Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 2000 12:58am | #1

   *
   For what you want to do, I recommend a 3 hp Porter Cable fixed base (the big sucker). In a router table, you basically have a small shaper. A classic.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 2000 05:13am | #2

   *The PC Speedmatic, definitely. Get the variable speed version as you can then use some of the larger panel-raising bits without fear of large chunks of carbide and steel implanting themselves in your body.Don't have a model # but recently checked out big routers(I do fair amount of beam work) and the big PC was about $350.oo locally. Until I have some bucks to spare, I'm making do with my antique Makita 3612. Router technology has really progressed in the last few years.By the way, doesn't this thread really belong in the Tools section?LOL,Bill

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 2000 05:18am | #3

   *Aye.I've got the PC 3.25 horse for spinning raised panel bits, as well as a couple 1.5 horse 690's. Picked up a Bosch about a month back. Very nice micro-adjust feature and quieter than the PCs.Fixed bases are much easier to adjust in a router table than are plunge routers.Virtually all of the "better" routers today come with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets, and if running a mix of bits, look for variable speed as well. For the most part, I run bits larger than 1.5 inches in the 3.25 PC and step the speed down as req'd.If you've got a large job, or foresee additional use down the road, consider setting up each sash bit in its own router while you're doing the production run. Minimizes errors by not having to swap bits and run extra setups.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 2000 07:43pm | #4

   *If money is no object why not buy a shaper?Jeff

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 2000 10:40pm | #5

   *Tim,

   I'd agree. The PC518/7518 is a great router. You will not be able to find a 518 but, the 7518 or 7520 is easily had.

   View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle

2. 
   Guest_ | Jul 31, 2000 02:27pm | #6

   *Joe- A couple more pictures of your router set-up and a few details if possible, please. Looks like a nice rig. Thanks, Sam

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 31, 2000 08:49pm | #7

   *Tim, For a summary of 5 nice routers of varying size, from 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hp, all good for table mounting, see Pat Warner's article in June issue Fine Woodworking. GP.

4. 
   Guest_ | Jul 31, 2000 09:53pm | #8

   *Sam,

   Thanks. If you reads this article it has many good pictures of my setup.

   View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle

5. 
   Guest_ | Aug 02, 2000 02:25pm | #9

   *Thanks Joe, looks good. That 2" or 3" panel bit in the router looks pretty manly, wouldn't want to tangle with that thing! Sam

6. 
   Guest_ | Aug 05, 2000 05:01am | #10

   *Joe:Nice setup!

7. 
   Guest_ | Aug 05, 2000 07:25am | #11

   *Joe, is that frayed insulation I see just below the router? Shouldn't this be in the OSHA thread?Jus' kiddin'.