Router dilemas

**Hoover** · 02-18-2008, 06:25 PM

I have the Hitachi model, but mine is single speed. This one has the variable speed. which is way better. I think you would be happy with this one.

Since this item is sold as a 'recon', it has been gone over and tested. New models are sample checked, and a few duds make it to market. Notice that they are Hitachi authorized center.

**poolhound** · 02-18-2008, 06:43 PM

I would try and avoid the urge to buy a "cheapie" as you will regret it later. The Hitachi one looks good. Stick to the major brands including Hiatchi, Porter Cable, Bosch & Dewalt. Check you local HD and Lowes they sometimes have some great deals (open box or discontinued lines) if you hit them at the right time. Also keep a close eye on you local Craigslist as you can sometimes pick up a gem.

Jon

**rjwaldren** · 02-18-2008, 06:44 PM

I've been watching the same Hitachi setup at Amazon for 138.00 new. It seems to be well liked around here without breaking the bank, and apparently noticeably quieter than it's competitors.

For the small price difference I'd go for the Hitachi, Craftsman has redone their entire router lineup and they look much better than what I purchased 2 years ago. But I'm pretty disappointed with my current craftsman setup so I won't buy again while there are other options in the same price range.

**Hoover** · 02-18-2008, 06:56 PM

Well I ordered this one, and the shipping is FREE! $109.00 total cost. Added one more router to my collection. Thanks for the heads up to the OP.

**viking4949** · 02-18-2008, 07:30 PM

I have read that the hitachi has some difficulties changing and adjusting bits when mounted to the table due to the base being too far away from the collet. Is this a big issue?

Brandon

**messmaker** · 02-19-2008, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by viking4949

I have read that the hitachi has some difficulties changing and adjusting bits when mounted to the table due to the base being too far away from the collet. Is this a big issue?

Brandon

The base on either of those routers is quick release. You can pull the motor out and change it anywhere you want. I have both of the routers in question and like them both. The Hitachi is very quiet for a router. The Craftsman does not have a history but has been a pleasure to use so far.

**rcp612** · 02-19-2008, 09:38 AM

I have the Hitachi KM12VC and really like it! As was said, it is hard to use in a table because of the height adjustment but, not impossible.
OTOH, I've replaced the table router with a Bosch and use the Hitachi for freehand work. I'm totally happy with it.

**rnelson0** · 02-20-2008, 08:57 AM

I would try and avoid the urge to buy a "cheapie" as you will regret it later.

I got a "cheapie" craftsman for $35. It's single speed, fixed-base and I have no manual. That said, I can build a router table (eyeing the New Yankee Workshop one) and upgrade the router later. To me, $35 is cheap enough I can replace it later easily. $100 would be a harder sell to me.

But don't forget, even if the router is cheap, you still need bits! My cheapie cost $135 with Lowes' 30pc Skil bit set. Probably not the best, but 30 *$20 = $600, so I think I did pretty well on the bits too. I'm a rookie at it, so I'd hate to destroy the expensive bits first!

**poolhound** · 02-20-2008, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by rnelson0

I got a "cheapie" craftsman for $35. It's single speed, fixed-base and I have no manual. That said, I can build a router table (eyeing the New Yankee Workshop one) and upgrade the router later. To me, $35 is cheap enough I can replace it later easily. $100 would be a harder sell to me.

But don't forget, even if the router is cheap, you still need bits! My cheapie cost $135 with Lowes' 30pc Skil bit set. Probably not the best, but 30 *$20 = $600, so I think I did pretty well on the bits too. I'm a rookie at it, so I'd hate to destroy the expensive bits first!

I hear you. At a certain price point we sometimes see things as "disposable." A number of years ago I went the same route hence my original comment. I agree that its a good learning experience, so here (for what its worth) is what I learned along the way.

1. The "cheapie" router (I dont remember the brand and cant comment on your Craftsman) only had a 1/4 collet and single speed (no soft start). It didnt have a non binding/auto release so I got bits stuck and the collet threads ended up stripping. It went back!!
2. I also purchased a bit set (1/4") and still have it. I thought it was great to have the selection. I ended up only using a few of the bits some have never been used and probably never will. The 1/4" bits are nowhere near as strong or acurate as the 1/2" and I ended up breaking a few. The bearings on the set I had were not very good causing a variety of problems.

