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What Router to buy

Barney | Posted in Tools for Home Building on June 5, 2007 08:42am

I have always gotten great advice and suggestions on here. So, I thought I would ask once again.

Looking for a father’s day gift for myself.  I would like to get a new router.

1/2 inch and 1/4 inch compatible.
plunge

Some thought Porter Cable or Bosch.

All ideas will be listened to.

Thanks
Barney

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Replies

  1. SBerruezo | Jun 05, 2007 09:02pm | #1

    I have the Bosch combo kit, and I like it a lot. My biggest issue (which is easy to fix) is that it doesn't take the standard P-C style guide bushings.

    You can buy a different baseplate for it or make you own to accept the bushings. Bosch does have it's own style, and mine came with a few of them.

    You probably can't go wrong with either, I have just been very happy with my Bosch.

     

    1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 03:23pm | #8

      I've heard good things about the Bosch. 

      Not sure if the PC has the soft start.   I think that would be a good option.

      The 2 I have now are so old and louder than anything.

      Thanks

       

  2. detailedbuilder | Jun 05, 2007 09:07pm | #2

    lots of info to narrow down.how much HP do you need?........

    FHB has a great article on routers. issue # 144 if you got them or can see  article on web if subscribed on line.

     

    1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 03:24pm | #9

      I thought there was an article I read.  I have all of the last 5 years in a box.  I'll have to go pull the issue and read it.

      Thanks

       

  3. User avater
    IMERC | Jun 06, 2007 06:08am | #3

    Bosch como set..

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 03:26pm | #10

      I'm leaning that way.  As my tools start to go and I have been replacing them, I've been going Bosch.   So far very happy with all of them.

      What, may I ask, comes in the combo kit?

      ThanksBarney

      1. Sasquatch | Jun 06, 2007 03:41pm | #14

        The combo kit gives you one router with a plunge base and a fixed base.  These are easy to swap.  I started out with my fixed base mounted to the table, so I could do me free and plunge routing with the plunger, and just pop it into the fixed base, which was permanently mounted under the table.

        Then I bought the Bosch router fence from amazon for about $40.  This is a really nice fence, but needs to work with the fixed base.  So I bought the extra under table mounting base, for about $50, which allows bit height changes from above the table.  Now it is permanently mounted.

        In other words, I now have a router and three bases that are easily interchangeable for less than $300.00, which I think is a good deal.

        1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 04:54pm | #15

          It appears that the majority favor the Bosch combo kit. 

          I'll have to start shopping around for the best price. 

          ThanksBarney

          1. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 06, 2007 07:11pm | #17

            for the package, performance and money there are some tools that Bosch rules..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          2. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 08:36pm | #20

            Agree.  I have not had any problems.

            Actually looking at adding the new PS40-2 lithium impact to the list.

             

          3. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 06, 2007 08:40pm | #21

            those are sweet...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          4. Sasquatch | Jun 06, 2007 11:24pm | #22

            I also have the Ridgid combo kit, which is very comparable to the Bosch.  For under $200, you get a lot of extras.  My favorite feature is the dual bright LED lights that come on when you are routing.  It can also be adjusted from the top of the table without buying anything extra.  I have it mounted on a Freud table, which has had a price drop at Lowe's of about $20 or so.  With this table, you have to drill your own holes.  With care, I was able to get it done pretty exactly.  I used the router to countersink the screws.

            I bought both the Bosch and Ridgid to take them home, read the manuals, and really get to know the advantages of each.  In the end I figured what the heck - I can have them paid off in a less than two years if I pay about a dollar a day.  I cut a few corners here and there, skipped my two beers when eating out and drank water instead, baked some pizza instead of ordering out, found ways to get places without wasting as much gas, such as combining trips and planning ahead.  I had them both paid off in two months and don't regret my purchases.  I will have these routers for many years and have spent money on them that would have been used for transitory pleasures.

            Edited for spelling.

