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Hi Guy’s
My brother-in-law asked what brand etc of router to buy for small at home projects like a headboard for a bed etc. I offered to put the question to all of you. What brand and model would you buy, what features would you want, and bear in mind he won’t want to spend a fortune. It is strictly for hobby use. Thanks for any advice. SteveM
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Every manufacturer seems to have one tool they do best. IMO, for routers, I like Porter Cable.
If you're looking at light-duty, hobby-type use and are not going to be beating on it in a router table, the 1.5 HP should do you just fine. Plunge vs fixed? If you can, the versatility of plunge is nice.
A friend just got the Bosch's latest, we discussed it briefly but as usual, I wasn't paying much attention (he's a tool junkie). I think he has the Bosch, 1.5 HP(?) with a magnesium body (?). If that sounds right, that's what he got. Raved about the micro-adjustment for the depth-of-cut.
Go to a well-stocked store and try them out in your own hands. See what feels good, ergonomics, weight, balance, etc. Soft-start is nice but maybe uneccessary on a 1.5HP unit. View lines when using, can you see the cut line? How easy is it to change bits? Collet size? Hobby use, I'm sure a 1/4" would suffice. Don't skimp on bits. Get good-quality carbide if you can afford them.
For me, routers=PC. Others will chime in with other preferences. Take note, them go shopping.
*The PC 690 is like the gold standard. I stumbled into buying mine, actually choosing it for its solidity and small size without knowing its popularity. About $140? Very simple.PC also sells a 2-base kit, one regular and one plunge. The plunge is for fsncier work where the routing starts in the middle of a piece, as with carving letters and such.
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Another vote or the PC 690
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I like both the PC and the Bosch. I don't believe that a hobbyist should necessarily be getting a cheap tool just because it's a hobby. It'll not do a good job, maybe present a safety hazard, and potentially demoralize the hobbyist. Think about the effect on a budding musician of renting him/her an inferior instrument until you "know they're serious about music." They never will be if they can't make a good musical sound early on. So, if you must skimp, look for a used or re-conditioned version of the routers mentioned, then plow your funds into good carbide bits. Like with a circular saw and its blade, the bit makes the router. Make sure that the chosen router has both quarter and half inch collets, as one may not start with half inch bits, but would probably like the ability to use them at some time.
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I'd go with the PC 690 too although my sentimental favorite is the old PC model 100.An exhibit company I worked for used the Model 100. They were tough as nails, could be used one handed, and although not as powerful as the 690, they were a great all purpose router, and although it may not mean anything to you, they still are made right here in the good old U.S.A in Jackson, Tenn. A lot of the decision rests on what you want to do with the router. jc
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The PC 690 is the way to go. I think a fixed base would be fine. I burned up 3 Craftsman routers when I first started. Only one was mine. I'd go with 1/2" bits and maybe order thru one of the cheaper bit companies to get started. Maybe $8-$18 per bit. Ending up with half a dozen routers is pretty common
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I am also a home-shop woodworker and have used my PC 100 for nearly 15 years. It is well balanced, adequately powered (7/8 hp) for my needs and will fit the PC plunge base if you need it. I have used it for mortising, edge forming and dadoing, admittedly mostly in pine, and it does not bog down. You should spend the extra few bucks to buy good carbide bits though. It's worth it, especially with hardwoods.
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Hi Guy's
My brother-in-law asked what brand etc of router to buy for small at home projects like a headboard for a bed etc. I offered to put the question to all of you. What brand and model would you buy, what features would you want, and bear in mind he won't want to spend a fortune. It is strictly for hobby use. Thanks for any advice. SteveM