I then upgraded to a solid midrange router kit (bosch 1617 - got good deal on Amazon) and never regreted it.

I also started buying individual 1/2" bits as I needed them. Yes they are more expensive the 5 or 6 I use most commonly cost nearly what the set did but I do use them. The good 1/2" bits can be sharpened which can be tough to do on the economy 1/4" ones. Also while not impossible you would have to be doing something really crazy to break the shaft of a 1/2" bit.

This was my expereince and looking back I wish I had not gone the "cheapie" route first but as the saying goes "hindsight is 20/20." I bet if I were to do it over without the benefit of hindsight I would do the same again.

Jon

**George Cole** · 02-20-2008, 11:34 AM

Since your using a router table make sure your router bit can be adjusted from the top of the table. The Hatichi your looking at can't, The Sears can.
Another suggestion (dare I make it?), is look at the router forums.
www.routerforum.com

Enjoy your new expierence.
George

**rnelson0** · 02-20-2008, 01:30 PM

This was my expereince and looking back I wish I had not gone the "cheapie" route first but as the saying goes "hindsight is 20/20."

To me, the big thing is that I can spend $35 now and be able to use a router today, or I can not and it might be a year or more before I can shell out for the router I want. Same with the bits, and with the selection I have I might try something I wouldn't even think of if $100 only got me 6 bits.

Besides, I bet it wasn't until you owned the crappy router that you knew what to look for in a good router. Wouldn't you have been more pissed if you spent $200 on a router and found out it was worse than the $35 one?

**JimD** · 02-21-2008, 07:46 AM

I mail order router bits because the only brand available locally that I have found decent is CMT and they are pricey compared to mail oder. My favorite mail order place is MLCS. They have good prices, free shipping, and I typically have the bits in 3 days. They have big sets at reduced prices too.

I use the older PC690 routers (I have two motors, one fixed, one variable, and 4 bases). They are sometimes available at good prices these days too. The Bosch combo kit is nicer and the newer PC890 is nicer but the PC690 is a work horse. If you see a router in a magazine, it is very likely to be the PC690 - one is in the current FWW being used to make mortises. The reveiws I have seen rate the other brands lower than PC and Bosch in routers so my guess is my older PCs are at least as good as a new Hitachi. I may be harsh on Hitachi, however, since I hate their paint scheme - UGLY!!!

Jim

**tellittojake** · 02-21-2008, 08:26 AM

Sears router

I too am building a workshop and money is a strong consideration when making a purchase. I have been sorry everytime I purchased a cheaper tool but in reality cant afford the high end merchandise for every purchase. I have the hitachi fixed and plunge base router set and love it. I have found hitachi to give good value for the money. I recently purchased a router from sears that was a fantastic value. While they cheapened many items in the past they seem to be coming out with some nice merchandise and are coming around to what they were once known for-value. They have the clone of the BT saw we have grown to love and the new router line is very good for the money. I have used mine for several monthes and have found it to be powerful and no problems at all. They still have some older stuff on the shelves that you might want to avoid when looking at routers, I saw thier version of a kit that was obviously a Skil router. I dont have the numbers of the new router lineup but they are building an entire series that are versions of the newer router, take a look at them online. When they are on sale, they are a terrific value and I am happy to see they are bringing value back to their line of merch. Overall for value, I buy hitachi as I have never had a problem and the money I save on one purchase helps me buy the next tool a little sooner.

**poolhound** · 02-21-2008, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by JimD

I mail order router bits because the only brand available locally that I have found decent is CMT and they are pricey compared to mail oder. My favorite mail order place is MLCS. They have good prices, free shipping, and I typically have the bits in 3 days. They have big sets at reduced prices too.

Jim

If I need something quickly I have a rockler store only a couple of miles from my house. A lot of folks, including me, at this forum get bits (and blades) from Brian at Holbren. His service is excellent and he is a real supporter of this forum. He has "Holbren" branded bits but also a great stock of Whiteside. He offers a straight discount and other occasional specials and offers.

"BT310" coupon code = 10% for forum members
www.holbren.com

Jon

Router dilemas

Router dilemas

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