Is 2 1/4 HP enough for MOST table routing?

[BigguyZ]

OK, I have a monster 3 1/4 HP PC 7539. It's a bit heavy for hand routing, and I wanted a table router anyway so I figured I'd get a router lift and have it be a dedicated table router.

That means that I'd need a second router as a dedicated hand router. Now I've already asked about the options here, and it's nearly unanimous to get something like the Bosch 1617EVSPK. And I agree that it seems like a much better router than the Ryobi 2HP that I was thinking of getting.

So here's the rub. The Plunge lift I want to get from woodpecker's is $170. The 1617EVSPK is $210 new or $160-170 refurbished. Now I'm leaning towards new, though refurbished is an option... But total that's about $380!! Since the Bosch's fized base does have above table height adjustment, would it be better to get the Bosch, a phenolic table insert for the Bosch and the PC 7539, and then use the Bosch almost primarily for the router table? Then, when I NEED the 7539 (for the 1 1/8" roundover bit, for instance) I can swap them out. The adjustment on the 7539 would be more difficult, but it'd only be for "special" occasions. That way it's $210 for the new Bosch + $40-50 on plates... Total = $260

How does that sound? Or will I really need the 3 1/4 HP in the table all the time?

[Knottscott]

A good 2-1/4" router can make all the cuts you'll need, but it'll be a bit less efficient than a 3hp machine when spinning the big 3" bits like panel raisers and lock joint bits.

[cabinetman]

If I had my way I'd like a 8hp Briggs & Stratton powered table router. Seriously, To spin large bits does take power, and mass comes with power. I try to do multiple passes on the table router, which allows a lower HP router to work fine with a sharp bit. I've done 1 1/2" roundovers with a 3 1/4 HP and it's a monster to hold. My table routers varied from 8.5 amps to 12 amps and do a fine job. Doing a lot of large detailed architectural profiles may be a reason to get a shaper.

I learned early on (being broke) that not having a plunge router base wasn't that important. You can learn how to lean (tip) the bit in and out of the procedure. Just guide the base against the straightedge and start moving down and forward. It's easy. Some plunge mechanisms are not that easy to operate or perform smoothly.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[SARGE..g-47]

At this point Bigguy, your final solution of pholenic base-plates for both looks good. I eiliminated the problem before it happened by dropping an on-board above table adjusting Milwaukee 3 1/2 HP in my router table and getting a DW 621 plunge for for free-hand work. I also have a Bosch fixed base that sees some free-hand service. How do we end up with so many routers? :>)

If we could go back and do it again with the know-ledge we have now before we accumulated the collection. :>)

Be careful with those big bits.. Panel raising bits are really designed to be operated at slower speeds. Take small passes as metioned or if you do a lot of production with panel raisers... a shaper is the best option.

Good luck...

[BigguyZ]

Haven't done any panel raiser bit work yet. I assume I may do some when I do my kitchen cabinets... But I do use a pretty big roundover bit that I'd prefer to have in a table than to handheld....

[RayintheUK]

That way it's $210 for the new Bosch + $40-50 on plates... Total = $260

Or, you could get one of these (for $199) which doesn't need a lifter, changes bits above the table, is great hand-held and has the best dust extraction. More details here if needed.

Ray.

[davidtu]

If you can be patient and wait a bit for the Bosch router, it can be had much more cheaply on sale (periodically) at Amazon... (I got it on sale and also with an overall %-off on power tools at the time... the %-off aside, it does go on sale for $161--note this is the kit too). To catch on sale, do two things: 1) submit price watch at http://www.frozenwarrior.com/~pricewatch/ and 2) watch for posts by Jeffrey Schronce

Items Ordered Price 1 of: Bosch 1617EVSPKE 2-1/4 HP Variable-Speed Plunge/Fixed Base Router Kit [Tools & Hardware] $161.76
Sold by: Amazon.com - 1 item(s) Gift options: None

Item(s) Subtotal:$161.76 Promotional Certificate: $-19.97 -----Total Before Tax:$141.79

[BigguyZ]

Ray- I've seen write-ups on that router, and it looks like a good deal. However, I haven't been able to find any stores that carry it, so I can't get a change to try before I buy, so to speak. Also, I like the idea of the dual base kit b/c I wouldn't have to keep mounting/ unmounting the entire thing... Also, I like the handle style on the Bosch better. That's one of the reasons I also liked the Ryobi...

