Router Options; Would you either…
marti038
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I’ll be purchasing my first router soon and have it narrowed down to a couple of options (but I’m always open for suggestions). I like the versatility of the combo base routers and am leaning toward either the Bosch 1617EVSPK or the Porter Cable 893PK.
I will be using it primarily for building cabinets and would like to use this router in a router table if I ever get around to building one. Please lend your wisdom.
Thanks,
Curt
Edited 1/3/2008 4:18 pm ET by marti038
Replies
I have the Triton 3.25HP and love it.
I strongly reccommend it.
I own the Bosch combo kit and use it pretty much they way you describe. I put together a router table with a Jess-em lift, so I can just slide the motor in. I was given a Bosch trim router last year, and I find it pretty good at spinning most of the edge bits I have so the bigger router lives 90% of it life in the table now.
I find that the 2 1/4 HP motor is good for most of my work... but I haven't done any raised panels doors or used any truly large bits. The larger 3 Hp routers, are great for a table but are a bit big for general use.
I have the Bosch combo as well, and I like it very much.
It's sturdy as well, a fact that I can attest to since, this evening, I caught my foot in the cord and pulled it off the workbench onto the concrete floor. Golly! Darn! Geee Willikers!!! But the little dear suffered no significant harm.
Find someone else's edge guide, however. The Bosch offering is flimsy under the stress of actual use, and is a pita to make fine adjustments to, as it waggles in it's frame when you tighten up the locks after adjusting same.
Mike D
marti038,
Eventually you'll want at least two routers and those routers will have different features depending on use; hand held or router table. An alternative to a two base solution would be to pick the best featured router you can and use it both ways. I've been watching the Router Guys on the woodworking channel and am quite impressed with their simple set up, you might want to check it out. http://www.thewoodworkingchannel.com/
Edited 1/3/2008 8:44 pm ET by BG
Porter Cable 690, either plain or D-handle. Only problem is the plunge base is very difficult to remove. But the router is a basic, no frill, classic that will last for many years. It would be an excellent first roputer, and after you get proficient you can get a second. And a third.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Take a look at the Porter-Cable 895PK. It includes a handle that allows you to adjust the bit height from above the table.
I picked up a couple of Triton 2.25 HP units last year. Sweet machines, extremely ell designed. The 3.25hP unit is nice as well, but a bit heavier and lacking a few of the improvements built into the 2.25
Give them both a good look before making your decision.
Don
Do not buy the PC. I have found that the plunge mechanism binds and have replaced with a Triton. See the FWW tests.
Hal A. Pena
The 690 plunge base does leave a lot to be desired. But as a fixed base router, either hand held or in a table, it is an excellent tool."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
The Triton sounds great for table use, but I won't be using it in a table for some time. Is it better for upright use than the Bosch & PC or should I ignore the combo kits and get a good plunge router?
Simply put...If you were primarily building cabinets and were deciding on your first router, what would you pick? I'm not necessarily on a budget either. Quality and functionality are more important than price to me.
Thanks,
Curt
Selecting routers.
You can find lots of information (including reader reviews) about the Bosch in the Tool Guide section of FineWoodworking.Com (for some reason, the Porter-Cable isn't in there). If you haven't already done so, I'd check the Tool Guide under Routers.
David Heim
Managing Editor
FineWoodworking.com
Hi Curt -
If you are not a professional cabinet maker, either router would serve you well. I do prefer the Porter Cable (having 3 PC routers, two Makitas, and two Bosch Colts) brand over Bosch simply because of my experience with parts (mainly brushes) that are readily available from the PC service centers around the continent. I'm not sure about the Bosch capabilities, but the PC uses standard router bushings for doing template work, and it has a integrated dust port. The bushings enhance the capability of the router and increases the flexibility of the tool considerably.
Check http://www.amazon.com and read the reviews from users for both products. I have always found this helpful. Note the second review from one owner who found the Bosch base that is eccentric, not concentric. They offer an option to address.
If you opt for the Bosch, check out the Bosch router tables at Lowes Home Center. It is on sale there now for about $110 and its not only well built, but offers an aluminum insert thats adjustable allowing for leveling at the top, and includes fence, replaceable inserts, miter slot, aluminum fence and dust pickup chute. Its a great value and personally, I would buy one vs build it. When you factor in the materials, your time, and the fit and finish, its tough to beat the value.
One other thought. I believe that Bosch manufacturers some of the the Craftsman line of routers. This weekend they have their Craftsman Club special that starts the 6th. They sell the combo for around $100, and just before Christmas, they offered a great router table for free when you bought the router.
You will find that you will bolt the fixed base in the router table and keep the plunge for all other work simply moving the motor when you need to.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
Jeff
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