My old B and D handlheld router collet is slipping and the depth control is no longer reliable. After 23 years of service I think it’s time for a new one. I have a Freud 3 1/4 HP monster that I keep more or less permanently in my router table, and I also have a laminate trimmer. I am looking for a smaller to medium 1 3/4 or 2 HP router for medium duty hand held applications. I know some models like the Porter Cable have interchangebale bases. There was a review about 2 years ago in FWW of 2HP plunge routers but new models have appeared since then. They looked at convenience of bit changing, location of switches and ease of depth adjustment, noise level and collet runout. Any adivce or recommendations welcome. Thanks a lot.
Jay
Replies
Jay, I hope you don't mind me 'piggy backing'
I have the smaller Triton in a table, and I like it a lot. The only complaint is that the fence is right over the adjuster hole. The table is attached to my tablesaw, and the position of the router is a compromise providing (barely) clearance for the saw blade up&downer wheel, and that put the little widget the crank fits to in not the best place.
So, I'm considering getting another router for non-table use, and I'm wondering if there is any reason to stick with the same unit? It's not like the bits are proprietary. Having been bitten by the Festool bug ;-) ... Anyway, my first inclination is another Triton, the price is right, familiarity, etc, etc.
For a bench router my order of choice would be. Festool OF1400EQ, DeWalt 621, DeWalt 618PKVS(two bases plunge and fixed), and the Triton TRA001VS
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
I rather agree. I don't particularly like the tritons but realise I'm almost alone in that. I think the Festool 1400 is a great all around router at just about everything except being upside down. Which, incidentally, is where the Triton is at its best.
I'm lukewarm on most of the PC stuff I have. It works, but its got no finesse, and I swear they put amplifiers in their motors to increase the scream factor. A Bosch 1613 or similar in that series - 2 1/4, same kind of price as the cheaper routers, well made, options with the bases, decent edge guide is actually available, variable speed.
I think on edge guides, the one for the 1400 is probably the best I've ever used for stability and adjustability, but the accolade, of course, is you're paying more, probably close to double, what you would for a Bosch.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
JayS,
I've got an old B&D too from the 70's, it just won't die, gees. Anyway I bought the Dewalt 621 about 5 years ago and the Triton 3.25 about 6 months ago...the Triton is in Norm's router table.
The key differentiators of the 621 back then was dust collection/removal...it was the best according to studies. I like the single wrench idea for changing bits and the integrated switch in the handle...the slightest giggle of your grip and it shuts down.
I'm sure the competition has caught up with most of these ideas. Also, I'm not sure that the two wrench changing is all that bad anymore. The bad news is, with the Triton, less and less is being done in handheld mode...not sure I'd pay a lot for a handheld.
Edited 6/1/2008 1:34 pm ET by BG
Jay,
Are you looking for a fixed or plunge base router? Or a combo kit? My first router kit I bought was Bosch's 1617EVSPK. It consistently gets good reviews in magazines and some (many?) users like it too. However, I find it near impossible to adjust the depth or remove the motor from the base. And I mean impossible. Impossible as in 5 minutes cursing and whacking different parts to try to get the motor out and another 5 to get it into the other base. The switch is gone as well. It will start and stop on its own.
To replace it, I bought Milwaukee's 2-1/4HP BodyGrip router (fixed base, though I believe you can buy the plunge base too). Boy, what a difference! Depth adjustments are done via a half-nut and acme screw. Disengage the half-nut for course adjustments and turn the screw for fine adjustments. Simple! Bullet proof! The router has a good feel, good balance, and good switch location. If needed, it can also be adjusted from above a router table once you unlock the motor.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Has anyone had experience with the Ridgid 2 1/4 HP unit.? It also comes with a fixed basee and plunge base and looks pretty solid when I looked at it at Home Depot. It does have the on/off switch on top just like the PC. Not sure if it's a soft start or not. That kit goes for $199, as opposed to the PC for $279. I really don't need the plunge base, and if I had to use a plunge router I could always remove my Freud 3 1/4 HP one from the router table since it is a plunge router. Thanks.
Jay
" I really don't need a plunge base" Wow, With the exception of one fixed base which is detup for dovetails, all of my other routers are plunge.
Guess I'am a plunge nut!Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Jay,
I have not used it, but for what it's worth, I saw the kit at the Pomona woodworking show in Ridgid's booth on sale for $140, I think. Either that or $160.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I have 2 Porter Cable 690 routers (technically one is a Rockwell). For good or bad, the design hasn't changed in decades. One of these was given to me 25 years ago and it was probably at least 10 years old then. It's still going strong. I have the regular base and the D-Handle. They are my go-to routers for hand use. I have the big Freud in my router table. Their customer service is remarkable. If I didn't already have the Porter Cables, I'd consider the smaller Freud, but the PCs definetly pass the longevity test.
Jay,
I'm quite happy with my 2 1/4 Triton. It is a well designed tool that works well both freehand and under a table. I'd buy another in a heartbeat!
Best!
-Jerry
I cast another vote for the Festool 1400. The dust collection is top-flight, the controls are ergonomic and the ratcheting collet nut is a great idea.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Some ordinary choices.
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