Time for a new Poll - Router brands

[Carpenter96]

I have 2 ryobi RE600 3 1/4 hp routers that are the work horses of my shop. I also have a King Canada 3 1/4 hp, a Power Fist 3 1/4 hp, a Makita 3 1/4 hp(All plunge base), a Hitachi 2 1/4 hp, a Craftsman 1 1/2 hp, a B&D old Metal Body 1 hp(All fixed base), a Skil 1 1/2 hp Plunge base, a dewalt laminate trimmer, and a Porter Cable Laminate trimmer. All of these routers get use for different operations in my shop with 3 of the 3 1/4 hp routers being used in router tables. I was sad to see the RE600 go by the wayside as it has been fantastic both in the table and out. I know some people don't like the RE600 because it is quite heavy but this is why I like it so much, it never seems to get away on you.

[gsmittle]

hmm, more people like netgear routers than Skil and Black and Decker combined...

The integrated router in my TimeCapsule works just fine.

My other routers are the infamous 3-base Ryobi kit, a 2-base Bosch 1617 kit, and a Grizzly bare-bones trim router. I saw the Griz router used on Myth Busters once, and that's enough of an endorsement for me.

g.

[LCHIEN]

hmm, more people like netgear routers than Skil and Black and Decker combined...

[vaking]

I own 2 brands, Hitachi and Craftsman. I have 2 different Hitachi routers - old style M12V and a new dual-base kit KM12SC. KM12SC is same kit that everybody is raving about except it is single speed, not variable. I have M12V in a router table and KM12SC is reserved for hand operation. In the hands I do not need variable speed. There is no reason to slow router down when using small bits and I don't want to use big bits in hand routing. KM12SC is a nice kit, quiet and smooth (even though single speed router does have soft start).
M12V is also a good router, very powerful. I do feel it is showing its age though. May be it is time to get something newer.
Craftsman is an older professional series with plastic body. Quality is not great but it has many nice features I like. Such as power switch in the handle, led light showing your work, ability to connect dust collection. I tried earlier to use it in the table - that did not work very well. Plastic housing with depth adjustment made by turning the whole router body within this plastic frame gets sticky when the router is upside down and all the dust is attacking the plastic housing. I ended up removing it from the table and now it is dedicated to dovetail duty. I must say ability to connect 1-1/4" dust collection hose directly to the router while cutting dovetails is very nice.
Overall - if you want quality and reliability - Hitachi is a very good choice. If you want bells and ... - Craftsman has more.

[phrog]

Doesn't Makita make very respectable routers? I don't own one but noticed it is not included on the choice list.

[BigguyZ]

I'd say the favorite brand of router I own is Bosch. I use my colt for a TON of carpentry projects. It's great for adding that small roundover to trim or doing a rabbet on doors or other panels. But for the deal work, I like the 1617EVSPK I have. But- I also own a Ryobi plunge that I have no issues with- and it was cheap. I also have a massive PC 3-1/2 HP 7538 (I think that's right- Variable speed plunge router) that's currently in a table setup.

[bigdaddyjohn]

Hitachi

Here's a recent post I made on another site. While I don't have a lot of experience with other routers to compare it with, I will stand by what I said. I think I love this router!

http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/2397

[BadeMillsap]

Well I "voted" Dewalt (618 is what I have) ... but ...

if I had unlimited funds I think I'd pick the Festool OF2200 .. my very limited experience with Festool has caused me to lust after virtually every tool in their arsenal ... but at a list of $825 it's unlikely I'll have one in my lifetime.

[radhak]

What I am shocked by is there aren't more votes for Hitachi... I can't imagine being happier with a router than I am with my KM12VC...

Well, you have to factor in the truth that very few of us would have used all these routers, and many of those that have may not have responded for various reasons.

I have only used Skil, PC, Dewalt, and from HF, and none of these were embarrassing (maybe the CF is not something I'd try again).

Okay, I better fess up - I did buy, and use, a trim router from 'Homier' (and to my eternal embarrassment, gifted one to my brother). I thought it was cheap, and it was ! It cost me $9.99, and a lifetime of cringing.

I hear so many good things about many of these routers, like the Hitachi, I'd love to try them out. But life is short, and my wallet limited .

[cwsmith]

I honestly don't know!

I have the somewhat notorious Ryobi RE1802M 3-base router combo which came fully loaded with everything from dust collection fittings, 2 collets, and even an edge guide. I really do like it and it has served me very well as a plunge base... but because of their totally-denied lousey motor housing material, the two fixed bases cannot be used. Great design, very nice to use except for that major flaw and the denial of the problem. Like it, but can't go there again!

In my router table, I have the Ridgid R2900 2-base combo. A bit tall for hand use, and the lock-lever on the plunge is a bit awkward for my thumb reach... but the thing has some great features, otherwise and runs smooth and strong. Great in the table and again, it came with a wealth of otherwise optional stuff.

But, they used "magneseum" for the motor housing and that gives me a terrific amount of oxidation to contend with. Though not harmful yet, it is very annoying to look at and attempt to clean and prevent.

If and when I buy another router, I think I have to look at some of the more popular brands.

BTW.... I picked "Netgear", as it's the only "router" that I own that doesn't seem to annoy me.

CWS

[LCHIEN]

The article on wood central defininately loks like maple, but the picture you posted is Beech.

well, maybe Bosch has reduced costs...
originally they came out with the 1617 series it was claimed to be hard maple handles, but I notice the Bosch site says now says genuine hardwood. the Wood central and other reviews might be for older product. I know the original 1617s had magnesium housings, but they had some issue with oxidation and have since switched to aluminum.

[Cochese]

So far I have only owned Ryobi (decent enough, but no 1/2" collet), B&D (wouldn't wish that dangerous POS on my ex brother in law...), Craftsman, and Hitachi... I have used most of the big names though. Bosch, Porter Cable, Ridgid, Freud. Never seen a Triton up close and personal though...

What I am shocked by is there aren't more votes for Hitachi... I can't imagine being happier with a router than I am with my KM12VC...

Based on my miter saw, I'd own another Hitachi tool. I just found a good deal on my Cman 17543, then found an outstanding deal on my 28084 three base. I love the D-sub.

Otherwise I also have this for small/quick jobs:
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/18...er_rotary/P600

I've tried up to a 3/4" rabbet bit in it and haven't thought twice.

[dbhost]

So far I have only owned Ryobi (decent enough, but no 1/2" collet), B&D (wouldn't wish that dangerous POS on my ex brother in law...), Craftsman, and Hitachi... I have used most of the big names though. Bosch, Porter Cable, Ridgid, Freud. Never seen a Triton up close and personal though...

What I am shocked by is there aren't more votes for Hitachi... I can't imagine being happier with a router than I am with my KM12VC...

[Carpenter96]

Bosch Handles

The article on wood central defininately loks like maple, but the picture you posted is Beech.

[Chris_B]

what more could you want?

A larger photo??