I am thinking of buying the Dewalt 618 with 3 bases (fixed, d, and plunge) for $250. Is this good for my first ever router? Or should I go with PC 893? I plan on making dressers and coffe/end tables, small stuff. Weekend(‘s) type stuff. Or based on my inexperience just get the 2hp Ryobi plunge?
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Replies
By all means, get the best tools you can afford. Inexperience or not, a good tool is going to make you a better woodworker.
thanks for your advice but now my question is if I'm going to spend the money what should I spend it on? The Dewalt 618 or the Porter Cables?
I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help there. I haven't used either the 618 or the Porter Cable. I have a 621 Dewalt, and it is pretty good. I had to send it in to get a new switch, but no charge, took a couple weeks though. The Dewalt tools I've tried are pretty good tools. So are the Porter Cable tools I've tried. Probably can't go wrong with your choice.
Steve
I'm going to suggest a new thread with a more precise title so you can get fast feedback from more people. Try "Routers: DeWalt vs. PC" I own the PC 690 and the associated plunge router, but have never used the DeWalt so not much help. You could also do a Google search on router reviews (you'll have to phrase it so you don't get a bunch of information on computer stuff, LOL.
BTW, I totally agree that you shouldn't just go out and buy an inexpensive router simply because you're a novice. Get a good tool!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
The American Woodworker Mag Tool Guide has a pretty good review of the fixed/plunge combo packs that I found to be helpful. I've attached a copy I got from the web-site.
Bosch & PC are both great. I treat DeWalt with some suspicion. Fein & Festool are supposed to be great, but I haven't used them.
John
I'll echo the others here that you should get the best tool you can afford. I started out long ago and used craftsman tools (cheaper). They got the job done, but when I laid my hands on my first quality router i.e. PC 8 series, I would never go back. There is no comparison between a cheap router and a good one. I researched and talked to the folks here. I ended up with the PC 894 combo. It came with a motor and plunge and fixed base. It is a fantastic router. Feels like it is part of your hand. I have not had experience with other brands, but the Bosch would be my second due to the positive things said, and the Milwaukee would be another good brand.
I bought mine from Coastal tool Here is a link for the one I have for $229.00 Good luch on the decision and enjoy.
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/welcome.pl?ref=froogle+page=/a/port/894pk.htm
For heavy duty use in the router table I use the PC 7518. It's a monster!
Edited 9/8/2005 6:40 pm ET by bones
2hp Ryobi plunge? ..
I have several of them.. I use them ALOT! BUT.. The plunge is not the accurate.. Bit changes position a few thousands when you adjust the plunge.. NOT perfect but I'm sort of use to what they do..
I have a PC and it does the same but not as bad...
All I have is my 4 Ryobi's and two PC'c...
I live with it!
I have a Dewalt 621 and have had good results with it. What I have noticed about the 621 and something to think about when purchasing your router is that when I am changing a bit, I would like to turn it upside down and have the router rest on my bench as I change the bit. The 621 has so many things sticking out of the top (power cord, etc.) that I end up laying it on its side which is awkward. Also look into how easy it is to hold the shaft of the router while you loosen the collett (sorry if I am spelling this wrong). The best router I have owned in this respect is a Craftsman in which the shaft would lock. The PC my father has uses two wrenches which I think is awkward. Make sure the router will handle both 1/4" and 1/2" bits - most decent routers will do this....
Jeff
The PC my father has uses two wrenches which I think is awkward...My sort of new PC has two wrenches too.. Don't ya just HATE that???I do.. But.. Whatever works.. I like tkat push button and one wrench better...
I know that Craftsman tools have a reputation as being beginner power tools, but the locking shaft is the best for changing bits...
Jeff
This is just one mans opinion of same of the posts above.
The one wrench system is on routers only because users wanted it not because it is a good system.
Why is it such a task to use two wrenches tightening a bit on a router ??
