Comments on: Reader Question: Plunge Router Selection

By: Ian Ragsdale

Ian Ragsdale — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:12:21 +0000

I bought the Hitachi KM12VC from Amazon for CHEAP! Still only $168. 2.25 horsepower, comes with plunge & fixed bases, does slow start, works with porter cable accessories. I’ve only had it for a few months, but so far it’s been great, and it has a nearly 5-star rating on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-KM12VC-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B0002ZZWX8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1234249728&sr=8-1

By: Coach James

Coach James — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:24:34 +0000

My latest router buy was this one:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917543000P?vName=Tools&cName=Portable+Power+Tools&sName=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers

the 17543 model

I know C-man power tools are supposed to be junk etc, but this looks suspiciously like a PC and has been excellent for me.

Also, I thought Emerson and Sears parted ways years ago after the radial arm saw lawsuits.

By: Shopmonger

Shopmonger — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:24:25 +0000

Sean if oyu are ever near NJ, you can come over and try the 3 that I have…..
Just drop me a line….

By: Bill Schuller

Bill Schuller — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:32:38 +0000

Quick Tip - Ridgid tools are manufactured by Emerson Electric, the same folks who make a lot of the Crasftsman gear, so accessories are usually interchangeable. Especially helpful since Home Depot is notorious in my circles for stocking tools, but not the accessories or consumables that go with ‘em.

By: Bill Schuller

Bill Schuller — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:21:37 +0000

I have the Ridgid Multi-base router combo kit (2 1/4 Horses). I have to admit I’ve never pushed it to it’s limits in my humble shop, and I certainly bought more than I needed. It has a built-in lift system which is killer for the router table. It’s treated me well, and it has the Ridgid lifetime guarantee, which I’ve never had the opportunity to invoke, so I can’t speak to it’s validity.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100634368&N=10000003+90401+527284+1600

By: Alex L.

Alex L. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:33:35 +0000

At my personal shop i have a Makita 1.5 Hp (model number is no doubt discontinued now) plunge router thats at least 18 years old as always works flawlessly. the only gripe is having to use two wrenches rather than a more modern shaft lock and wrench setup. never ever had trouble with ANY makita or bosche tool and probably have a collective 40 years of life in my various ones (drills, router, jigsaw etc…) so my vote is definately for bosche or makita.

@ Micheal W.
At my school’s toolshop we have the same setup of talbe saws, one rockwell for dadoing and one sawstop mounted end to end. its amazingly efficient. and anything you cant do on there we just put on the 4 HP CNC router that has a bed big enough to put a whole sheet of plywood on. fun!

By: MattW

MattW — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:33:44 +0000

If you go for the Dewalt, get the three base kit to begin with, rather than deciding the D handle would be nice later (it is nice). Right now on Amazon, it is like $50 more, which is a lot less than the $110 they want for just the base. I have seen in on sale where it is only like $20 more for the three base kit. Seeing that doesn’t make me feel very smart.

By: Michael W.

Michael W. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:43:32 +0000

Yet another vote for the Bosch 1617. The two base set and soft start are just nice. I use the fixed base in my Kreg table usually and have never had a problem with the plunge base.

I agree with the dado blade solution. I have a table saw that is just used for dados. It’s set up back to back with my other saw, they both serve as outfeed tables for the other.

By: paganwonder

paganwonder — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:54:46 +0000

Makita 3612 or Bosch 1617 have done tens of thousands of dollars of work for me without ANY trouble. Would re-purchase either one. Don’t go cheap with big routers

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:16:01 +0000

Another vote for the Bosch. Finewoodworking gave it a rave review. I bought it, and can see why they loved it.

By: Eli

Eli — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:09:33 +0000

Nobody’s mentioned Festool’s 2200, so I’ll throw the standard plug. It’s like a handheld shaper and smooth like budda.

By: DaveD

DaveD — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:01:05 +0000

I bought a used Makita 3612 on ebay for something like $30. I’ve been pretty happy with it. I’m no router expert, but knew I wanted a 1/2″ plunge router. It’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it.

