Hand held router...Still shopping.

[scoly]

Have a table mounted Hitache M12v but am now looking for a handheld that will fit my needs without breaking the bank. I will use it for dados, edge detail, rabbits and with the pc4212 dovetail jig.
The choices seem to be coming down to the Bosch Model 1617EVSPK-RT($179.99) or the Bosch 1617PK-RT($139.00). 1617pk is 2hp fixed speed plunge and fixed base and the 1617EVSPK-RT is 2.25 variable soft start plunge and fixed. The more I consider the differences the less I see the importance of variable speed and soft start in hand held using smaller bits. Is it worth the $40.00? Money is an issue.
Thanks for any opinions or alternatives.
Steve

[maxparot]

The Hitachi KM12VC would be a good choice. Both fixed and plunge bases. 2.25 hp variable speed and soft start. It usually isn't too pricey. I generally see it on sale for $180 use a 20% off coupon to get it for $144.

[vaking]

I have been in the same position. I agree that variable speed is not significant for a router that will be used in hands only. I have a Hitachi KM12SC (that is a dual base kit just like KM12VC but single speed). It has a soft start and I like it a lot. It is also very quiet. I never use bits bigger than 1.5" diameter in hands and this router works very well with those. If one day you decide to go crazy and use a 3" diameter bit in hands - you can always get your M12V out of the table. People usually go crazy only once every few years, you won't need to do that often. I got my KM12SC when Amazon/Hitachi were running a promo - that kit for $129 with free shipping and an extra hitachi sander by mail. BTW, I also have M12V in a table and I have not needed to pull it out of the table since I got KM12SC.

[messmaker]

Here is a thought. This is made by the same company that makes the Marvel router for MLCS. I got one on E-bay and it is not 1/2 bad. Lot of features for the $$. http://www.pwmall.com/detail.aspx?ID=3137

Here is another option but I am a bit scared of this companys feedback.http://www.pwmall.com/detail.aspx?ID=3137

[Pappy]

On the big HP routers, the soft start is a feature you will want.

[Holbren]

How about a PC 690LR for $80?

Timberlinetools.com is selling it for $100 and there is apparently a $20 factory rebate. You can't get the price on the web, you need to call in.

www.timberlinetools.com

[zootroy]

I have used the variable speed on my Bosch router. I have a 1/2" diameter spiral upcut bit that I use for mortising. I slow it down to remove a lot of material. If you aren't going to be removing a lot of material in one pass, I would guess that variable speed is not necesarry. As Pappy said, soft start is nice.

[retired wrench]

I vote for the soft start also..........Last year, bought a milwaukee router, cause of the easy adjustment feature.....was mounted on the table........Recently, bought another milwaukee, with soft start,,,,,,,, I much prefer it, but like em both........Larry

[AlanWS]

I'd agree that variable speed is more important in a bigger router, and you have one for that. But I do use it with my handheld 1617EVSPK. Soft start in my mind is most important with a handheld router, as a jolt at startup can be fatiguing, and there is some small chance it could cause loss of control. I have a friend who returned a very nice router without softstart, and bought a 1617 after trying mine, because it's just more pleasant to use one that does not jolt on startup.

For handheld use, presumably you want a plunge router to best complement your table. The fixed base for the 1617 is very nice: low center of gravity, lightweight, and a fantastic fine depth adjustment. If you can afford the difference, I think the variable speed and soft start are worth it. But if you need to save money, I think you would be right to get both bases in the fixed speed model, rather than a single base in the variable speed.

[scoly]

Thanks for all the replies. Guess I'll just wait till I can find either the pc or Bosch on sale. Seems the vs is something worth waiting for.
Thanks again,
Steve

[JimD]

Steve,

You don't have to wait if you are OK with a PC instead of a Bosch. I just checked on Amazon and you can get the variable speed PC 694 (has soft start) for $139 after the $60 mail in rebate. The single speed kit is $148 after the $30 rebate so there is no need to go there. The single speed fixed base is $105 after the $20 rebate. I think the 694 is clearly the way to go. I have a single speed and the variable speed kit with a total of 4 bases (two fixed, one D-handle, and one plunge). I was using the variable speed motor last weekend to make some drawers using a HF dovetail jig. I had used the motor last in the D-handle base where you turn the motor switch on and then use the trigger in the handle to turn the router on and off. I did not double check the router motor switch position when I plugged it in. It started up without my hand on it but, because of the soft start plus possibly some divine intervention, it did not go anywhere. A router taking off on it's own with a bit in it is a bit scary to think about.

I got by with a single speed router and an add-on speed controller (which does not give you the soft start) for over 10 years so I do not think it is a must have. You will want a plunge router at some point, however, (for one thing they are a good and convenient way to make mortises) so I would definitely go with a kit. Right now, with a little waiting on the rebate, the variable speed PC is actually cheaper than the single speed (because of the $30 difference in the rebate).

I do not think the PC 694 is quite as nice a router as the Bosch you are considering. You have to use an allen wrench to get the motor out of the plunge base and the motor is 1 amp smaller. I doubt you will notice the latter but you will the former - although it is not a major issue for me (but I have two motors so I normally leave one in the plunge base). You will have to decide if the ~$40 to $60 higher price of the Bosch for a little nicer router makes sense for you. I am very happy with my two PC 690 series (plus a big old Ryobi 500 in my router table).

Jim

[vaking]

Do not confuse soft start with variable speed. Today most routers (except some old designs or real junk) have soft start regardless whether router has variable speed or fixed speed. My Hitachi KM12SC is single speed with soft start.

[LarryG]

Do not confuse soft start with variable speed. Today most routers (except some old designs or real junk) have soft start regardless whether router has variable speed or fixed speed. My Hitachi KM12SC is single speed with soft start.

It's true that soft start and variable-speed are different things, but I don't think its true that most single-speed routers have soft start. The variable-speed models, yes ... soft start, which brings the motor up to speed gradually when it is switched on, is just an extension of the variable-speed circuitry. You will virtually never find a variable-speed router that does not also have soft start. But with single-speed models, I'm reasonably certain your Hitachi is the exception, not the rule.