Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 02, 2002 03:08am | #1

   *
   JLC just did a nice review of plunge routers....

   they wound up recommending about 3.. i got the DW621..

   the review helps you focus on YOUR needs..

1. 
   C._Webb | Jan 08, 2002 12:54am | #2

   *JA Mike, Look at the combo kits offered by Dewalt and Bosch and Portercable.You get one motor and a fixed base, and a plunge base.Or look at Amazon/ToolCrib (under tools/hardware) for the Portercable router workshop for I think $299 you get a router table, PC 690, table mount base, D-handle base and plunge base.Plunge routers are the most versatile of the bunch, period. the D-handle base is really comfortable to use. Stay away from the fixed base 2 knob type handle base it is a little cumbersome.Makita also has a combo set out there. It is relatively new, w/fixed base and plunge base.For running alot of molding, or heavy use as a table mounted router though I would'nt go below a three hp. model. But these are a little heavy for alot of hand use. So you reeally need more than one tool.Hope this helps.C

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 08, 2002 01:42am | #3

   *brought the DW621 back last week... the lock-on switch wouldn't function... and the switch design / materials was not going to work by just exchanging it...gave me full credit towards a Makita RP1101...

1. 
   Alan_Ray | Jan 08, 2002 01:48am | #4

   *I got the Bosch 1617E(whateret) combo kit. Sweet deal for me. I love the soft start.

1. 
   jcallahan | Jan 08, 2002 02:20am | #5

   *The Porter Cable 690 is a good basic router ...well proven. But is basic ...no soft start and some find the switch location awkward. There is a new model 690 out, the 690 LR. It has 1/4 more hp (1 3/4). I'd lean towards a combo kit as C. Webb suggests ...... fixed base for the router table and plunge for freehand use. Another alternative might be the new Milwaukee 5615 fixed base router ........ you are supposed to be able to adjust the depth from the top of the router table with a hex wrench.http://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/html/index.html

2. 
   C._Webb | Jan 08, 2002 05:07am | #6

   *Hi guys,I noticed that the new Milwaukee "body grip" router looks nice. You grip the budy of the motor in a pre-molded grip, don't know if it would be comfortable or not.C

3. 
   SamD_ | Jan 08, 2002 05:13am | #7

   *Alan, that soft start is great isn't it? Great router all around. That new Milwaukee looks pretty nice but I wish it had soft start. Sam

4. 
   Mad_Dog | Jan 08, 2002 05:30pm | #8

   *JA Mike,My recommendation would be a 2hp plunge router. I like the Bosch, but as the article will explain, none of the routers really does everything perfectly. The Festool in the article sure looks like the Cat's ass though. Thinking about it myself.MD

5. 
   C._Webb | Jan 08, 2002 06:29pm | #9

   *Hey Mad,I don't own them but Festools are supposed to be really good tools. The are very precise and with the fences that are specifically made for them, I have read that they bring shop accuracy to the jobsite. For ex. the circular saw w/straight edge guide for trimming doors.Pricey though. Their storage cases are really nice too.C

6. 
   Mad_Dog | Jan 08, 2002 09:17pm | #10

   *Same here. I don't own any either, but they seem excellent. One of these days I'll have some extra money and a good reason..MD

7. 
   SamD_ | Jan 08, 2002 10:02pm | #11

   *MD, Who needs a good reason for fine tools? Now the money, well, that's another story. Sam

8. 
   Steve_Schefer | Jan 09, 2002 11:38pm | #12

   *JA, definitely go plunge if your only going to do it once. The Porter Cable 690 kit is nice in that it lives in both worlds with the interchangeable bases. I have two Porter Cables. The 7518 3 1/4 is in my table and the 7529 2hp plunge I use for the mobile work. If I was restricted to only one router, I think I could do almost everything with the 7529 but I would have to remove it from the table every time I needed to be mobile. The 7518 is easier to remove from the table but it is big and not as easy to handle. Makita has a new 2.25hp with soft start in a kit with dual bases. You might want to look at it. It seems to have what the 690 lacks. Rockler lists it for 299.99

9. 
   Keith_Mealy | Jan 14, 2002 08:49pm | #13

   *Try the Milwaukee hand grip before you buy it. I could only get my paws up to the second knuckle. But then, I'm 6'5" 235 lb. YMMV. Couldn't see that the web band was adjustable in any way.