Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 19, 2009 12:04pm | #1

   Most router models offer both fixed and plunge bases. You might even be able to get a plunge base for a router you already have.

   I use a PC 690-series variable speed in both fixed and plunge bases. It's at the low end of the power range, but lighter and easier to handle for hand work than the more powerful models. Actually, I have two of the same model, so I can leave them set up for machine dovetails when I need to.

   Other brands may have slightly more convenient plunge controls, but I like using the same already-familiar model so I don't have to shift mental gears.

1. 
   benchbolt | Dec 19, 2009 01:31pm | #2

   Thanks, I have the pc890 series but read the plunge base for it is junk.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 19, 2009 08:42pm | #5

   I have more than a few routers and router tables. Most are the lower HP. I can finish almost anything with the lower HP with whatever wood. My 3 HP router is very nice to have.. BUT.. Way expensive for my normal work. I think if I was timber framing, the 3 HP would be worth the expense, BUT.. My little sort of inexpensive routers do the job and then some. But then again, I never try to finish any cut in one pass!

   I have, in my opinion, never found a plunge router,to be perfect, in it's plunge. The plunge guides are not prefect! And neither are the bases to the bit center on the cheep routers. Maybe a Festool but way to expensive for me.

   I have NEVER found a reason for more than a 1 1/2 HP router for any common furniture job....

2. 
   BOBABEUI | Dec 19, 2009 02:52pm | #3

   The for a mid-range (2 hp) dedicated plunge router, it's kind of hard to beat the Dewalt 621.. Plunge action is very smooth, dust collection when attached to vacuum is pretty good. Comes with a 1/4 and 1/2 collets.. Usually priced around $200 -$220

3. 
   Don01 | Dec 19, 2009 07:15pm | #4

   Pat Warner's site may be
   Pat Warner's site may be helpful.

   http://www.patwarner.com/

   Sometimes it is best to find a retailer who has a good selection that you can pick up and hold. Some just don't fit your grip regardless of the reviews. I suspect that most of the big names make a pretty decent product.

   I have the Triton MOF001 1400 watt (2 1/4HP) router. I use it mostly in the table but as a hand held it is easy to work with - for me.

   Don

4. 
   Knotscott | Dec 19, 2009 11:10pm | #6

   The intended usage should be a consideration. If it's going in a router table, variable speed is far more important than for hand use. More power is also handy for a router table. For table use, the Freud FT3000 has a full compliment of above table features, VS, and a 15 amp motor.

   For hand use, the Milwaukee 5615-24 kit is a very well built router that has the BodyGrip fixed base, an excellent plunge base, and has a stout 11 amp motor that's light enough to be fairly nimble for hand use. It's been on sale in the $120 range, making it an excellent deal. The 5616 is similar but features VS and a 13 amp motor.

1. 
   benchbolt | Dec 20, 2009 10:22am | #9

   Thanks very much for your comments. I have been looking at the 5615. My intended usage will be inlay work. And as you mentioned, a nimble unit is just what I need. And, at that price(119.99 amazon), I just may have to buy myself a Christmas present! Thanks again and Happy Holidays.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 20, 2009 12:25pm | #10

   For inlay work, you might also consider an even smaller unit, like the Colt (I think you have to adapt a plunge base, though), or even a Dremel with a plunge base (I think they make one). It depends on the nature of the inlay work you are doing.

2. 
   G3ne | Dec 20, 2009 06:18pm | #11

   Tyler Tool has the Milwaukee kit for $99 with free shipping right now.

5. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 19, 2009 11:10pm | #7

   I've got two Milwaukee kits
   I've got two Milwaukee kits (1-3/4 & 2-1/4HP) and am really happy with them, both using the plunge base and Bodygrip fixed base. They seem really solid. I also got a Porter Cable 893 kit just recently and have been pleased with it. I like the Milwaukee the best of all my many routers though.

6. 
   Hastings | Dec 20, 2009 09:59am | #8

   Bench:

   I have the Festool OF 1400 EQ. It has two benefits. First it is very accurate with excellent micro-adjustment and it plunges reliably once set.

   Secondly, it combines with other Festool goodness like the guiderails so you can easily make flutes, dados, stop rabbets, sliding dovetails.

   Very nicely engineered and a pleasure to use. The drawback is that it is expensive relative to others but I think you get what you pay for.

1. 
   jointerman | Dec 23, 2009 01:14am | #14

   Hastings,

   While I agree with you that the OF 1400 has amazing dust collection and a plunge mechanism that's smoother than a baby's bottom. I'm still not convinced that a plunge router is better than a traditional router.

   adjusting depths of cuts, say from shallow to deeper is more difficult than a fixed base. I've found myself reaching for the PC690 over the OF1400 more than once. But I do go for the OF1400 more often because of the dust collection.

7. 
   bones | Dec 20, 2009 07:37pm | #12

   I have both the PC 890 and the Festool OF1400. The 890 is ok, but the DC is completely lacking. It can be a bit top heavy. Since buying the OF1400 I don't use much else. Great tool. Not cheap but then you get what you pay for.

8. 
   Domer | Dec 22, 2009 03:25pm | #13

   I have two of the Bosch 1617evs with the extra bases so I have both the fixed and plunge base. They are pretty nice routers with the soft start which is nice. They are excellent routers and sometimes on sale at pretty good prices on line, especially Amazon.

   My only knock on the Bosch routers is that most of the accessories are made for the Porter Cable machines but adapters are available for the Bosch.

   There are lots of nice routers out there so the choice can be hard to make.

   Domer

9. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Dec 23, 2009 10:16am | #15

   Maybe too late at this point but... I sold a DW621 & Bosch to get the Milwaukee combo kit. I did get the 2 1/4 HP but the smaller one should be fine. I find both the combo kit and the larger Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP I have run under my table for 8 years to be the best routers of 6 I have owned since 1972. Hoss is a good description for them and add feel on the plunge and fixed body grip base.

   Good luck...

1. 
   benchbolt | Dec 23, 2009 03:32pm | #16

   Thanks Sarge,

   Good to here about the Milwakee's from someone with your lengthy history. I too have the Milwaukee 'beast' under my table and have since ordered the 1 3/4 HP Milwaukee combo thanks to the generous contributions of others. I must admit, those Festool units look kind of tempting. Guess it's time to by a couple more lottery tickets...

   Happy Holidays