I think I'll go with the Bosch. Has anyone gotten a refurbished one? Or would it be better to buy new? There's about a $50 difference.

[BigguyZ]

Items Ordered Price 1 of: Bosch 1617EVSPKE 2-1/4 HP Variable-Speed Plunge/Fixed Base Router Kit [Tools & Hardware] $161.76
Sold by: Amazon.com - 1 item(s) Gift options: None

Item(s) Subtotal:$161.76 Promotional Certificate: $-19.97 -----Total Before Tax:$141.79

You got me all excited. Didn't read the entire post and thought that the $161.76 was the current price.... I'd definitely bite at that price. How often does that go on sale?

[LarryG]

+1 on David's recommendation of the 1617EVSPKE being the specific Bosch kit to get (note the extra "E" at the end). I got a similar deal to what he paid; around $145 shipped.

As he said, you have to be patient and check the amazon.com website literally every day. For long periods the EVSPKE kit will either not be available at all, or will be selling for somewhere around today's price of $231.02. Then, inexplicably, the price will drop to ~$161 ... and that's when you pounce.

But having said that, this kit contains enough extra goodies as compared to the ~$200 1617EVSPK kit that it's probably well worth the extra $31, if you just can't wait.

If you can wait, though, a sub-$150 price for this kit is hands down the best buy in all of routerdom.

[ryan.s]

I picked up the Bosch kit as well for about $145 a short while back. Something to keep in mind is that the above table adjustment for the bosch in my opinion is pretty useless. Maybe I'm not using it correctly but what I found was although you can adjust the height of the bit above the table you will still need to reach down under the table to unlock and lock the motor to the base to use the adjustment.

[BigguyZ]

I picked up the Bosch kit as well for about $145 a short while back. Something to keep in mind is that the above table adjustment for the bosch in my opinion is pretty useless. Maybe I'm not using it correctly but what I found was although you can adjust the height of the bit above the table you will still need to reach down under the table to unlock and lock the motor to the base to use the adjustment.

Really? The above table adjustment pretty much clinched the 1617 for me. Has anyone else had this issue?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Really? The above table adjustment pretty much clinched the 1617 for me. Has anyone else had this issue?

That is absolutely correct. You must unlock the base first to allow the depth adjustment to travel. While I CAN adjust from the top using the hex wrench to adjust, I find it easier to adjust from below where I still have the long fine depth adjustment extension attached. Crap gets in the hole for the above table adjustment and you have to clean it out to get the wrench in there.
Above the table adjustment is not that big of deal to me. Now above the table bit change is where it is at! I a nice large opening when the rings are out of my CMT phenolic insert and can use a bent wrench to change bits above the table.

[Knottscott]

I picked up the Bosch kit as well for about $145 a short while back. Something to keep in mind is that the above table adjustment for the bosch in my opinion is pretty useless. Maybe I'm not using it correctly but what I found was although you can adjust the height of the bit above the table you will still need to reach down under the table to unlock and lock the motor to the base to use the adjustment.

Many routers with above table height adjustment still have below table height lock mechanisms. The new Freud FT-1700 has above table height lock, height adjustment, and bit changes.....their new FT-3000 may offer the same features, but I'm not sure.

http://www.epinions.com/content_228357738116

[BigguyZ]

OK- in case anyone was interested. I used the excuse of the $25 off Tool Shop coupon at Amazon to buy the Kit w/ edge guide. I also bought a jasper jig to allow the router to use PC bushings (mostly for the Rockler dovetail jig I bought). I didn't notice the ship date wouldn't be until late September, so I may cancel and get the cheaper combo kit.

Does anyone know how accurate the Amazon estimated ship date for out of stock items is?