Ideal router for router table

[venkatbo]

Hi folks,

'am wondering which of the two routers:
. Hitachi ML12V or a
. Bosch 1617EVSPK
would be ideal to undermount on a router table
for easy bit change, meeting adequate power (HP)
needs, etc.

Also, based on the selection, which plunge lift
accessory would you recommend. I see one from
Woodpecker http://www.woodpeck.com/plungelift.html,
but are there other makes ?

Thanks,
/venkat

[JimD]

Venkat,

The Hitachi is a bit more powerful than the mid-sized Bosch. That would typically make it preferred. The lifts from Woodpeck are also a bit cheaper for plunge routers so that would favor the Hitachi also. You will have to modify the Hitachi to remove the "ears" used for template routing to use big panel raising bits, however. This is a one time not terribly difficult task but I do not think you would have to do this on the Bosch. The Hitachi M12 is one of a few bargain 15amp routers and perhaps the most popular one. I think it would be a good choice for a dedicated router table router. I similarly think Woodpeck is a good choice for a lift based upon others comments and a review of their on-line catalog. I also have never used either so you may want to hear what others have to say. I also do not think you would go wrong with the Bosch. I used to use a slightly smaller PC 690 in the extension table of my BT3100 and it worked pretty well. Maybe one more pass on panel raising but no major difference relative to the bigger Ryobi R 500 I am using now in a dedicated router table (with a home-made lift).

Jim

[just4funsies]

You will definitely notice the extra 1-hp worth of grunt in the Hitachi. And the soft start and electronic speed control are nice features. I use mine in a Woodpeckers Plunge-Lift, and I love it. Cutting the "ears" off the base will be necessary for BIG bits, but I don't do raised panels, so I left mine on. Getting a collet extension makes changing bits a lot easier from above the table.

[RayintheUK]

I've just had a quick look on Amazon:

Hitachi = $159.99
Bosch = $231.08 (although 1 less HP)
Woodpecker lift = $149.00

So, the Hitachi/lift combo = $310
and the Bosch/lift combo = $380

The Triton 3.25HP router is $269.00 and it's designed for undermounting (no motor vents in the base to catch dust when inverted) - no plunge lift required, it's built in. Above the table bit changing - built in. Micro-adjusting at any position - built in. Removable spring - done in a snap. Cutting ears off - not necessary. Plus other built-in safety features, a natty and very stable fence and a very easy-to-use plunge depth setting. Details here if you want more info.

Ray.

[bigsteel15]

Ray, Good call on the Triton recommendation. You made RK and I both proud.

Venkat
I haven't yet built my router table, but have used this freehand and love it.
I bought the Jessem table insert and mounting plate for this purpose. They claim their plate will fit every router on the market. I haven't checked yet.
When I finally build my Frankensaw it will have a dedicated spot for the Triton. I am seriuosly considering buying their new smaller version when it is available here also.

I think if you look around, you'll find it for less than $269 US

[Knottscott]

The new Freud FT1700VCEK has above the table bit changes and height adjustment. It also has comparable power as the Bosch. It's around $180.

Hitachi has multiple router offerings that inexplicably have similar models numbers...all have some derivitive of "M12" in them...do you mean the M12V 15 amp router or a version of the 11 amp KM12 or M12VC? For sheer muscle, it's hard to beat a 15 amp dedicated table router, but you may find one of the 13 amp routers offers plenty of oomph.

[Holbren]

From I recall too one of the mags gave the Triton the best rating for topside bit changes.

[Papa]

Check out Amazon.com's one-day specials today. They have the Hitachi M12V 31/2 HP 1/2" Plunge router for 159.99 with no shipping charge. This is good for only the next 20 hours or so.

Amazon also carries the Triton routers. They have the 3.25 HP for $290 and the 2,25 HO for $199.99.

Papa

[messmaker]

I think you can get the Hitachi and a lift for about the same price as some of the other big routers alone. I have one and it works well. Bit changes could be easier but the extra power is very very nice.

[JimD]

If you want to look at routers that do not require a lift to have above table adjustment you should also consider the PC 890. It is similar to the Bosch in power, however.

If you already have a mid-sized router kit, I would get a bigger router for the router table. If not, I would get a mid-sized router kit and use the motor in the router table when necessary. Maybe the Triton is an option, I cannot tell from the website posted how easy it is to operate the depth control from the top of the router table. The PC has a small wrench that is used that looks pretty good. I suspect that none of the integral adjustment options will work quite as well as a router lift but they don't cost as much either.

I use a home-made lift that mounts to the back of the cabinet. Besides cost, the other advantage is you can pivot the top up (it is hinged) to change bits. Even easier than above the table top bit changing (because you don't have to crank it up).

Jim

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Is this going to be dedicated to table use or will you be using it for table and hand held. You have to remember you are getting another base with the Bosch and the new Bosch has above the table adjustment. Not quite as nice as a lift, but certainly works for me. The Bosch can be had for less than Amazons current price. It frequently drops down to $180. Also, if price is any concern you can get the Bosch kit, sell the plunge (fixed base is used with this kit for above table adjustment) and all the accessories that come with it on ebay for about $100 bringing your net cost to around $80 for the Bosch.

[venkatbo]

Thanks for the feedback, folks...

Actually, I have the Hitach M12V and since its a 3hp device, was thinking its appropriate for a dedicated table mounted setup. I have an option to buy a used Bosch w/kit from a friend and was thinking use that for hand-held use, since its less powerful, has the guide etc...

If you had both, would you recommend the other way around, ie., M12v for hand-held and Bosch for router table ?

Thanks,
/venkat

[WEG]

Hi Venkatbo;
I have the M12V in a table and a PC 690 for handheld. I find the Hitachi works great in the table with a "Router Raizer" and I also thought it was a bit much for me for handheld, although I didn't use it very much for that, so maybe not the best judge. I got the bigger Hitachi for running some raised panel bits, that I wouldn't run "handheld". I like the smaller PC, but find most of the time I'm using the table. So... to answer your question, I would use the Hitachi in the table and the Bosch for a handheld. Hope this helps.
WEG

[Knottscott]

Thanks for the feedback, folks...

Actually, I have the Hitach M12V and since its a 3hp device, was thinking its appropriate for a dedicated table mounted setup. I have an option to buy a used Bosch w/kit from a friend and was thinking use that for hand-held use, since its less powerful, has the guide etc...

If you had both, would you recommend the other way around, ie., M12v for hand-held and Bosch for router table ?

Thanks,
/venkat

That big Hitachi is pretty heavy for handheld use...much harder to control. I'd definitely put it in the table and use the Bosch for hand use.