            Edited 6/6/2007 4:26 pm ET by Sasquatch

          5. Barney | Jun 07, 2007 03:30pm | #23

            I'll have to take a look at that kit as well. I've been very please with the rigid tools so far.  

            Well, it appears I have my work cut out for me.  I'll have to take a look at 3 of them: Rigid, PC, and Bosch. 

            ThanksBarney

          6. SBerruezo | Jun 08, 2007 07:19am | #24

            I gave my bit on the Bosch. My second thing is if looking at the PC, know that there is 2 kits--the 690 and the 890. 890 is newer, more powerful, variable speed, dunno about soft start, and will I think also accept the older 690 bases.Just so's you know. 

          7. Barney | Jun 08, 2007 03:32pm | #25

            Thank you very much for all of the insight.

            I think I'm going to have to dig in my attic for the issue on routers and read.

            ThanksBob

             

          8. Billy | Jun 09, 2007 04:07am | #26

            You can get a good deal on a reconditioned one from CPO Bosch:http://bosch.cpotools.com/

            I put the fixed base on my router table and use the plunge base otherwise.  Also got the Bosch Colt for smaller tasks.  Reconditioned is the way to go if you're looking to save a few $$$, and they come with a ful warranty from Bosch.

            Billy

          9. JulianTracy | Jun 09, 2007 10:02am | #28

            I had the basic Porter Cable dual base kit a few years ago -- 690 series. Plunge base was a pain in the butt to put the motor into and the plunge action was not so smooth.They have since come out with the 890 series dual base kit but it seems real clumbsy in person and from what I read in forums, folks don't like it so much.After I sold the PC kit, I bought the Dewalt 2 1/4 three base kit. Nice setup - removable cord handy for the D handle base, but adjusting the bit height was not so precise - kindof sloppy.Sold that - just got the Bosch 1618 (?) dual base kit - it is NICE. Smooth plunge, precise adjust - great feeling. Wish it had removable cord set like the Dewalt though.For Dual base kits - the Bosch seems to be the ticket.For single handheld use - the Milwaukee grip routers are very nice.For table use - the Milwaukee 3 HP or the PC 3HP are both highly reccomended.I have the PC laminate trimmer kit - it's now been re-badged as a Dewalt Laminate trimmer setup - same moter, diff top, same bases.Just picked up a Ridgid Laminate trimmer kit for $50 at HD on Clearance - actually like it so far - it has one of the best edge guides of any I've used, and unlike the PC - it has a round sub-base.As for the Bosch Combo - I was abel to pick up the two base kit with the deluxe edge guide and vaccuum hookups + a Frued $79 tounge and groove 1/2" bit set for $170 total from Amazon a while back.You do not want a Refurb Bosch kit because you may end up with the older versions that were Magnesium instead of the newer Aluminum bases - the Mag Bases tarnished and got less than smooth. Also - you will definately NOT get the Standard base that allows for adjustment above the table in router table use. Only the newer kits had that version of the base enclosed. I'll bet 100% of the refurbs will come with the older non-above the table adjust standard base. And for sure you will not get a free edge guide with the refurbs.Check Amazon - there's a search engine web page that shows historical data for lows and highs on Amazon tools - that complete combo has been as low as $142 I think. No tax, no shipping makes a deal that can't be beat. You'll pay tax with CPO Bosch I think...Reagards,Julian

      2. User avater
        IMERC | Jun 06, 2007 07:07pm | #16

        fixed base, plunge base, both sized collets, case...

        but ya need more than one kit..

         

         Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 08:34pm | #19

          Thanks.   That's the one I'm going to go with.

          Appreciate the assistance and advice.

          ThanksBarney

  4. RW | Jun 06, 2007 06:40am | #4

    How much is the budget? I'll tell ya, I was a big PC router fan for a long time. Ive still got I think 5 of those, including two of the big ones, in a stationary and plunge base. For big bits, heavy work, I like them because the mass keeps them still and theres a glut of aftermarkets for them. I had a Makita, briefly . . . that sold for 50 bucks to the first taker. You can tell what I thought of that. I got a 2 1/4 hp Bosch a few years ago, plunge, and I've used the Festool 1400.

