Router suggestions

[Boomer_01]

I am going to upgrade the router on my BT3000 to another model. I was looking at the 8 series Porter Cable but the reviews were pretty bad. I currently have two Ryobi's, the plunge and the standard that I alternate between on the router table. I like them because the mounting plate attaches directly to the base.

I would go with another Ryobi variable speed plunge router if I new that it would work after removing the springs. If I can find instructions on the net for how to do this without damaging the until.

I like the Ryobi plunge router but it is a hassle the set up with the springs in place.

So any suggestions on what I should do would be helpful. I just want to buy the right until that I can install without a lot of fuss and leave in place permanently. The only other consideration is that it needs to accept both 1/4" and 1/2 bits.

Thanks for the help folks....

John

[JimD]

This is one of those topics where there are multiple good ways to go. A lot depends on how much you want to spend. Sears has a new model at the lower end that is worth investigating. If you search this site you sould find a thread. I have not looked at it but the feedback seemed reasonably encouraging.

Going up a bit in price, I have a couple PC690 series routers that I like a lot. You can find them a bit lower in price than the newer 890 series. There is no height adjustment from the top of a router table with the older series and the motor is an amp or so smaller but you still have a well made router that will probably outlast you, maybe with new brushes or a switch or something if you use it a lot. Woodworkers Supply used to offer a 3 base setup of the 690 series for about $200. I got this when I got my second one. That lets you leave a base attached to the router table so all you have to do is insert the motor.

The Bosch also gets good reviews and a lot of people like the big Hitachi plunge router (12V?). The latter is in a different size category and better for a dedicated router table router IMHO. The mid-sized Bosch is about the same price as the newer 890 series PC and has similar features.

For all around use, I think a mid-sized kit with at least 2 bases is a very good way to go. It will do essentially anything and the smaller motor is better for hand-held use. You have to make an additional pass or two on the router table but for all around versatility, I really like a mid-sized and my personal favorite is the PC 690 series.

Jim

[Boomer_01]

Jim.....

Thanks for the feedback. I have the 690 that I use for dovetials on the 4212. Its been a good performer so far. I didnt think about buying a second base and permanently mouning it to the router table...thats an excellent idea and I am going to do that for sure.

This was great input and very helpful....


Thanks,
John

[Sawatzky]

Another vote for the PC690. I have one and installed a second base in my router table. It is very easy to swtich the motor out each time I need to use it free hand or in the table. Mine is the single speed version, but I have yet to see a real need for the variable speed. I just used it to cut some rail and stile doors and it worked flawlessly. Since you already have a 690, a cheap solution would be to buy another base on ebay and mount it to your table. I got a nice lever release base for $15.00 on ebay a few months ago.

[os1kne]

Check ebay for the PC690 base. If you can't find one there, I think that Rockler sells a basic PC690 base made just for table use (no knobs).

Good luck!

[drumpriest]

When I had a ryobi router in the table, I removed the springs, wasn't that hard, and made it much nicer for table use. I've since gone with a lift and an 892 for the table, and a Bosch 1617 for hand use, both very nice routers, though the Bosch plunge is better than the PC.