Replies

1. 
   dwolsten | Jul 11, 2006 07:43pm | #1

   The biggest thing to consider here is whether you intend to use this router handheld, or in a table, or both (and how often in each spot). A really big router is great for a table, but not so great hand-held; it also isn't worth buying a bunch of features for a table-mounted router when all you really want is a big motor. Conversely, a big router is a pain to move around by hand, and other features can be more useful for a hand-held router, like built-in dust collection, a plunge base, etc.

   If you're in the $200+ range, I personally like the Porter-Cable 890 series for handheld and some table use. If you just want a table router, you're probably better off with the popular Hitachi M12V which is usually under $150.

1. 
   Soulchef | Jul 12, 2006 07:20am | #2

   Most appreciated dwolsten. I do plan on being able to do both, table mounted and hand use. I imagine that the smaller one would be easier to learn on as well. Thanks for the info.

2. 
   Cary_Swoveland | Jul 12, 2006 08:45am | #3

   I bought the Triton router for dedicated use in a router table.  For that, it's great.  Lots of power, variable speed, very smooth, good safety features and a clever mechanism for changing bits.  When the router is off, the collet can be raised above the top of the table.  When this is done, the on-off switch is locked in the off postion and the collet itself is locked, so that only a single wrench is required to change the bit.

   In the 2.25 hp category, the Festool OF 1400 EQ is a fabulous router, though very expensive ( http://www.festoolusa.com ).

   Cary

      

    

    

3. 
   BossCrunk | Jul 12, 2006 09:38pm | #4

   Hard, if not impossible, to go wrong with Festool for your hand-held electrics.

   I appreciate your post.  It's refreshing for somebody to drop in not looking for the 'best of the cheap.'

1. 
   Soulchef | Jul 13, 2006 07:53am | #6

   Thanks Boss.

   From my cooking background and working with PC's I do have a real appreciation for having the right tool and a good tool. A knife is not just a knife when it comes to slicing and dicing.  I know that without solid equipment, my ability to put out quality will be diminished no matter what field I am working in. And I went to the Festool website. Wow! They have some nice looking stuff and the votes of respect on the forums here says alot. Thanks again.

4. 
   Knotscott | Jul 13, 2006 02:42am | #5

   Amazon has the Milwaukee 5625 3-1/2hp router on sale for $189 delivered with a free sander....add $10 to the order and you'll receive a $25 certificate too......very tough to beat that deal, and the router is a gem.

1. 
   Soulchef | Jul 13, 2006 08:00am | #7

   Scott,

   I went looking on AMazon for the one you mentioned and in that price range the one offered (that I could find) was the 5616-20 ...

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009LI4L/qid=1152766078/sr=1-36/ref=sr_1_36/104-0177908-6512775?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013

    

   The 5625 that your talking about is found here...

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007FPJK/ref=dp_return_1/104-0177908-6512775?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi&v=glance

    

   With the free sander and all, but it is $100 more than you quoted. Still a great deal considering the sander and what few reviews I was able to find about the preformance of this one. At 3.25 hp, and the ease of hand held operation for this power, it is on my list. Thanks

1. 
   Knotscott | Jul 13, 2006 02:58pm | #9

   From what I've been reading, a number of those Amazon deal prices ended late yesterday. The 5625 is still probably the highest rated router for table mounting among current offerings, along with the PC7518...the 5625 has been edging out the PC in most reviews and recommendations due to having more above table features. Both are very stout machines. Among the big routers, for value, the Freud FT2000 and Hitachi M12V are tough to beat.

1. 
   Soulchef | Jul 13, 2006 06:20pm | #10

   That would certainly explain it as I didn't get on the computer last night till about 12:30am or so.  I would love to get the break on that router, even though I know it is worth the extra bill.

1. 
   Knotscott | Jul 13, 2006 07:49pm | #11

   My guess is that there will be a slight glut on Ebay of any of the routers that were heavily discounted on Amazon. (5625, M12V, smaller Hitachi's, PC7518, and others) So if you missed the direct deals on Amazon, Ebay should pose a second chance at some of those savings.

5. 
   knarf | Jul 13, 2006 12:51pm | #8

   I love my big Triton but only in the table - its too big & heavy for freehand work. Am trying to find the new Bosch Colt for use as a hand held but so far its not available in Australia. Anyone know if they make one for 220-240 volts?