Best router bargain?

[davidtu]

I am looking for the best deal on a router right now. I want to get something by end of April (unless you tell me of the "Great May Router Rout" coming soon!) I have posted a thread in Getting Started that lists my questions and requirements. Here is a link to that. Answer in either place.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=20319

[Chuck In Oregon]

This winter I picked up a Hitachi 2-1/4 hp FB router for my table for just $90 as a promo item at a local HIC. I am a novice and it is only my second router, so take this for what it's worth, but it seems like a fine piece of equipment. I do wish I'd known that it was or would be available as a kit, but I already have the P-C 693 kit which I like, so no harm done.

Now I see that Amazon has the Hitachi kit for only $118.92 (where do they come up with a price like that?) and free shipping and $25 off if you buy $199.

See http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013 . Be sure to read the reviews but remember, they aren't infallible.

To top it off, according to the reviewers the kit also includes 7 template guides and other accessories. I think you'll be very hard-pressed to beat this deal.

Have you picked up Pat Warner's book yet or taken a look at http://www.patwarner.com/index.html . I think you'll enjoy both.

Chuck

[Jeffrey Schronce]

See reply under Getting Started.

[davidtu]

Variable speed important?

Now I see that Amazon has the Hitachi kit for only $118.92 (where do they come up with a price like that?) and free shipping and $25 off if you buy $199.

See http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013 . Be sure to read the reviews but remember, they aren't infallible.
.

Chuck

Thanks Chuck for the tip. But, with that Hitachi, would I miss the variable speed capability of other models?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

You definately want VS is you have only one router. You will need lower speeds for larger bits such as raised panel bits.

This is what you want, once they get it in stock or start carrying it again . . . .

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lance&n=228013

Or you could look for another vendor who carries it. The "E" on end of 1317EVSPKE indicates lots of free goodies.

Like I suggested in the Getting Started thread, do a search on routers and you will find a lot of good info.
Look at this link . . . . I get rather Verbose about the virtues of the Bosch . . . .

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ghlight=Router

[davidtu]

To complicate matters, I have discovered what seems to be a very good deal on a Delta Mortiser. Here is a link to another thread on that topic, for which I ask your advice....

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=20349

[Pappy]

Bosch, PC, Hitachi, Makita and others all make good routers with similar capabilities. The biggest difference is in the shape of the handles and the locatiion of the switch and plunge lock relative to the handles. The dual base kits are the best and I wouldn't buy one that didn't have soft start and variable speed control.

Go to a couple of tool stores and spend some time playing with the different routers. Go with the one that feels best in your hands.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I am replying in Delta Mortiser thread.

I would stick with one thread and add questions, etc as it will be much easier for everyone to follow.