Help a noob buy a router

[LikesWood]

Hi there,

First post here. I have the Craftsman Saw that's a BT3x00 clone (Which I love) and now I'd like to get a router. I barely know what routers do besides make some nice bevels on wood and are useful (?) for cutting holes but it's the last tool I really need to have all the basics covered.

I know I want a plunger/fixed base combo and 2.25+ hp with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets. I intend to use the router table on the Craftsman saw as my table unless I get serious and that it only accepts Ryobi or Craftsman routers, but this is easily modified to accommodate other routers(?).

Outside of this I'm kinda of clueless!

To complicate things, I recently got a GC for $250 @ Home Depot for my birthday, so that's where I plan to purchase. The only Router I see there that seems worthwhile (Based on reading and appearance) is the Rigid R2930. Are there any others I should consider? What are the must have accessories that may or may not come with a Router kit? Anyone know how returns with a GC work at HD? If they giv eback cash I could purchase, return and get the Bosch @ Lowes which I know is a standard (If that's even worth the trouble if the Rigid is good that is...).


Comments appreciated!

[siliconbauhaus]

If I were you I'd save the card for something more pricey and buy this craftsman one. Excellent ratings as well on routerfourms.com

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

[Knottscott]

I've had several and liked all of them for different reasons. If you ever plan to spin big bits like the 3" panel raisers, you'll want variable speed, but if not, single speed is fine and will open up several other possibilities.

Most of the big names are solid bets..Milwaukee, PC, DW, Makita, Bosch, Freud, etc. Find a deal on a router you like.

The Milwaukee 5615-24 kit is currently on sale for $124 shipped...great router, great plunger, but is only single speed. A speed controller can be added to it if necessary. The 5616-24 is slightly larger and has variable speed, and adds ~ $100.

The Hitachi KM12VC goes on sale pretty frequently and is a solid value.

[Bill in Buena Park]

If I were you I'd save the card for something more pricey and buy this craftsman one. Excellent ratings as well on routerfourms.com

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

+1 on this router. I really like mine, and the small $. Put the HD gift card toward a bigger purchase, or to get the Ryobi 1+ line if you need some cordless tools.

[Hoover]

The information already provided will get you to what you can use. You might have to do some drilling through the router base, in case screw holes don't line up. Just take your time to think things through, and you will have a great combo.

If you run into problems, there are people here who can make it less stressful.

Let us know how it came out.

[Alex Franke]

I got this $99 Freud a little while back and I'm very pleased with it. It's the one I use in this router table extension.

Definitely check for deals...

[JR]

There are a number of router combos in the 2.25 hp range that would suit you well. I got the Bosch 1617 EVSPK when I was faced with this decision. I know HD carries the Dewalt 3-base kit at about your price range, and it is well received. Porter Cable is the standard against which all others are compared, but their products sem to have been surpassed in recent years by a number of copetitors' offerings.

FWIW, I have found variable speed to be a useful feature.

As to the issue of mounting in the 22811 (I think that's the Craftsman model number you have), don't get hung up on Ryobi or Craftsman brands. If you have the router mounting kit, it includes an aluminum base plate. Aluminum is easy to work with, so drilling and countersinking holes to accept the router you choose is also easy.

You should get used to the idea that a router is a tool for which you will create extensive modifications, jigs and fixtures. As you are new to routers I will suggest that a book on the tool's use would be very helpful. Try Bruce Hylton's Woodworking With The Router. It will really open your eyes to, while de-mystifying, the versatility of this tool.

JR

[jussi]

Not sure if HD carries but check out the Dewalt 618 combo.

[Gator95]

+1 on this router. I really like mine, and the small $. Put the HD gift card toward a bigger purchase, or to get the Ryobi 1+ line if you need some cordless tools.

+2. The plunge base is great. The fixed base has a couple of quirks, but definately livable for a $110 combo kit. The motor and speed control works very, very well.

Great combo kit for the price. I'd buy one again.

[vaking]

Craftsman also sells "Professional kit" with 3 bases (plunge, fixed and D-handle). It is 2-1/4 hp just like you wanted and I believe it is made for Craftsman by Bosh. Effectively it is the same as 1617 but will fit into your table without modifications. It sells for $220 without special sales but often goes for $200. 3 bases means you can mount fixed base in a table and still be left with plunge and D-handle for hand use.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...outer+d-handle

[LikesWood]

Craftsman also sells "Professional kit" with 3 bases (plunge, fixed and D-handle). It is 2-1/4 hp just like you wanted and I believe it is made for Craftsman by Bosh. Effectively it is the same as 1617 but will fit into your table without modifications. It sells for $220 without special sales but often goes for $200. 3 bases means you can mount fixed base in a table and still be left with plunge and D-handle for hand use.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...outer+d-handle

Is is really a 1617? This and no modifications looks appealing.

[Knottscott]

Is is really a 1617? This and no modifications looks appealing.

AFAIK, Sears discontinued their red 1617....it truly was a 1617 with interchangeable parts between the Craftsman and Bosch, but had a different sub-base. You may still find some in stores though. I don't think the current 28084 is the same router, though it gets good reports.

Craftsman 1617

Bosch 1617

Current Craftsman 28084

[vaking]

Sears next to me (NJ) has them and I think you can order online too. It is a close copy of 1617. Different sub-base means it is made to fit "Craftsman" style of sub-base and attachments - that is why it will fit into Craftsman/Ryobi mounting plate with no modifications. It accepts Craftsman style of bushings and attachments but I think it also accepts Bosch style. It comes with dust-collection attachment bosch style for hand-held use. The only thing I am not sure is if the table in the saw is pre-drilled for above-table height adjustment. I know my BT3100 does not have provisions for it. The router has the wrench for above-table adjustment and you might have to make one hole to make this feature work for you.

[Pappy]

A router is functionally a very simple tool. The collet is tightened on the bit shaft and the motor spins it. Ask 20 people which is best and you might get 10 differnt answers.

As mentioned, several brands are comparable in quality. The 3 features I feel are important in any router are 1/4 and 1/2 shank capability, soft start, variable speed. Most of them will have all these features. Dual base kits are good to have.

The handles, switch location, speed adjustment, and plunge features are different on each router. Go to a tool dealer and get you hands on as many different brands as possible. You want one that feels good in your hands.