Which router to keep?

[djkert]

Hello,

Currently, I have this craftsman combo which I find a bit underpowered. So, when I saw some routers on discount this weekend I decided to pick them up.

I first was at Lowe's and picked up the Freud 1700 display model for $70 which was dirty and looked like it was sitting on the shelve for three years. It came with no case but I did get the accessories.

Then, at sears I saw this milwaukee body grip router for $100 new in box.

They both seem to have the similar horsepower as the craftsman but I assume since it is a better brand it will actually be more powerful.

So what do you all think I should do? Which one should I keep? Or neither? Should I hold out for a 3hp plunge or something.

-Dennis

[Jeffrey Schronce]

What are you using it for? Mortising? Hand held? Table work?

[Knottscott]

I've owned both of those. The FT1700 is by far the better table router IMHO. It has great above table features, but is also a very good hand router, and has a bit more power (13 amps vs 11 amps for the MW). It also has variable speed which the MW 5615 lacks. If don't plan to mount it in the table and don't need the VS, the BodyGrip feels better to these hands, but for the table...the FT1700 is the way to go for me...YMMV. I'd have to give the edge in construction quality to the MW, but both are well built.

You could always keep both!

[scmhogg]

Dennis,

Only three, you need to go shopping. In '02 Loring did a poll and the average was 2 1/2 per person.

Steve

[djkert]

Jeffrey: Probably table and hand held. Some edge forming, dados, etc. Whatever my woodworking projects have me do. Nothing too advanced though.

Dustmight: And here I was all ready to return the Freud after comparing the Milwaukee reviews to it on amazon. Your starting to talk me out of it.

The fact is, I want to mount it in my table, as my craftsman seems to really struggle there, but I don't want to drill the holes in my craftsman clone TS. I read the FAQ but I am still confused as to how I can drill clean enough countersunk holes. I may have to start a new thread on that. So far, the craftsman is the only router I have ever used. Will one of the other two be that much nicer???

scmhogg: LOL. I wish I could. LOML would be pretty ticked if I spent that much right before christmas. I can get away with one saying it was a great deal, but not two. Besides, I may "need" a 3hp plunge soon

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Jeffrey: Probably table and hand held. Some edge forming, dados, etc. Whatever my woodworking projects have me do. Nothing too advanced though.

If keeping both is not an option, then I would go with the Freud for table use, assuming the Craftsman you have is capable of hand work. Switching from table to hand just doesn't seem like a real option.

[djkert]

WOW, just saw the other thread about this.

Now, if I take back both it will come to the same cost. It has a plunge base, is as powerful as the Freud, and an above table adjustment. Thinking I am going to pull the trigger here.

[jackellis]

I have the Hitachi M12V mounted in a table and the Bosch 1617 for hand use (still need a trim router). The Hitachi has plenty of power and never bogs down. I did some dovetails with the Bosch and it is smooth as silk and easy to control. Picked them up for about $150 each. I don't know about the Freud or the Milwaukee. I also own an old Craftsman and an inexpensive Ryobi but they'll probably be donated pretty soon.

[SARGE..g-47]

I have a Milwaukee 5625 3 1/2 HP mounted in a table and have had for 5 years. I wouldn't consider anything else there. But... recently I got annoyed with my Bosch Combo and I was always bumping the plunge release on my DeWalt 621 and releasing it which often led to some starting over by the boo-boo!

I sold my Bosch Combo and DW 621 and took a chance on the new Milwaukee combo (2 1/4 HP.. not the 1 3/4). Milwaukee has never had a plunge and it was a gamble. But.. I trusted them with the way they made the 5625 and I love the hand held body grip. That was 3 weeks ago.

Since it arrived... I purposely used it in lieu of my floor morticer to test it there. And every non through dado.. every intricate joint on a new bed got made with the router combo including moldings I made for the head board and foot-board. It also carried a 1 1/2" over-head bearing straight bit around a templated cutting 1 1/2" thick oak legs for the head and foot-boards. So... it got a full course work-out for it's test run.

The results were.... it is the best router combo I have ever used.. Period! The plunge is smooth.. the routers are balanced and powerful as their big brother 5625.. they are robust as it seems to run in the Milwaukee family.. the dust collection chute is very good (not perfect when you have the router half-way off the edge of stock.

Well done Milwaukee.... as you nailed another winner on your first try at a plunge... and that just ain't "whistling Dixie"..