Buy Rout-R-Lift FX or not?

[MBG]

I bought myself a new TS and need to add a router to the right wing. My old set-up had an M12V and Router-Raizer - which were sold with the TS. I also have a Bosch 1617EVSPKE.

I have used both the 1617 and M12V to make raised panels with a 3-1/2" dia. bit. I know the M12V has more power but my experience has been that I need to take as many passes with either router to prevent chip-out in the red oak that I usually use. Also, since I added an Incra LS Positioner and Bosch Colt to my collection my 1617 gets little to no use lately.

Amazon currently has the subject lift for just under $140 right now. Should I get this lift and use my 1617 or wait and buy another 3+HP router for the table?


Thanks,

Mike

[final_t]

I have the FX (but not with the Bosch, with another) in mine, and it's very nice. A few questions about what you are doing now and what you plan to do:

When you say 1617, is this fixed speed or variable? (ie: 1617 vs 1617evs)

Do you like your current M12V setup? What would you change? What would you keep?

Do you have, or are planning to get, a dovetail jig? If so, then the "extra" router would be of use.

Do you plan to make anything with rabbits or grooves that the extra router would be better for instead of the Colt, such as a sliding dovetail or bookcase-like structures?

[Stormbringer]

Do you like your current M12V setup? What would you change? What would you keep?

final t,

I don't think the M12V is in the equation anymore. (sold with table saw)

Me, I'd get another M12V. I like having a dedicated 3hp in a table although I think the days of scoring the M12V for $109 are over


Greg

[MBG]

I have the FX (but not with the Bosch, with another) in mine, and it's very nice. A few questions about what you are doing now and what you plan to do:

When you say 1617, is this fixed speed or variable? (ie: 1617 vs 1617evs) It's variable speed

Do you like your current M12V setup? What would you change? What would you keep? It was attached to my old saw and sold with it

Do you have, or are planning to get, a dovetail jig? If so, then the "extra" router would be of use. I can make dovetails and more on my Incra LS Positioner

Do you plan to make anything with rabbits or grooves that the extra router would be better for instead of the Colt, such as a sliding dovetail or bookcase-like structures? I could use my dado set or siplly remove the 1617evs from the lift

Do you have more than one router?

[final_t]

Do you have more than one router?

Yes, I have one in the lift full-time, and a Bosch multi-base I use for the off-table stuff, such as sign lettering and dovetail jigging. I have the colt which I use mostly for lighter or close-quarters work, esp. for edge trimming.

It sounds like you've pretty much decided that a lift like the Fx is for you - you can remove the router as needed with the single-lever action, and from what you've said a second router is probably not needed.

Get the insert rings for the FX if Amazon has them; otherwise you can pick them up at Woodcraft whenever.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I think the key to your post is the red oak equation. Multiple passes are going to be required in red oak, particularly for large profile bits. Do you see yourself sticking with red oak? What is the likelyhood that you are going to move to maple, walnut, cherry?
I keep at 1617 evs dedicated in my router table. All my hand held routers, except for 1 Dewalt, are 1617's. I like keeping everything the same so I only have to have 1 standard for collets, wrenches, base plates, edge dust collection, etc. I really like the 1617 in the table and think it does a great job. I still use more oak than I like, however I mainly use walnut now and the router still does fine. Anything in the table is generally large profile bits like the rail, stile, panel, etc. I do most other operations by hand held router.
I think the addtion of the FX lift would be awesome and that is a good price. I am going to check my table and see if I can work one of these into it.

[drumpriest]

For the past 3 months or so, I've been a 1 router shop. I have other routers, but I only want to use one, it's my 1617 evspke (and a partridge in a pear tree). I have the FX lift, and using the 1617 in it. The quick release makes it VERY easy to get the router in and out of the lift as needed.

Having said that, I'm likely to get a new router motor for in the lift. The problem isn't getting the router in and out, it's that sometimes you need both a router in the table and one freehand. I like the 1617 better in plunge mode than any other router I've ever used, so it'll take up that task.

[MBG]

Thanks for all the good input. I think I might just get the FX.