New router for router table (circa 2025)

[SBaiera]

What are people finding in terms of new routers to be used in a router table in 2025?

• SpinRite Routers - Discontinued
• JessEm Pow-R-Tek - Discontinued
• Porter-Cable - Discontinued a while ago
• And mixed reviews on just about every brand/make/model currently available.

Are there any good, solid routers to be used in a router table. My Triton basically melted down, and needs to be sent back.

I'm about to just buy a cheap router from Harbor Freight, or maybe a cheap refurbished Rigid, as none of the more expensive options seem to hold up.

This is the problem that occurs when most of the tools in the world are made by the same few manufacturers -typically overseas.

If anyone actually comes out with a true solid performer, they could dominate this market.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[demondeacon]

I have two Porter Cables and they are solid. Never had any problems. One is in the router table and the other is to use for hand use. Also have a Dewalt 2-1/4 HP for plunge cuts which I also like. The Dewalt also comes with a fixed base which I assume would be fine for a router table, but I don't use it for that.

 

[rcarmac]

I have a Bosch in mine

 

[JNCarr]

I have a porter cable router that Ive used for years both "above board and below", i.e., free hand and in a table.
Also have the same one for sale at $100 if you want it. Motor is great - no ozone = good brushes. Thay last a long time.
PM me if you're interested.

 

[Oka]

I Have a Triton 3.25 hp in a table
A Bosch 2.25 combo plunge
A 2.25 rigid
3- 1.25 cordless dewalts

 

[Mike Davis]

If you are not ready for Festool then Bosch.
I still have a Bosch Colt for small work, had to get rid of the big one because of the switch at the top. Of course, if you are only using in a table the switch won't matter.
For freehand I never want to release the grip while turning on the router.

 

[zdorsch]

I have the Bosch 1617 combination, an DW621 and a makita rf1101 that have served me well for years. I believe all are still manufactured and available for $250 or less.

I also wouldn’t be scared of used. I have a few more older routers that still work well that I’ve inherited and picked up over the years that continue working (the oldest is a 70’s model craftsman).

 

[LeftyTom]

I have a Milwaukee 5616-29, 2 1/4HP, combo with fixed and plunge bases.

 

[Gboot]

Bosch 1617 in mine as well

 

[Canuck]

I have been very happy with the Milwaukee 5625-20 router in my router table for the last 10 years or so. Rated at 3 1/2 HP, it has performed flawlessly with everything I have thrown at it.

 

[Wilsoncb]

Regardless of what router you have I think how you use it is more important. Most of us are not using our equipment for production so speed should not be the top priority. I started with a less powerful router (2.25 Bosch) and got used to reducing the amount removed and making more passes. Take what the power will give you and it will also give you a better finish. I recently found a used 3.25 Porter Cable and don’t notice any difference because I’m in the habit of using it the same way I used the less powerful one. The Bosch 1617 is a solid unit for a router table in my opinion.

 

[ChemE75]

My table is a Rockwell so kind of stuck using my old p-c 537. But I’m no longer running it in a shop. It ran for a decade or so in a custom shop, but since it just intermittent use in my home shop. A newish Makita 2.25 hp router I picked up slightly used feels pretty robust to me, runs smooth as silk and is quieter than any other I’ve used, but I’ve only used it a little bit so far, it’s my new go-to handheld and I’m impressed enough to think the bigger brother would be a solid performer.. Also got a used Bosch trim router that feels solidly built but hard to scale up an opinion on the bigger versions. If had to chose right now, I’d go makita.

FWIW, I think router tables are fine but not substitutes for an actual shaper in pro shop. But I definitely understand budget constraints!