Should I keep this?

[dtam]

I just bought a Craftsman router in the clearance area at Sears for $27. It looks brand new, so it was probably a display model at one time. It's missing the fixed base, rod for depth adjustment, collet for 1/4" bit, and maybe some other accessories, but it has the collet for 1/2" bit. The model # is 320.17543. I haven't tried any test cuts, but the motor is able to turn on.

I'm not sure if this is a good deal, and if I should keep it since I already have the Bosch 1617 router kit. What do you guys think?

[Pappy]

I would keep it. The are a lot of times where you will need 2 different router set ups on a project. With 2 routers you don't have to switch bits and try to get the settings duplicated.

I have 2 routers in tables and 2 hand held routers. A couple of times I have had 3 different bits set up for the same project.

[BigguyZ]

For $27 I'd keep it.... absolutely.

What I'm curious is if you can take it apart to get just the motor? I know that a lot of the Craftsman routers are exactly like some Ryobi or Bosch routers. I'm wondering if you can strip it to the motor, and get a Woodpeckers or Incra router lift that the motor will fit into. Then you'll have just about the cheapest router table setup you could get.

[cabinetman]

I would keep it, it's a great deal for the money, even considering what you may have to buy.

.

[toolguy1000]

when i've gotten in complete tools from sears, a call to CS has usually gotten me the missing parts gratis. i'd keep it,if only for dedicated use in a router table.

[LCHIEN]

you can probably replace the rod with a piece of metal rod from lowes, HD etc. cut to length and probably a standard dimension like 1/4" dia. or 6mm.

THen you have a complete plunge router for under $30.

collet you can look up on sears parts

hears your router
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...hdMod=32017543

click on the edge guide, I think a 1/4" collet is item 110
same nut (#40) as ont he motor which shows a collet (probably the 1/2" collet is #39)
dooesn't say which is which, order 39 and 40 to be safe,

[Cochese]

I have that router in my router table, and it's done everything that I've asked it to. You got a nice deal.

[Old Dutchman]

I would!

I have Craftsman routers and I like it a lot! I have used a Craftsman since 1969, That old router is still good! If it's the red top, They have been good. Check out last years magazines, and several have given Craftsman a good buy.

[os1kne]

I'd keep it. You got a great deal. I don't think that you could get a router that good for $75, let alone $27.