    The Festool is really slick, but its also costly. And they're not trying to cater to everyone. The PCs are good routers, and I still use them pretty regular, but the Bosch. Man. For smooth, comfortable, quiet, and well thought out in a package the average joe can afford, that one would be my pick. I'd say the big PC if you're doing router table work, and the Festo if your tastes in tools lean more towards the Krystal than the California Chardonnay.

    Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

    1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 03:30pm | #11

      great information.   I have a delta router/shaper table already.  I have the small Bosch lamenent trimer.  This has been great.

      I definately want: plunge capability, plenty of aftermarket accessories, soft start, capability to accept two sizes of bits.

      Money??? Well, I'm thinking its father's day and as a new father that shouldn't be factor.  LOL!!  Besides, I have an awesome wife with a great job.

      ThanksBarney

  5. grpphoto | Jun 06, 2007 06:53am | #5

    I have the Bosch 1613 EVS and like it a great deal. The only problem I have is that the base is aluminum and the screws that hold the base plate on strip out easily. This is a problem if you swap bases a lot.

    George Patterson
    1. User avater
      IMERC | Jun 06, 2007 07:56am | #6

      multiple routers with different bases..

      get mag bases...

      no change outs...

      try the 1619EVS...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    2. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 03:31pm | #12

      Thanks for the heads up.

      Much appreciated.

       

  6. sharpblade | Jun 06, 2007 02:26pm | #7

    You are best served by having different ones to do different jobs.

    The 1/2" ones also run the 1/4" bits, some have both fixed and plunge bases.

    Regardless, you want to end up with many, MANY routers.  Can't have too many, so start buying.

     

    :-)

    1. Barney | Jun 06, 2007 03:33pm | #13

      It seems that every time I go to the store be it HD or Lowes I end up buying something.

      Wife is very good like that.   If I've had a bad day at work, she wants to take me out and buy my a tool. 

      She's got great motherly instincts.  Although, I know my son is going to be spoiled beyond belief.

      ThanksBarney

  7. JMadson | Jun 06, 2007 08:28pm | #18

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Porter-Cable-694VK-plunge-router-with-fixed-base-NEW_W0QQitemZ150129773212QQihZ005QQcategoryZ20781QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    Everything you need is right here.

     
  8. Jer | Jun 09, 2007 05:15am | #27

    I have had both. I did not like the Bosch at all. It was a very expensive 3hp vs plunge and it was a real lemon. I eventually threw it away I was so pizzed...didn't even give it to anyone. I have a Bosch laminate trimmer that I am about to do the same with. I think their routers really suck. Maybe they don't, but I haven't any experience otherwise. The only Bosch tool I have ever liked is my corded jig saw. That's a great tool. The corded hammer drill I won is ok I s'pose.

    The PC router I have had for about 18 years and love it. I will buy another when the time is right, especially now that they have the combo kits.

    It's funny how different companies seem to be better in some types of tools than others.

  9. springman62 | Jun 09, 2007 11:39pm | #29

    What ever setup, get porter cable.  Seems every tool company has their one tool that is heads and shoulders above the rest and I think Porter cable routers are the best.  I also would say the same thing about bosch and their jig saws.

    1. JulianTracy | Jun 10, 2007 05:16pm | #30

      That's probably not the case for routers anymore.They made the workhorse of the industry for years, so if you want a no-frills router with no features, get the PC 690 - and if you want a HD table model, you can't go wrong with the bug PC, but for a multi-purpose dual base kit the Bosch is so much nicer it's no comparison really.That's just my opinion of course.JT

      1. springman62 | Jun 10, 2007 07:01pm | #31

        That may be true, I haven't been in the field for a while so I haven't been buying as many tools lately, but I do love my PC routers.

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