By: Jim Crockett

Jim Crockett — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:58:16 +0000

I have the Bosch 1617PK router set (2HP with plunge & regular bases, case) and I would highly recommend the newer Bosch 1617EVSPK (2.25HP, soft-start, variable speed, constant-speed circuitry, micro-fine adjustment). Bosch customer service is excellent and parts are readily available if needed. Even with the 2HP version, I have never run into any wood that gave me a problem as far as power is concerned. If my 1617 died on me today, I would immediately go out and purchase the 1617EVSPK!

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:41:15 +0000

I swear by the Porter Cable routers. I have 6 of them, and they are well built, acurate, and rugged. You can’t go wrong with them.

By: Splintered Board

Splintered Board — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:33:08 +0000

I would definitely suggest that a plunge router is a tool that you don’t want to go for a cheap ass tool. So, I’d steer clear of HF this time. I would suggeste the DW 621 like someone above already has. Clean, reliable, variable speed, sturdy.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:22:59 +0000

A warning about Triton Products-
While I like them, and their routers are well received, I saw on another web site that they are going out of business.

http://www.woodworkforums.com/

GMC?Triton liquidation
http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=85704&highlight=triton

By: Sprackle

Sprackle — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:14:15 +0000

Choose one that takes Porter Cable accessories. That’s an aftermarket standard.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:57:25 +0000

Hey Toolmonger, I’m thinking about getting an oscillating tool like the Fein Multimaster or the new knocks off from Rockwell or Dremel which are coming out because Fein’s patent has expired.

How about an oscillating tool celebrity smack down….

Thanks!

By: Stan

Stan — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:50:50 +0000

Love my PC 691 “D” handle, have had it for years, plenty of power.
I’ll also agree with Gary above. the Bosch 1617 with soft start is nice. I use it in my router table, and also have the plunge base when needed. The Bosch has one of the smoothest operating plunge bases.

By: fred

fred — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:40:35 +0000

Re: PutnamEco Says:

You are on the mark relative to using a dado set and table saw for cutting slots where you can bring the work to the tool.
I may have been assuming that the application was on field work where the slots needed to be cut in-place using a router.
Your remark about the fence / alignment and inherent slop in this sort of operation is well put. Perhaps the new Dewalt plunge saw router carriage (a recent Toolmonger Post) or using a Festool router with its carriage and fence would help – if you can stand the price.

By the way, we’ve never bought many Dewalt tools – so I can’t comment on them.
Also never bought a Makita, Milwaukee or Hitachi router – so nothing I could contribute about them either.

By: Jim German

Jim German — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:39:57 +0000

Sounds like the next toolmonger project should be to build a Router table!

By: BT

BT — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:38:01 +0000

For versatility go with a set that has multiple bases. I have DeWalt 3 base set which has fixed, plunge and D-Handle. I find I use the D-Handle most followed by the plunge. I’ve also used the Bosch 1618 Kit and it is also really nice.

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:30:09 +0000

I have the Bosch 1617 EVSPK (I’m pretty sure that’s the right model nbr) two base set. Been using it for years with no problems at all. And they’ll even match your Colt.

By: PutnamEco

PutnamEco — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:23:14 +0000

My first thought when I think of 3/4″ slots would be to use a dado blade, That said, will You be using an edge guide? I find that plunge routers don’t work that well for my with an edge guide. I prefer a standard base router like Milwaukees 5625 for heavy edge guided routing. If you really need the plunge, you won’t go wrong with DeWalts 625.
I’ll second what Andy said about really needing a big router, They will easily cut through 3/4″ plywood, With the right bit, almost as fast as a circular saw.
Pat Warners website is an excellent resource..

By: tooldork

tooldork — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:22:40 +0000

@ Andy - Would have to disagree having owned the DW618 PK. I’ve had numerous problems with the plunge lever and the dust collection system.

This was my first router kit and would never buy DeWalt again due to my experience with this kit.