Router Comparison

[Arcrist]

If only looking in the hundred dollar range what else out there would top these?

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00917533000&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00917511000&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers

I think dewalt is out of the question, as well as PC.

 

[DaveO]

Those both look to be fine routers. It is a simple tool, just a motor that spins. The ease of adjustment, adaptability and overall durability is what can add to the costs. I would recommend that you go for something with a soft start and variable speed.
Dave

 

[Arcrist]

Ok thanks dave. I will check them out at the store. What should I look for in the table that would limit me to only craftsman routers? Is it the metal plate or just the mount that would need to be replaced?

 

[golfdad]

Check out the Ryobi at HD. Plunge,soft start, variable speed ect:icon_thum

 

[NCPete]

sorry, this may sound like a broken record, but check out your local pawn shops for some incredible deals. I got one of these (DW 621) for $80, and one of these (milwaukee 5615-20) for $40. A few shortfalls with both routers, I only got one collet with each, they can be replaced for $15-20.

 

[Ken Massingale]

I strongly suggest that you get one that takes both 1/4 and 1/2" shank bits.
ken

 

[Arcrist]

Im going for new, but i dont want ryobi, because I saw the one at homedepot and its all plastic. I think sears is a step up for just a little more money.

I think for the router, like dave said, I should get variable speed and soft start. Ill check for the 1/4 and 1/2 bit feature.

 

[DaveO]

Andy, you can probably re-drill and countersink new holes to mount a different brand router in most router table set-up. Check to see if the mounting noles in the router base are threaded, and if it uses common looking screws.
Dave

 

[Sharp Blade]

Im going for new, but i dont want ryobi, because I saw the one at homedepot and its all plastic. I think sears is a step up for just a little more money.

I think for the router, like dave said, I should get variable speed and soft start. Ill check for the 1/4 and 1/2 bit feature.

Andy, don't knock Ryobi, the company in Asia makes the Craftsman version as well. The plastic you are referring to is very, very hard. That router went flying out of my hands while (I'm just a novice) and landed on the table with only a mark. I have used it since then, several times, and it's just like new. I love my $99 router.

 

[Mtnman]

I guess that which router you buy really depends on how you intend to use it and the features it has. Do you want to be able to use it in your router table and then take it out and also use it on your bench? do you want to use a router lift with it in the router table? will you want to use both 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch shank bits? How about one with a plunge and extra fixed base?
Lots of options to consider, and I am going through them all trying to pick the router that would be best for my requirements.
Right now I am considering the Marvel 3hp variable speed plunge router ($179) with the Router Raizer attachment ($89) by MLCS.
I want it for dedicated use in my router table. Anyone have any suggestions about this choice? Andy, have you looked at this one? They also have a 2hp version for $134.

 

[Canuck]

Andy,

Keep an I on Amazon.com. Here is the DW618B3 w/$50.00 off - Mar 6th.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CCXU3/qid=1141484531/sr=1-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5926651-0958226?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

For around $200, you would be set for a long while, I believe. - 3 bases, 2 1/4HP, soft start, VS and 1/4. 1/2 collets. Also. If you wanr to buy yourself a dovetail jig for those boxes you build; the DW bases accept PC templates.

Wayne

Or.....I have a Craftsman that I can sell ya! w/new collet nut, original box and manual!

 

[Arcrist]

I am almost finished assembling the table now.

This is what I got today: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926608000&subcat=Router+Tables+%26+Attachments and
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926834000&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers

I also stopped by lowes and got 1/4" bit straight bit and a 1/2" roman edge bit. I am done spending money now hehe

 

[Canuck]

Enjoy Andy!!

Keep an eye out for another Woodside router bit sale over at Woodcraft in Raleigh. A little over a week ago, you could buy bits at $5.00 apiece.

Bits will be your next investment, I am sure.

Let us know how you like the setup.

Take care and wear your hearing protection!

Wayne

 

[DaveO]

Andy, sound like you are set up! I can't wait to see what you can turn out now. Please be safe.
Dave

 

[D L Ames]

Looks like you finally took the plunge there Andy...........good deal. Now lets see you take your boxes to the next level.

D L

 

[Arcrist]

Thanks guys,

Im working on a vertical necklace box for a co-workers daughter (shes hot, so ill make it nice)

Im doing dado joints for most everything since I only have a straight bit and the roman thing.

The router isnt that loud, much quieter than my table saw. No complaints so far on the quality. It works nice, especially since I dont know what im doing yet.

Ill post some pics tommorow when the box is looking more like a box.

 

[Mtnman]

Andy,

Keep an I on Amazon.com. Here is the DW618B3 w/$50.00 off - Mar 6th.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CCXU3/qid=1141484531/sr=1-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5926651-0958226?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

Wayne

I decided to buy the DW618B3 from Amazon. com. That is a really good price. Too good to be true!
I had the order all filled out, but when I tried to enter the $50.00 off code (50offmar) they would not accept it on this offer.
I have had similar problems before with amazon.com. They are very tricky with their merchandising methods. The web page clearly states that they are offering $50.00 off on any purchase of $250 or more.
I closed the window on that one! Too bad, I thought I was going to get a new router. Ooooh well, just have to keep looking.

 

[D L Ames]

Andy,

Keep an I on Amazon.com. Here is the DW618B3 w/$50.00 off - Mar 6th.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CCXU3/qid=1141484531/sr=1-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5926651-0958226?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

Wayne

I decided to buy the DW618B3 from Amazon. com. That is a really good price. Too good to be true!
I had the order all filled out, but when I tried to enter the $50.00 off code (50offmar) they would not accept it on this offer.
I have had similar problems before with amazon.com. They are very tricky with their merchandising methods. The web page clearly states that they are offering $50.00 off on any purchase of $250 or more.
I closed the window on that one! Too bad, I thought I was going to get a new router. Ooooh well, just have to keep looking.

Talley, I think the problem might be because the router is listed for $249.94........$.06 under the $250 requirement. You might try tossing a router bit in the cart along with that router and see if the code will work then. Just a thought.

D L

 

[Canuck]

Talley,

I tried ordering the DW618B3 and added the PC templates and it still wouldn't take their $50.00 off code! :BangHead: Personally, I would give their customer service a call and ask what is going on! (I have heard that they are pretty reasonable and easy to get ahold of.) It certainly may be worth a try!

Wayne

 

[NCPete]

Usually ships in 1-2 business days. Ships from and sold by Grizzly.

That last word may be the problem, as the sale is described below:

Offer applies only to purchases of products sold by Amazon.com.

So, I would read this item as being sold through Amazon, and not by Amazon.