Router Table - Best Mid Size Tool ???

[movnup]

With finishing off my table insert for the BT3 I'm thinking of either the Hitachi 2.25 HP on sale at Amazon (bargain alert @ $115) or the Freud 2.25 HP at Lowes for only $75 (down from $160 from another bargain alert) that they would would price match.

What do people think would be better for awhile until I can save up for the big HP models as a dedicated table router ??? The Freud had the above table adjustments which I liked but the green machine has both bases ...

[LarryG]

Not being really familiar with either router -- I've briefly handled the Hitachi in stores, and have seen but not touched the Freud -- I'll keep my comments mostly generic.

If you own no other routers, a two-base kit is THE place to start. Put the fixed base in the table, and use the plunge base for hand-held work since it will do everything the fixed base will, and more. You will find a two-base rig useful even after you get a dedicated table router.

Above-table height adjustment sounds good in theory but if you still have to go under the table to lock down the base, it's not all that much of an advantage. (I own a Bosch 1617 that is like this.) I don't know how the Freud works in this regard.

If you won't be able to change bits from above the table, a motor cylinder that separates easily from the base becomes important. DeWalts are great in this respect: just throw the lever and squeeze two tabs, and the motor slides right out. Play with a DW616 or 618 display model and then compare your candidate routers to it.

The above probably sounds like a recommendation for the Hitachi but, really, it isn't ... I'd say the same things no matter what brands you were considering.

[movnup]

I already have a 1.75 HP that is is a fixed base w/ no variable speed. I was thinking of Craig Listing that one for one of these. The more I read though on reviews Im wondering if I should just save up for the Bosch which I really liked with the two bases ????

[JR]

I already have a 1.75 HP that is is a fixed base w/ no variable speed. I was thinking of Craig Listing that one for one of these. The more I read though on reviews Im wondering if I should just save up for the Bosch which I really liked with the two bases ????

FWIW, when faced with the exact same situation last year, I bought the Bosch. I'm very happy with the choice. I haven't really strained it on big bits yet, but the versatility is outstanding.

The hot tip at the time was to watch for the 1617 EVSPKE kit. That last 'E' was the clue for the all-singing, all-dancing package. I got my for ~$220, others paid as little as $160 by watching and waiting real hard.

Good luck,
JR

[John Hunter]

I picked up a Freud FT2000 last year at Lowes on clearance for $75. It is a 3 1/4 HP variable Speed Plunge Router and I love it in my router table.

[Knottscott]

At $75 the FT1700 is a steal IMHO...I wouldn't hesitate at that price or it'll be gone. Even at full price it's a really nice table router, and a very good hand held. There is a plunge base for it, but I'm not sure how you obtain one.

[LarryG]

The more I read though on reviews Im wondering if I should just save up for the Bosch which I really liked with the two bases ????

Well ... I'm one of those who "waited real hard" (funny line, JR, gonna remember that!) and bought the "E" variant of the 1617 kit for ~$160. I didn't need it -- I already owned a two-base Makita 1101 -- but I love routers and at that price I just couldn't pass it up.

It is indeed a very nice package, especially with all the accessories to which JR alludes. For whatever reason I probably use the Bosch the least of all my routers, but I'm sure that's more a matter of habit and familiarity than anything else. If I was going to own only one router and it was to be a two-base kit, I'd choose either the Bosch 1617 or the DeWalt 618.

[movnup]

I picked up the last Freud they had at Lowes for $75 bucks. I sold my 1.75 HP for $40 today on Craigs List so for a $35 upgrade hopefully it will make a good interim table solution until I can add to the list of routers I own.

I greatly appreciate everyone's input and help!!! As an FYI, I found one reviewer that said the big Milwaukee is the best table router but he keeps the Freud in the table all the time because he really liked the above table bit removal and height adjustments. I'll be trying it out this weekend on quite a few long boards so we'll she how she runs !!!!