Any one want to brag about their router?

[supper shaun]

In other posts, I have asked about help in next power tool and feel confident that I plan on making a router my next purchase. Not quite sure what I will use it for, but we'll see.

Tool purchase philosophy is around trying to purchase an item once. I know some folks like to buy in at one level and upgrade down the road. Unless getting in over your head on a high end router is going to be too much of a challenge, I would rather grow into one over time. Also, don't understand some of the reviews I have read that start out with "I own 6 other routers ..." I would like to own 1, (at least for a while!!)

Through other posts, the two Triton models sound quite appealing and at other reviews the Milwaukee 5615, and the huge 5625 and the Bosch 1619 all sound interesting.

Not looking for anyone to feel like they have to convince me what is right, but more what do you "love about your router!!!"

Thanks

[LCHIEN]

That would be the 1617 Bosch, not 1619.
In the past, I have taken polls here that have found most responding forum members have something like 2.7 routers on average. That tells me a couple of things - one is that the routers are cheap enough relative to the value they have invested in router tables and bits that another router is not a great expense, versus percived value, and that two, there are enough different styles of router to keep us trying to find the ideal ones.
Three, the routers are small items unlike drill presses and table saws so having two or more around is not a big space sucker.

So routers seem to be the thing that people purchase more than one of.
And maybe you are dreaming if you think you will ultimately do with just one.

Everyone has their favorite, you can read ad-infinitum about them here on the forum. Mine is the Bosch 1617evs or the 1617evspk kit with 2 bases. It's just a well designed, up-to-date, pleasing to use machine.

[Stormbringer]

Not looking for anyone to feel like they have to convince me what is right, but more what do you "love about your router!!!"


One of mine: DeWalt 618B3

(2 1/4hp 3 base kit - one motor, one plunge base, one fixed base, one D-Handle base)

Price paid: $219 (Amazon)

Per your post, my favorite feature of the kit is the ability to change the motor amongst the bases. Ie, I mounted the fixed base in a table. That leaves me the very comfortable D-Handle for freehand fixed base routing and the plunger. Very convenient and flexible, motor pops in and out amongst the bases as needed...kinda like three routers in one.

Other features that rank right behind "favorite". Smooth plunge base, power cord plug is removable from the motor (twist lock), very well nice D-handle (provides greater control) super easy removal of motor from base to base (simply flip the latch), soft start, variable speed, easy height adjustments....etc....

Greg

[Whaler]

I have several routers but my favorite is the PC895PK.

[Knottscott]

I've "liked" all the routers I've ever owned...cheap Craftsman, Freud FT2000, Milwaukee 5615, Freud FT1700, and MW5625. The 5615 feels great in hand, but would be better with VS and softstart...like the 5616! The 5625 and the FT2000 are 15 amp routers with lots of power. The 5625 has better above table features than the FT2000, so I sold it. The FT1700 has better above table features than any of them, and that's what's usually in my router table...I sold the 5615 to get the FT1700...an excellent trade IMO.

If you don't do alot of raised panels with big bits, the FT1700 has alot of advantages in the table and is still powerful enough for occasional raised panels...the last I knew it came with a free plunge base too. If you do alot of raised panels, or don't care about the great above table features of the FT1700, the 5625 is a great router with tons of power and "good" above table features, but tends to cost more.

http://www99.epinions.com/content_228357738116 (FT1700)
http://www99.epinions.com/content_245903494788 (MW5625)

[John Hunter]

My favorite router depends on what I am doing. I have 5 routers. If I had to pick it would have to be the Freud FT2000 a 3 1/4HP variable speed soft start router that stays in my router table.

[Warren]

I have an assortment of the machines. Each excells at the purpose it was purchased for. My best all round, therefore favorites I guess, would be the two M12v's. They are my most versitile routers as they have the heft for free hand work (I'm not a fan of light and powerful) and the power for the table. The others are power challenged, when compared to the M12's, and have specific jobs in the shop.

[Cheeky]

My favorite is my Craftsman 3.5HP plunge router.

It's designated my favorite, because it is my 1st router........not too mention it was only about $20 new from Sears (thanks bt3central for the heads-up).

As for the whole deal with having more than one router, I totally subscribe to that philosophy now, because changing bits, loading and unloading your one and only router from the table is a PITB.

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on the Ridgid router, and definitely the Milwaukee Beast if HDT ever has it in stock again for $190.

[RayintheUK]

Not looking for anyone to feel like they have to convince me what is right, but more what do you "love about your router!"

Through the base (i.e., above the table when inverted) bit changing, with automatic spindle lock (and integrated power shut-off).

The easiest depth-setting design I've ever seen or used - set your plunge depth(s) right off the workpiece face.

Triton, of course!

Ray.

[Pappy]

Shaun, this is like asking what the best car/truck is or, better, what is the best hammer to own. Almost everyone will say the one they have/use is the best.

Triton, Bosch, PC, Hitachi, DeWalt, and others all make good routers with similar features. First, decide what features you want (variable speed and soft start should be a must) and how much power you need. Then go to local tool supply stores where the displays aren't chained to the display and look at different brands/models. From the ones that meet your specs, adopt the router that 'feels' right in your hands.

I have 2 dedicated to tables, and old Craftsman in the BT and the Hitachi M12V in my table. For hand held work I bought the Bosch EVS1617PK. I also have an old Rockwell model 100 that is small enough to be used like a trim router and is great for rounding over edges and small jobs.

Like John, favorite choice depends on the task at hand.

[sacherjj]

I think you need at least 2 routers. I am currently using the Bosch table that was a deal a while ago, with a 1617. I also have a single speed fixed base Porter Cable. By having both, I can load a dovetail bit in one and a straight bit in another, when using the dovetail jig. That makes life much more enjoyable. I also have the Hitachi M12V that I picked up on a deal with the idea of using it in a table. I think I will probably be selling it for now, as the Bosch setup works fine for me.

[RodKirby]

Through the base (i.e., above the table when inverted) bit changing, with automatic spindle lock (and integrated power shut-off).

The easiest depth-setting design I've ever seen or used - set your plunge depth(s) right off the workpiece face.

Triton, of course!

Ray.

What Ray said

[maxparot]

I have the Hitachi KM12 VC it is a 2.25hp multi base kit with soft start and variable speed. It is always reviewed well and said to be relatively quiet. I bought it because I wanted a multi base router with 1/2" capacity and the price was right. I was surprised just how good it is. Right up there with all the better know of this type. It has been seen on sale for as little as $139 normal price is on the order of $189.

On another note recent reviews of the new Ridgid router are similar to the Hitachi with a built in light. This may be worth investigating if you are in the market for a new router and don't mind straying from the crowd.

[drumpriest]

I have had more than my fair share of routers, and I've used even more. I currently have 2 in the shop that get use. A porter cable 892, the motor is in my lift, I pop it out for when doing through dovetails as it's easier with 2 routes. The other is my Bosch 1617 kit. If I had to choose 1, I'd choose the Bosch, for the kind of work that I do. It can literally do everything. It's not going to be the best at raised panels, as it's only 2 1/4 hp, but it can cut them.

The plunge base on the Bosch is just a dream. Smooth as can be, and feature rich. I use it with spiral cutters for mortising. You'd have to pry it out of my cold dead fingers....

What kind of work do you intend to do??

[supper shaun]

Not sure on the type of work as the next project I have planned is a swing set for the kidos. Just a last Christmas present for me and wanted to check out the options. The lack of a specific project is what is making it hard to envision the purchase.

Thanks for all the posts.