Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Apr 11, 2007 03:22pm | #1

   I bought the DeWalt combo kit because of the dust collection. I am not a happy camper! The quality (collet, turret, and 'fit') is not up to what I experience with my Bisch and PC routers. The dust collection works fairly well - but, not what I hoped for.

   I'll sell it for 50 cents on the dollar and then I'll buy a Festool to use with their guide.

   Frosty

   I'll pay for shipping. -- Continental, US

2. 
   aew | Apr 11, 2007 04:55pm | #2

   I'd stay away from the PC 890 series also. I have a 690 that is a much better tool than the 890. The plunge base on the 890 is very rough in action, the interlock that engages the spindle lock is flimsy at best, and when I use it in a router table, you can't adjust the height because wood chips jam the rack and pinion gear. Unfortunately this seems to be the case with most tool manufacturers (maybe everything else also) these days. The Milwaukee brand got good reviews some time back but I'll never buy another PC tool in the near term.

1. 
   [email protected] | Apr 11, 2007 10:57pm | #3

   I have the PC 890, and like it.  The dust collection works as well as any other I have seen, and after a little judicious trimming I even have it working in a router table.  The fact that most of the jigs I have for the 690 are easily interchanged is a big plus for me.  I have collets for 8-mm bits, that I haven't seen from other manufacturers.  It works with the 1-inch vacuum hose that fits all the rest of the porter cable sanders, biscuit joiner, and saws I own. 

   Whatever router you get, I recommend a flat top so you can stand it on end to change bits. 

2. 
   cadiddlehopper | Apr 12, 2007 01:24am | #4

   I had trouble with chips clogging the 890 in a router table, too. When I hooked up a dust collection hose to the base the problem went away. I haven't tried it as a plunge router, but overall I find it a pleasure to use. The motor comes out of the base quickly which facilitates bit changes with two wrenches and gets it in and out of a table easily. The power switch is interlocked nicely and turns off the router when set on its top. Probably its nicest feature is soft starting with variable speed. I don't know how much better a router can be, but I'll wager it isn't much.Cadiddlehopper

3. 
   Sasquatch | Apr 12, 2007 05:49am | #5

   I have both the Bosch and Ridgid, each of which comes with both plunge and standard bases.  Both of them are a pleasure to use.  I only wish I had more time to use them.  I recommend the under-table base for the Bosch, if you go that route, and the edge guide, which is also useful as a circle cutter.  The under-table base allows you to quickly move the router between the table and the other two bases.  It is worth the money.

   The Ridgid is, IMO, the best value because it has the above-table adjustment feature if you decide to use it on a table.  You don't have to pay over $20 extra to enjoy that feature, like with the PC.  It has a vac attachment, although it is not very efficient.  My favorite extra feature is the dual LED which perfectly illuminates the work area.  The see-through base is also nice.

   Both have variable speed and soft start, two collets.

   Each of them has several other nice features,which I will leave you to discover for your own pleasure.

    

1. 
   DocXmas | Apr 12, 2007 01:17pm | #7

   Those are the two I have narrowed to at this point and it seems kind of coin toss as I like the feel of both.  I think the life time warranty and dust collection are going to kick me to the Ridgid.  Which one do you find yourself reaching for the most and is the most fun to use?

    

   Rod

1. 
   Sasquatch | Apr 12, 2007 04:51pm | #8

   I like to leave the Bosch mounted under the table with the third base.  I also like to put it in the standard base to which I have attached the edge-guide/circle cutter, also shown in pic.  Both plunge bases are great, but I lean toward the Ridgid for the clear plastic base, the excellent lights, and the great handgrips.  The Ridgid also comes with a base-centering tool, which Bosch charges extra for.

   I think the Ridgid is the best value at $199 for all the extras and the lifetime warranty.

   I paid $200 for the Bosch with standard and plunge bases and a 10% discount.  I had to pay about $50 for the under-table base and about $35 for the edge guide at Amazon.

   I should also mention that I like the plunge lock on the Ridgid best because it is ergonomically designed and light to the touch, yet positive in application.

   I included the Freud portable router table in the pic because of the fine adjustments on the fence, which I think is unique.  When I make my own router table one day, I plan to use the Freud fence.  The Freud table was about $199 and the Bosch was $169.

   My original scheme was to buy one table and one router.  Intended to purchase everything, inspect and read the manuals and decide.  The plan was to return the items which lost the comparison contest.  I ended up keeping everything because I like them so much.

   The collection would not be complete without the Bosch Colt, which gets used most often because it is so handy.

   PS

   The Ridgid centering tool works in both routers with either chuck.

    

   Edited 4/12/2007 9:53 am ET by Sasquatch

   
4. 
   RDNZL | Apr 12, 2007 06:44am | #6

   I have the Bosch (personal) and the PC (work). There is no comparison - the Bosch is a far better machine. I can recommend it without reservations. Pardon - one reservation: I have twice had the switch clog with sawdust, requiring dissassembly/cleaning/reassembly of motor and switch. Anyone else experienced this?

   The Bosch features a non rotating height adjustment - unique in its class as far as I know. It is wonderful! By comparison, the body of the PC router motor, and also the insides of the bases are all scarred up from odds and ends of debris being ground into the relatively soft aluminum. Of course it hasn't helped that the poor thing has been manhandled by Neanderthal types.... Be that as it may, the Bosch feature essentially eliminates the potential of similar problems.

   The plunge base on the Bosch works far more smoothly, and insertion, security and removal of the motor is far superior. The PC system of securing the motor to the plunge base is ridiculous - they should be ashamed!

   In addition, the Bosch has variable speed, which I am coming to appreciate more and more.

   The only thing the PC kit has going for it is the inclusion of a third, D-handled base, which is nice, but you can buy same from Bosch, should you desire.