Time for a new Router

[Black wallnut]

Sure enough when I'm in the final stretch of finishing my kitchen rebuild for a friend my router dies. I need one to spin big raised panel cutters. I'm thinking about this one. Any thoughts?

[chopnhack]

Its a nice router Mark, I have the older m12v and its a real workhorse. I assume that this is going into a RT - do you have a lift, because I don't think the m12ve incorporates any above the table features - you may have better success in a RT with the triton.

[Black wallnut]

Yup it is going into a table. No lift. I am so used to taking the router and plate out to change bits that I do not think I'll spend the extra money for a lift. Tritons seem to be half again as much US$ as the linked Hitachi.

[JR]

You'll definitely want that much power. I've just come in from the shop where I've making my first raised panels with a Bosch 2-1/4 hp unit. I noticed right away that I'd have prefered more power.


The Hitachi has been given high marks on this forum in the past. I don't know about using it in a table though. Would be easy to adjust? I agree a lift is a bigger expense than I would want to take on, but it seems to me that having to compress the plunge mechanism for minor changies could be a hassle.

JR

[wardprobst]

Mark,
Here is one option with the Hitachi for a lift
Or Bill Hilton has some good ideas for tables in his router book.
I've got a M12V and it's quiet and powerful, a little bulky for handheld use but fine in a table.
Dale

[Knottscott]

The Hitach is a well proven workhorse and often a good value, but it's not necessarily the nicest choice for table use. It has no topside features that I"m aware of. The Freud FT3000 and the Triton TRA001 are loaded with topside conveniences that are great in a table, and allow easy one handed bit changes without even needing to remove the throat insert. The Milwaukee 5625 has topside height adjust and is a beast, but generally costs more.

[chopnhack]

Well, not directly but as an add on if Mark wants to go the hitachi route, the router raizer is an option http://www.routertechnologies.com/ but he does mention not being concerned with popping the unit out for changes.

[Black wallnut]

Thanks guys for the input! I am set in my ways and have adopted the Router Workshop technique of table routing- plunge router on a plate with the plunge springs removed. Bit changes are a snap. My non-functiong MLCS M60 had a threaded rod that worked for fine height adjustment. I think I'll miss that feature but it will not be a deal breaker. I'm finding it hard to justify an extra hundred to upgrade from the M12ve to a Triton or any other. I'm going to check my local pawn shops. Several years ago I passed on a PC7518 and have been kicking myself ever since. It was $50!

[JimD]

I think it is a very reasonable choice for router table use. I use a somewhat similar Ryobi R-500 in my router table but the Ryobi is 13 or 13.3A, can't remember which. So a little less powerful. I removed the motor from the plunge base and made a custom mounting block so I could use the home-made lift I built into my router table. I really like the lift and have less in it than the Router Razer (which may be another reasonable option if you ever want to go that way. My lift is based upon plans from an old American Woodworker article.

I don't think a 15A router is real necessary for big raised panel bits. I've used my PC690s with panel bits over 3 inches width. You have to slow them down and take multiple bites. But router power is not necessarily the primary limitation. I've gotten unacceptable levels of chip out when I tried to take too big a bite even though the router was OK with it. At most you need to take one more pass with a mid-sized router IMHO. If I was to buy a new router for table use I'd look at a 15A too, I'm just saying I don't think it makes a huge difference. A 11-12A router works pretty well too.

Jim

[woodturner]

Sure enough when I'm in the final stretch of finishing my kitchen rebuild for a friend my router dies.

You only have ONE router? And you call yourself a "woodworker"?

Seriously, I haven't used the Hitachi, but have heard good things about it. I bought one of the Freuds when they were on clearance, not sure if they are still available though.

My favorite of my routers is the Ryobi RE600, but I don't think they are available anymore.

CPO sells refurb Hitachi, might be able to save a few bucks that way.

[Cochese]

You only have ONE router? And you call yourself a "woodworker"?

Seriously, I haven't used the Hitachi, but have heard good things about it. I bought one of the Freuds when they were on clearance, not sure if they are still available though.

My favorite of my routers is the Ryobi RE600, but I don't think they are available anymore.

CPO sells refurb Hitachi, might be able to save a few bucks that way.

Yeah, I started out with one and now I have two full size and one laminate. Always scoping out any deals at Sears to add a third.

[JimD]

I have two router tables and occasionally use both. It can be nice to not have to change the setup. But I am also pretty well out of space. I have more money to buy tools than I have space to use tools.

Jim

[Black wallnut]

You only have ONE router? And you call yourself a "woodworker"?

Seriously, I haven't used the Hitachi, but have heard good things about it. I bought one of the Freuds when they were on clearance, not sure if they are still available though.

My favorite of my routers is the Ryobi RE600, but I don't think they are available anymore.

CPO sells refurb Hitachi, might be able to save a few bucks that way.

I have two other routers but my table router plate is a Rockler plate and I am not going to drill it with another set of holes just to use for a short time.

I do have other options and may resort to them.

I have also found a way to justify the added expense of a Triton so now that I am in that price range I need to rethink what I really need in the way of a router for table use.

[woodturner]

I have more money to buy tools than I have space to use tools.

I can help you with part of that - just send your excess money to me

[greenacres2]

Hitachi differences...

I was just looking at the specs on the m12ve and the m12v2--the "2" appears to be a little more table friendly but i can't see what it gives up away from the table.

They really have a different visual look--but what about the function??

Thanks,
earl