Router decision

[hollerstring]

A quick question: I'm looking to get a plunge/fixed router kit, and even though I know I could spend as much as I wanted to, I'd like to stay under $200. And I'd like to set it up with a router table eventually. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[jussi]

Either the Bosch 1617 or Dewalt 618 almost always get great reviews. Both are slightly over $200 but if you find a sale might get it for under $200.

[RayintheUK]

Have a look at this page to start with. The range includes a larger model, seen here and both are made for table use. The first machine is lighter and is excellent hand-held too, whereas although the larger machine can be used effectively hand-held, it takes a seasoned user to get the best out of it in that mode.

Both models fit into a purpose-built table (see here), although they're easy to fit into any table (using four ¼" UNC machine screws).

More about the router table (about ¼ of the way down the page) and the routers (¾ of the way down) on my page here if it helps.

Ray.

[LarryG]

Welcome to the forum! Or perhaps I should say, welcome to posting, as I see you've been around a few months, in the background.

Used to be, for $200 you could pretty much have your pick of two-base router kits. Prices have crept up, so today you have to shop harder to stay near that number (unless you buy a used or reconditioned tool). If you absolutely MUST stay below $200, you won't do better than the tried-and-true Porter-Cable 694VK at $199.99, delivered. This is an older design that doesn't have quite all the frills that newer models have, but it's a rock-solid router and the mainstay of thousands of shops, both amateur and professional, all over the world. There's a reason this model has stayed in production for so long, and over the years Porter-Cable has gradually improved it so that it now actually compares quite favorably to the competition.

If you can spend a little more, either the Bosch 1617EVSPK ($236) or the DeWalt DW618PK ($219) would be better choices, worth their moderately higher prices. Both are somewhat more modern designs than the P-C and both have excellent plunge action. I happen to own the Bosch; if I were shopping today, I'd be hard pressed between buying it again or going with the DeWalt.

BTW, don't give too much weight to the horsepower ratings of these three models. The P-C has an 11 amp motor, the other two are 12A. That's closer than the 1-3/4HP and 2-1/4HP rating would suggest, and not enough of a difference to be a deal-breaker either way.

[leehljp]

I love my PCs but If I were starting over, I would certainly purchase the Triton that Ray mentioned. I have been very impressed with the performance that I have seen in stores here - they do have demos at times.

They are sold here in Japan and have been for some time. Basically the stores that I see them sold in, these stores don't put cheap or mediocre tools out and not too many imports, but they do sell the Triton.

[Popeye]

Another vote for Ray's Triton. I use the big Triton in my router table. I'm pretty sure it'll be the last table router I buy. Pat

[dbhost]

I haven't tried mine out yet, but I purchased the Hitachi KM12VC fixed / plunge base router kit on recommendation from users here, as well as a large number of online reviews on Amazon, Sawmill Creek, etc...

Reviewers seem to like this router better than the Bosch, PC, or Dewalt routers. Not sure if they are full of it or not though...

The MSRP on this router is around $200, but I bought mine for $129.10 with free shipping on Amazon.com.

[Hoover]

I have the Bosch 1617 fixed base router. I use it in a router table. No complaints, it seems to have adequate power. From what I have read the Triton is a great router.

[JimD]

I have two PC 690 series and 4 bases. I read a review recently that indicated my routers do not have the better variable speed circuit that will increase current when the router is under load. I take small "bites" when using large bits at slower speeds and never noticed anything wrong. Maybe newer models are better, I have not used them so I cannot say.

I think you will be pleased with 690 series if you decide to go that way but they are not, of course, perfect. You have to use an allen wrench to take the motor out of the plunge base, for instance. Newer models seem to be able to move the motor without involving tools (I keep one motor in the plunge base and move the other motor between bases so it is not any impact on me). The oldest bases for this series on the fixed and D-handle have wing nut type lockdowns. Newer fixed and D-handle have snap fasteners. You need to use a wrench on the wing nut types to get them securely locked but either type works. All the big stuff works well (switch is reasonably placed, not tough to adjust height (although some do not like to rotate the motor to set height I like it), plunges smoothly, decent power, collet grips securely, not hard to change bits, plenty of accessories available, etc).

Jim

[crokett]

I have a DeWalt DW621 plunge and a PC 690 plunge/fixed kit. I love my DeWalt - soft start, dust extraction and variable speed are very nice. The Porter Cable plunge base left a lot to be desired, so much so that I gave it away. I use the fixed base in my router table. It is easy in/out for bit changes and the height adjusts much more quickly than the DeWalt did.

[jonmulzer]

I will second the vote for the Hitachi. I have the KM12VC and the Bosch 1617EVSPK and when I only need one router out I reach for the Hitachi everytime. It handles better, is more stable for me, works smoother and is a LOT quieter. It is also ~$100 cheaper than the Bosch. You can usually find the Hitachi kit for ~$135 if you shop around.

[footprintsinconc]

i third the hitachi km12vc. i had the fixed base only and just pulled the plug on the kit for $129 shipped (free shipping) last night from amazon.

it is now for $133 shipped (free shipping), click here. you will save half of what you want to spend. it also comes with extras, check out the link and you will see.

[Sawatzky]

I have a Porter Cable 690 and love it. It is just the single speed version, but I have not really had a need for variable speed. It is too small a router anyway for large panel raising bits. But I really like the router - powerful yet light. I bought an additional base for the router table so all I have to do is pop the motor in and I am ready to go. Antoher great thing about the 690 is that the motor is so easy to remove and install. You just filp the quick release and give it a few turns.

[pacwind3]

Right up until April, the PC 690 would have had my vote. Now, I have three and they are great routers. Nothing really wrong with any of them. But for the price of them, there are other routers that now have more features: speed control, led lights etc. On my birthday in April I recieved the following kit from sears. Got it on sale for $100. I am NOTHING BUT HAPPY with it! Great features, very nice "feel" to the tool. I mounted the fixed base in my table and have the plunge around for hand use. I fully plan to get one more plunge, simply because I like having more then 1 router. In fact if I catch it on sale again, I'll just get the combo kit again.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...inate+Trimmers

[pacwind3]

oh yeah, and the PC 690's I have, are for sale if you're interested.