What Router Brand(s) Do You Own?

[LarryG]

Routers are one of the most talked about tools here on BT3Central. Woodworking newbies frequently ask what to buy for a first router. The more experienced among us are apt to own two or three ... or even six or seven.

So, what brand(s) of router do you own? Please check all that apply, even if some of them are routers you don't use often, or at all. (Unfortunately there's no way to indicate if you own more than one of the same brand, so if you wish you can post a reply mentioning that fact, and/or the model numbers.)

This is the first in a series of router polls I have planned for the coming weeks. Your participation is appreciated!

[sacherjj]

I almost didn't admit to the Skil router. But I was young and dumb (in woodworking skills) and didn't know any better.

[gmack5]

I have a total of 7 Routers, most of them are Porter-Cable types, including their Router Table (Talk about useless!), a Plunge type, Fixed Base and a "D" handle type.

[Tequila]

I almost didn't admit to the Skil router. But I was young and dumb (in woodworking skills) and didn't know any better.

I felt the same way about the Craftsman router I inherited. But I figured that the poll asked brands I own not brands I use.

[LCHIEN]

its misleading - i checked several routers I don't use on a daily basis.
Might be more informative to have another poll which is what router do you go to when you have good work to do?

[LarryG]

Loring, the poll is not misleading if the intent is to find out what brands of routers people own ... which is exactly what I'm trying to find out.

I structured the poll this way because I intend to do a series of polls, with each building on the ones before it, in an attempt to analyze what routers people own, and why. I'm thinking that a careful analysis of the data might turn up some interesting patterns, possibly ones worthy of a router article or FAQ. For example, as this is written it's still early in the going but a quick look at the results shows that roughly a third of the respondents who own a Craftsman or a Ryobi (both being budget brands, for the most part) also own a more expensive router such as Bosch or Porter-Cable. What does this suggest? That an initial purchase of a budget brand was dissatisfying? That the budget router was purchased second, as a backup or for some specific task? We don't yet know. Hence the reason for starting this exercise with the broad question, What brands of routers do you own?

I've gone back and edited my original post to more clearly reflect my intent.

[Tundra_Man]

I added what I own (Craftsman and a Skil) not necessarily what I recommend.

[Luckbox]

Have a skil now but I am upgrading very soon to Bosch. The skil was a mistake, but it has done what I want so far. Just hasn't done it well.

[vaking]

Larry,
I checked Hitachi and Bosch, in reality I own 2 Hitachi routers (M12V and KM12SC) and my trim router is a rotozip (which is Bosch).

[Russianwolf]

I have an inherited Craftman that I use for quick and dirty jobs.

I have a Ryobi that came with the router table, the 3 base kit, and a speedsaw. So 3 if you count motors and 5 if you count bases.

[Knottscott]

4 routers to date: (may have to move one out this summer)

1st was a small $40 Craftsman...loaded with features and won't quit.
2nd was a Freud FT2000 for table use.
3rd was a Milwaukee 5615 for handuse.
4th was a Freud FT1700 for table use, and boy do I love changing bits from above the table!

[JimD]

I think I should get the prize for the stupidest router purchase. I have a J. C. Penney's router. It has bronze bushings and squeels louder than any other tool I have every used. I have used it within the last 5 years - to cut drywall with a spiral bit. My second stupid router purchase was a traditional Sears Craftsman which is semi-retired because it's spit shaft collet slips whenever it has significant load on it.

The routers I use are two PC 690s and an old Ryobi R-500. The plunge mechanism on the Ryobi started sticking so the motor only is in a home-made lift in my router table. It is 13.3A so while not quite the biggest out there it has pretty decent power and works fine. The PCs and their 4 bases take care of my hand-held needs. Someday I will get a laminate trimmer.

Jim

[bigsteel15]

#1 - First purchase was a Canadian Tire special plunge router with table kit. Not sure who makes them, but I think it is B&D or Dewalt cheapy. This is a 1/4" only model and the table is a POS. This was before I had a garage. Also have their rotary tool with multiple base options. Drywall and power carving for this unit.

#2 - Ryobi fixed base to mount under accessory table...It will stay there, probably with my LV t-slot bit installed permanently.

#3 - Triton 3-1/4 HP will be in my table when it's done.

#4 - Bosch Colt trimmer...LOVE IT!!.

#5 - Bosch 1617VS combo kit

#6 - Triton 2-1/4 HP....FUTURE PURCHASE....MAYBE AT BONUS TIME IN OCTOBER

[Tarheel]

Two Dewalt's. DW618 (3B - fixed, plunge and D-handle). Bought the smaller DW616 and it now lives in my RT. Great router by the way!!!! Craftsman was retired when I just about sent a bit airborne! Collet was shot!

[poolhound]

I have a total of 7 Routers, most of them are Porter-Cable types, including their Router Table (Talk about useless!), a Plunge type, Fixed Base and a "D" handle type.

7 routers wow, maybe you could donate some to those of us that only have one