Router Choice

[Cavalier]

I'm just getting started in woodworking and my first few projects are going to be built-in bookshelves in a couple different rooms. I did the HD search around here last week and finally found one with the BT3100 in stock. When I went to pick it up, I went ahead and picked up the Ryobi R162RTA Router Table Combo kit thinking I would need that to cut the dados for my shelves.

Now that I've read a little more, I'm thinking that maybe that wasn't the best choice. I'm now considering one of the options below (trying to keep costs down at this point)...they're listed in my current order of preference.

1) Keep router table combo and use the router as a handheld for the crosscut dados
2) Buy a better (more expensive) router and go without the table
3) Buy a cheaper router and buy the BT3100 accessory kit to get the router mount
4) Go router-less and get the dado throatplate and a dado set for the BT3100

Any advice?

Thanks a ton from a newbie....

-Chris

[DonHo]

I'd go with option #1 and use a straight edge clamped to the workpiece to guide the router.

DonHo

[LCHIEN]

nothing wrong with #1
if you like the router you got.

There are better routers and you sort of get what you pay for.

You will like to have a table eventually,
I don't know that table combo exactly but if its Ryobi there are probably better
tables, most serious users have tables with larger 1" thick laminated tops and
a removable insert for the router. They buy or make the tops and build a cabinet or leg set below.

[just4funsies]

Ditto on Option #1 for the best bang for the buck. Eventually, you can get a big ol' router to leave in the table, and use the smaller one for handheld work.

[Cavalier]

Thanks for all the quick replies. You've confirmed my original thought to go with Option 1. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to starting this new hobby!
-Chris