My second router

[JR]

I've got a second router in my budget. The one I have now, a 1.5hp fixed base with 1/4" collet, is fine, but has may obvious limitations

I had thought I'd get a multi-base package in the 2-1/4hp range, a la Bosch, Triton, P-C, etc. This would provide a lot of flexibility for hand-held as well as table-mount work.

I'm now having second thoughts. My next project will require raised panels and probably doors, too. I was hoping my new router would do the lion's share of the work, but now I see that door-raising bits are over 2" diameter. This seems to be right on the approximate limit for routers in this class.

So to my questions:
1. Would you recommend a 2-1/4hp multi-base kit given that I intend to do raised panels?

2. Would you recommend a higher-hp (bigger opening) setup instead?

3. Could I reasonably expect to buy two routers - one high-hp for under table, one mid-size for hand-held work - for my ~$250 budget?

4. Is there an option I missed?

Thanks for the help.

[Knottscott]

I've raised panels with a 2-1/4hp router and with a 3-1/4hp router, and while the smaller router will do it if you take lots of small passes, it's alot easier and faster with the big router.

For $250 you should be able to score a Hitachi M12V 3hp, and a PC690 or the smaller Hitachi.

[bigsteel15]

Why not go with the 2-1/4 HP combo kit (PC or Bosch) or the smaller Triton and use the money saved to buy vertical raised panel bits.
Kill two birds, you know.
Think of the fun you'll have building the new attachments for your table.

[LCHIEN]

I think it depends on what you plan to do.
If the bulk of your work is going to be raised panel doors, buy a big 'un and use the old router for rounders and such.

But, if you plan to do all kinds of stuff, then buy a combo router and accept a little slower feeding on those doors.

Or riase the budget over a greater time and buy both.

[JR]

As I'm researching this, I realize it's not easy to find the specs on bit size. On first glance I saw sub-bases in the 2" to 2-1/4" range. But I now realize that without sub-base (i.e. installed in a table) the router opening would be bigger. How much bigger does not seem to be specified.

Dustmight seems to have done some panel raising with a 2-1/4" router, with modest success. Anyone else? Which router did you use?

bigsteel, your point is well taken about vertical bits. I'm shying away only because I see tall fences down that path. I'll do that if it's necessary, but just have a feeling that horizontal bits would be easier.

JR

[drumpriest]

I went the rout of a 2 1/4 hp router in a lift, but I don't make many raised panel doors. If I were in the business of doing that all day, I'd buy a shaper, as no router will do as well.

I know more than a couple of woodworkers that use a 2 1/4 hp router to raise panels, and I've even met a guy who has done it with a 1 3/4 hp router. I wouldn't recommend that, but it can be done.

You can also use a Table Saw to raise panels, there are options. If you are going to use a router for mortising, you can't hardly beat the Bosch with a spiral cutter. So it really depends upon your uses...

Also, I may some day choose to put a 3 HP router in a table, but I don't currently see a need for one in MY shop.

[LCHIEN]

As I'm researching this, I realize it's not easy to find the specs on bit size. On first glance I saw sub-bases in the 2" to 2-1/4" range. But I now realize that without sub-base (i.e. installed in a table) the router opening would be bigger. How much bigger does not seem to be specified.

Dustmight seems to have done some panel raising with a 2-1/4" router, with modest success. Anyone else? Which router did you use?

bigsteel, your point is well taken about vertical bits. I'm shying away only because I see tall fences down that path. I'll do that if it's necessary, but just have a feeling that horizontal bits would be easier.

JR

Most of them will take 3" to 3-1/4" bits w/o subbase, IIRC.