Woodworking question (router choice)

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

Can anybody recommend me a router that they have personally used and trust? I'm not looking for the most expensive but I do not want the cheapest either.

I'm very unfamiliar with routers in general but would like to get one (not a table router) looking to spend under $200... hopefully...

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[CSCStang]

I use a Dewalt plunge.Made a custom jig for hole cuts that screws right on. Been using it for 5 years now and never had any issues. If you're not familiar with one, i suggest you learn on scrap first.

 

[fasfocus00 5,000+ posts]

I have a craftsman plunge router I use at work but a Dewalt I use at home. The Dewalt was $250 and has a vacuum port, I love it. The craftsman was $80, I use the hell out of it and it holds up great. I recommend either but the Dewalt is less messy and more powerful.

 

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

Nice options guys, what's the BIG difference between high and low power when doing round overs and hole cut outs for speakers.

I would imagine hole cutouts are the most demanding power wise but is a lower power router really that bad?

What's the benefit of "plunge"

 

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

One more bump for plunge benefits.

 

[CSCStang]

You don't have to unlock and adjust the depth setting. With a plunge, you can start a cut in the middle of the wood easily and you can also lock it like a fixed base router.

 

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

You don't have to unlock and adjust the depth setting. With a plunge, you can start a cut in the middle of the wood easily and you can also lock it like a fixed base router.

thanks

 

[big scott]

i have a ?

what about a good buy cheap table router ( the small ones there about a foot or 2 off the ground. i have seen them on youtub . but dont know what good.

and i also had that ? about plunge routers. im going to get a craftsman plunge router.

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Craftsman has 2 very inexpensive routers, one for $50 and one for $80. The $80 router has the plunging feature as described above and many more features (both new and improved) over the $50 router. I own the $50 version and it's a pain to work with. Changing bits is a real hassle, the fixed base makes successive cuts annoying because I have to stop the router, make all the adjustments, double check if theyre right, turn it on and continue my work, whereas a plunge router would let you do that on the spot, easier and faster.

As for a router table, honestly just make your own. They are very easy to build. Premade router tables are extremely expensive.

To make a router table, all you need is a good piece of plywood (or MDF). Drill a hole out where your router will be. The hole should be only slightly bigger than the largest bit you have (if you make the hole too big, it will just want to **** in smaller work pieces). The router base itself should have some holes drilled through it that you can attach it with. Trace out the holes, drill them, and get then get some bolts so you can attach it to the router table directly.

From there you could build a nice fence for it, cabinet/table, etc, but if you are just looking for a quick setup to do some roundover work or flush trimming (where a fence isn't necessary) then just lay the table across a pair of sawhorses to hold it up.

 

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

Craftsman has 2 very inexpensive routers, one for $50 and one for $80. The $80 router has the plunging feature as described above and many more features (both new and improved) over the $50 router. I own the $50 version and it's a pain to work with. Changing bits is a real hassle, the fixed base makes successive cuts annoying because I have to stop the router, make all the adjustments, double check if theyre right, turn it on and continue my work, whereas a plunge router would let you do that on the spot, easier and faster.
As for a router table, honestly just make your own. They are very easy to build. Premade router tables are extremely expensive.

To make a router table, all you need is a good piece of plywood (or MDF). Drill a hole out where your router will be. The hole should be only slightly bigger than the largest bit you have (if you make the hole too big, it will just want to **** in smaller work pieces). The router base itself should have some holes drilled through it that you can attach it with. Trace out the holes, drill them, and get then get some bolts so you can attach it to the router table directly.

From there you could build a nice fence for it, cabinet/table, etc, but if you are just looking for a quick setup to do some roundover work or flush trimming (where a fence isn't necessary) then just lay the table across a pair of sawhorses to hold it up.

Awesome bro, I'm happy to quote you and hope you see I appreciate your knowledge. As far as power goes, does an $80 router get the job done?Seems week but I'm cool with that price, most def.

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Awesome bro, I'm happy to quote you and hope you see I appreciate your knowledge. As far as power goes, does an $80 router get the job done?Seems week but I'm cool with that price, most def.

Yeah it's pretty good. For starting out it will be plenty fine. If you decide to move up to something nicer like a dewalt in the future you can but no reason to drop $250 right now.

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

If you want a router that can do pretty much anything, check the Porter Cable 690 series. Pretty much any aftermarket router goodies are made to fit that. It's been around for ever and still going strong.

That said, most all brand name routers in the 1-1/4 hp range are adequate for the stuff we do. The Craftsman models in that size get good reviews.

A plunge base lets you put the router flat on the work and "plunge" the bit into it. Kinda like what a drill press does. When cutting out circles for sub mounting etc with a circle jig, that's a major benefit. Fixed bases get mounted upside down in a router table. Some routers come with both types of bases (the 690 can be had that way).

 

[CSCStang]

^^^^Def a good brand^^^^

 

[Staynlean 10+ year member]

If you want a router that can do pretty much anything, check the Porter Cable 690 series. Pretty much any aftermarket router goodies are made to fit that. It's been around for ever and still going strong.
That said, most all brand name routers in the 1-1/4 hp range are adequate for the stuff we do. The Craftsman models in that size get good reviews.

A plunge base lets you put the router flat on the work and "plunge" the bit into it. Kinda like what a drill press does. When cutting out circles for sub mounting etc with a circle jig, that's a major benefit. Fixed bases get mounted upside down in a router table. Some routers come with both types of bases (the 690 can be had that way).

More thanks, good stuff

 

[big scott]

i have another ? as im going to get a router, the craftsman plunge.

doing this stuff for audio installs whats a good kit for bits? good set thats not expensive. also what the most used bits ?

i just want to make sure i get what i need.

also going to make a table as i like that idea.

just picked up a belt sander not i have a 3" and a 3/4" belt sanders.

have a table saw

drill press

band saw

want to get a nice jig saw one with laser guide,Variable Speed Orbital Jigsaw . i do have one but its getting old.