Replies

1. 
   CarpentrySpecialist | Apr 14, 2007 12:19pm | #1

   I use a Milwalkee for free hand but for a table I'd use Porter Cable because more plates ,tables and accessories are made for that brand.

   Best to you and yours, Chris.

   Building as thou art paranoid never harmed anyone.

2. 
   stevent1 | Apr 14, 2007 12:43pm | #2

   I like PC as well. I have a pair of the 3HP VS Speedtronic models.

   Chuck S

   live, work, build, ...better with wood
3. 
   DougU | Apr 14, 2007 12:57pm | #3

   I have a PC 7519 for my stationary router, has all the power you'll ever need for a router table.

   Variable speed is important in a router table - you need to be able to slow the router down for the big bits.

   Although I've never tried one I've heard the Milwaukee 3 1/2 horse is also a good machine for router tables.

   http://www.patwarner.com/

   This website has some pretty good info for router uses.

   Doug

4. 
   FastEddie | Apr 14, 2007 03:26pm | #4

   The venerable Porter Cable 690 fixed base 1-1/2 hp is unbeatable for free hand work.

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

5. 
   Sphere | Apr 14, 2007 05:33pm | #5

   Bosch is the balls for table work, PC is right behind, and Makita is closing in fast.

   Parolee # 40835

1. 
   Sancho | Apr 14, 2007 06:16pm | #6

   I use the PC 3hp..its and old work horse. Bearing went out after many years use and building a hickory kitchen making 15 doors and many drawers/drawer fronts..
   Jus got new bearing installed and brushes and its back at it. The kitchen was a few years ago to.
   The reason I mentioned the kitchen as what wore out the bearings after many years use is
   b/c we all know how hard hickory is.But with all the changes goig on at PC I would start looking at the bosch or milwaukee now.
   Too bad PC ruined a good thing.                   "We fight not to enslave ,but to set free"Thomas Paine

   Edited 4/14/2007 11:17 am by Sancho

1. 
   Sphere | Apr 14, 2007 06:34pm | #7

   Ron, I cooked a Ryobi 600 a few yrs ago. Got new brushes and BOOM. Like new.  Now thems that want to trash Ryobi can have at me, but I swear, I did everything to try to kill that router, and it kept on keeping on.

   I was in a lurch and NEEDED a 3 hp ( ok, they are not) but I snagged a PC plunge whatever..and I hate the switch deal..either it is held on, or held off..I dunno, I like a Makita for small stuff and I spring clamp the trigger to "on".

   My table is the wing of my TSaw and I have 5 routers that commit the base plates of Lexan to fit in the recess, and I also have a cast iron Stanley Shaper table and a Bosch lives in there permanent type.Parolee # 40835

1. 
   Sancho | Apr 15, 2007 06:26am | #9

   Yea the guy who invented that swich should have his nards removed...But since I use my 3hp only and permenantly in my table, I use a foot switch and also a table mounted switch.I know Ryobi has taken a beaten around here, I do know some folks who like theyre routers.I have a old pc690 for hand held. I use a D handle and plunge as well as the reg base for it. Its a oldie but I wouldnt buy a new PC now. I would look for Bosch but thats my opinion.Like my buddy and mentor remember I mentioned him in another post in the tav) used to say
   'Its all personal preferance" Since he was a brother he also used to say

   Ron I dont get up all over tools, If I need it I buy it..I couldnt tell ya what brands I own.I buy cuz I need 'em" 

                

   View Image    "We fight not to enslave ,but to set free"

   Thomas Paine

6. 
   TomW | Apr 14, 2007 06:39pm | #8

   I have the triton (older model) for the table and it is a great router for table mounting.

   Hard to beat the pc 690 for hand held.

7. 
   unTreatedwood | Apr 16, 2007 09:19pm | #10

   I use a Milwaukee 5625 in a router table...unbelievable workhorse.  terrific tool. 

   I also have DW 625 and PC 7539 for handheld workhorses.  Both are terrific in the right situation.  My favorite handheld is the DW 625, and for the lighter work, the PC 690.

   "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

1. 
   Squash | Apr 17, 2007 12:44am | #11

   For table mounting I'd look no further than the Milwaukee 5625.  Mine is rock solid, more than adequately powerful, and smooth as silk.  When table-mounted, depth adjustment is acheived via a hex screw accessed through the table top.  No reaching under the table to fumble around with anything other than locking the setting.  Eliminates the need or even the desire for a router lift.  Also, the handles are mighty comfortable should you use it hand held as well.  I very highly recommend it.

   Nick

8. 
   MSA1 | Apr 17, 2007 12:50am | #12

   I had my heart set on a Porter Cable combo kit until I tried the plunge base out. It was very skippy, not smooth at all.

   I ended up with the Bosch 2 1/4 hp combo. I like it alot. The only problem I have with it is after too much table mounted work the power switch sometimes loads up with sawdust and gets touchy.

   Having said that i'd still go with the Bosch.

9. 
   JDRHI | Apr 17, 2007 03:00am | #13

   Do the upgrade to the 3 1/4 horse.

   Can't comment on Triton, other than I've heard of them.

   I personally love my Bosch 3 1/2 hp.

   Democrats.
   The other white meat.