Best type of router

[RunninRedline 10+ year member]

I'm going to buy a router for box building. Do I buy fixed base or plunge? Also, do you have any recommendations?

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[here to buy 10+ year member]

Plunge.

a bunch of woodworkers I know run only Bosch or porter cable.

I have a plunge Black and Decker, does its job great.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Having a small fixed base for flush trim and roundover work might not be a bad idea, and use the plunge for cutting.

I have a Porter Cable that works great, but if I could afford one now, I'd get a Festool. Best tools I've ever used.

 

[RunninRedline 10+ year member]

Mind if I ask the noob question, what makes the fixed base better than the plunge for trim?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

It may be easier for you to control a smaller router for more delicate work, than a heavier and wider plunge.

 

[GetLikeMe 10+ year member]

It may be easier for you to control a smaller router for more delicate work, than a heavier and wider plunge.

x2 I used a small fixed based ridgid router for trim work. And less hastle changing bits etc

 

[spltuscon 10+ year member]

I bought a Makita combo set (fixed and plunge) a few years ago and it has been really good to me. I use it 3-5 days a week and no issues. I haven't used the others mentioned to compare, but if you plan on using it often, its worth the extra to get a commercial grade tool. By that I mean Makita, Porter-Cable, Bosch, Festool, and not homeowner types (such as Ryobi, Black and Decker, Skil, etc...). If you are only going to use it occasionally then they would do the job.

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

I'm going to buy a router for box building. Do I buy fixed base or plunge? Also, do you have any recommendations?

Whats going to be your main use for it? Do you plan on rounding edges? Just for cutting the holes? Will you use it for anything other than boxes?

 

[Fique 10+ year member]

for sale....

 

[RunninRedline 10+ year member]

Whats going to be your main use for it? Do you plan on rounding edges? Just for cutting the holes? Will you use it for anything other than boxes?

My main intentions will be to get a Jasper jig for cutting holes and recesses and to round the corners of my home audio speaker box projects.

 

[john denver 10+ year member]

I have been using an old craftsman fixed base router fo evry thing never had any problems out of it