Question on Skil 1825 Router

[Bill in Buena Park]

I see that Lowe's carries this router for $89.97.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...825&lpage=none

I'm looking for an affordable variable speed router that will accept 1/2in shank bits with the HP to drive them; with 2 1/4hp, this might be what I'm looking for.

I'm interested in feedback from anyone who might own one concerning 1) acceptable quality of the tool and 2) if the base plate will mount to the 21829 router table.

Thanks.

[windmill]

I have that one, it's decent. For the basic tasks, it works well, both as a hand-held router and mounted in a table. I don't know whether it is compatible with the 21829 table. I've used it for profiles, mortises, circle cutting etc., with very nice results.

The depth stop mechanism is so-so, but sound. Plunging works well, but the action is not super smooth. I like the LED and variable speed features. I have not found power to be an issue, but don't expect you can route off 1/2" of hard maple in a single pass. I did have to get a special adapter ring in order to use the standard guide bushings. The ring was $1, shipping was $5 :-(

This won't be my last router, but it has performed well so far.

[jgrobler]

I had one for a few years. It was acceptable for a basic router, but in the fixed base, the height adjustment wasn't very solid. The plunge action in the plunge base was not very smooth, so I sold it, and bought the Hitachi KM12VC when it was on a sale, for about the same price you mention the Lowes Skill.
I don't know if it will fit on the 21829 table. It also doesn't accept the PC type template guides.

I'm glad I made the switch.

[mclear6]

I use this router on my bt3100

I got this router a couple of years ago. I have the fixed base mounted to the router plate that came with the bt3100 accessory kit. I have used this mostly for mdf and pine and keep the fixed base attached most of the time. I have had no problem using 1/2 shanks, but I need to get a new 1/2 to 1/4 reducing collect/bushing since my current one is allowing the bit to slide up a little during use. I think the price was right for my first router.

[messmaker]

I am just not a fan of a Skil router. Here is one from Sears tht is just a bit more. It has soft start and v speed. I am pretty sure that standard bushings will work. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...inate+Trimmers

This is a better choice as well. http://www.reconditionedsales.com/pr...5d9a8c4f0.aspx

[luteman]

I have this router, among others, and I found it to be an excellent value. I got mine as a factory refurb for 59.95 with warranty direct from Skil. I have it mounted in the router table of my BT3100. Had to drill a few different holes in the mounting plate but the end result was fine.