This is the most precise method of gaugeing the torque applied to the collet-- using one hand only--& the bearings the shaft & shell--have absolutely no rotational or static force applied to them. (no need to hold the router at all)
The one wrench system tranmits all the force to the bearings--then the case--then the hand holding the router. (tightening & loosening)
I sure would like to see some of the router experts challenge this opinion but I wont hold my breath.
woody/LUTHER
The one wrench system tranmits all the force to the bearings--then the case--Oh geeee... I thought most of the forces went to the pin!.. But I 'm stupid.. However, I just tighten the collet.. NOT hammer on the wrench.. I wonder what forces on on the bearings when I'm routing 2 inch thick Purple or Hickory!..Hay I was a Tank mechanic.. I KNOW what tight is!
One of the reasons I like my Ryobi'sThey work well for what I do AND CHEEP!
I use them all quite often and if one burns up (none ever had... Knock on wood) I'm out $99.00...I like my PC but for what I use my routers for.. More expensive BUT not a heck of alot better.. Not knocking the PC though.
I have the 618 3-base kit. It is a quality tool, purchased after my old Ryobi disntegrated from excessive heat ( I tried to run it like it was a PC/Bosch/DW)
I like my Dewalt a lot but I'll be objective for you...
At work they have two 890 series routers and they are quieter than my Dewalt, I also prefer the smoother soft start on the PC.
The PC has a very handy off switch, put it down on it's top and it shuts off.
The DeWalt plunge base is superior.
The PC is taller and feels tippier when used with the fixed base.
The PC dust collection handle is nice.
I like the ht adj on the Bosch 1617 the best.
Well since you've had a chance to test all the different routers, based on the routers performance, price *and* accesories cost and at my beginning level experience should I get the Dewalt 618 3 pack or the Bosch 1617 evspk? It seems to me they are pretty close based on all the info off the net.
When I decided to upgrade, I boiled it down to the exact two choices you are looking at. Even though many are somewhat leery of DeWalt, I went that route. My reasoning was as follows:
DeWalt came with the D-handle base. I knew I wanted a fixed base for a table and I really wanted a D handle for above table use. I love the D handle (others don't) and didn't want to wait and purchase a D handle base/router at a later date.
The two were roughly equivalent in price, but you got more stuff (centering subbases, D fixed base, better case, etc.) with the DeWalt.
The Pat Warner (and other) sites had high praise for the DeWalt (and the Bosch for that matter).
The Bosch had/has a nagging problem where the switch will suddenly fail.
I really liked the DeWalt plunge base and fixed base depth change.
I am really happy with mine. All the bases work fine, but I have not really used the plunge much (but it is head and shoulders above my previous plunge). The power level is great and noise is low. The only problem I have had is the shaft lock pin came out of the plastic button (it is a press fit) but is took all of 2 minutes to repair and if it happens again I will just leave the shaft lock off and revert to a two wrench bit change. The top of the motor is flat and sits on a bench nicely.
I am sure I would have been singing the praises of the Bosch if I had gotten it. It all boils down to personal preference. The two things that pushed me over fence on the DeWalt side were the D base and Bosch switch problem.
I would get a Bosch. If you have the extra cash, Festool.
Hi!
I've owned the tools you mentioned above but you might also consider a craftsman commercial grade router from the 70's. Without a doubt those are my favorite routers!
I have two and the other brands and models come and go but these stay as my personal tools.
The reason I like them is because they have excellent handles grips with a trigger to power on and because of the low noise volume.
Lot's of control and volume your neighbors can live with very easily.
They won't turn large cabinet bits but then you wouldn't want to hand hold a router doing that anyways.
My first one I found in an attic crawlspace at my buddies house and the second I purchased brand new in the box for ...$70-75 on ebay.
These are two tools I love!
Good luck!
I have the 3hp Dewalt 625 and have been very happy with it, you can sometimes get some good deals on reconditioned ones at toolcrib. Also have an older elu fixed base it is the same as the dewalt 612 I believe both routers have worked better than me.
Troy
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