router, but with the soft start feature it's very manageable using it handheld. I was recently using mine to cut mortises and couldn't have been happier with it, and having extra power is NEVER a bad option. The only caveat I would mention is the collet setup for 1/4" router bits is a bit funky. It's an insert that slips inside the 1/2 collet, and I'm not impressed with it. I only run 1/2 shank router bits in this router, so that's not an issue for me. If you're cutting mortises, I'd suggest using only 1/2 shank router bits anyway....
Jeff
>>The only caveat I would mention is the collet setup for 1/4" router bits is a bit funky. It's an insert that slips inside the 1/2 collet, and I'm not impressed with it.
Jeff,
Looks like they've changed that collet design. The M12V2 that I just bought a couple weeks ago has a separate collet/nut for 1/4" which is the same design as the 1/2".
I've only fired mine up long enough to rabbet a couple feet of pine, but am liking it so far.
Don
That's good to know. Sounds like they got some feedback and acted on it. I wasn't too impressed with the 'insert' collet design, but the threaded collet design is unique and seems to work very well.Until I bought the Hitachi, I'd not had any experience with their tools. But having used my M12 for awhile now, I'm impressed. I also bought their circular saw at the same time I bought the router and it's working well too. Good tools. Very good tools.Lastly, I'd be curious to know how or why Amazon sells these routers so cheaply, with FREE SHIPPING no less?! I had just bought my DeWalt 625 after an extensive evaluation of what's on the market, but I flat missed the Hitachi. I found if just after buying the DeWalt from Amazon. I looked at it for several weeks, kicking myself for not buying it, it was such a great deal, I finally couldn't take it anymore and bought it just because I can't pass up a GREAT deal on a good tool. No regrets at having both routers.....Jeff
I wonder if the new collet will work with the previous model? I have a M12V and the 1/4 sleeve is really not up to par. I just had a 1/4" bit walk and end up breaking after screwing up some of my stock.
Both the DW 621 and the Smaller Triton are fine routers, It would be a toss up for me. One advantage of the DW is that it has a base plate that accepts the standard 1 3/16 guide bushings, While the Triton comes with its own nonstandard bushings.. Both have silky smooth plunge action and are tight. The PC's plunges are a bit rocky and a little sloppy.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
it is rather unconventional in it's design, but i really like the Festool 1400EQ router....the handle seems to really help stabilize the router and it doesn't feel as "tippy" or "top heavy" as most plunge routers feel to me... it has plenty of power for all but the heaviest cuts...really top notch
Sounds like I really can't go wrong with any of the plunge routers out there. Boy, I was all set to get the Dewalt 621 followed by the Triton but now some of you guys throw the Hitachi into the mix to complicate matters. I saw it last week on Amazon and the price is really too good to be true! 3+ HP for that price plus free shipping! Almost could get one for a spare. You don't think it would be too big for hand routing though? I really wouldn't mind having a little extra hp though for those times when I will need it.
Thanks again for all your helpful reply's!
frankv
I gave you Pat Warner's web site earlier in this thread. I'd go back and shoot him an email for his opinion on the Hitachi. He has no vested interest in any of the brands, and he has been very generous to me with advice in the past.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I have the Dewalt 625 and have been pleased with it. Mine came with both 1/2 and 1/4 inch collets that seem to be well designed. Anyway for what its worth I works well for me. Just be forwarned these are powerful machines so be careful how you cut with them they can runaway from you very quickly.
Troy
Frank,
My vote would be for the 3-1/4 hp Porter Cable variable speed plunge. Don't have a model # handy. It is an absolute workhorse. A mainstay in any commercial cabinet shop I've associated with.
-Paul
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