Hi,
Here's my situation:
I'm a beginner.
I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
and nice grooves.
I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
Will this keep me happy:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223K9/qid=1152642950/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-9406795-4089440?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
?
If not, can you recommend one?
Many thanks in advance!
Aaron Fude
> > I'm a beginner.
> > I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> > and nice grooves.
> > I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
A 3+ HP router seems like overkill for the relatively light-duty uses
you've described. I have a 2 1/4 HP Dewalt 618, and I've never found
it to be underpowered. Unless you're using big panel-raising bits or
something large-diameter like that, I don't think you'll need 3HP. Of
course it wouldn't hurt, especially if you had it mounted in a table,
but if you're using it by hand then something smaller and lighter might
give you better control and therefore be safer.
Amazon also has a Hitachi combo fixed/plunge KM12VC for $120. If you
want to stick with a plunge router, they also have a Porter Cable (good
brand) 2HP, model 7529, reconditioned for $160 +shipping.
Or Amazon has the Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and
Plunge Base Kit for $170.
Check out toolking.com for some more deals on plunge routers in the
price range you mentioned.
Good luck,
Andy
I personally own a PC 893PK, and I've been very happy with it. It's
pretty quiet, and I like the soft start.
If I were just getting into the hobby (which, I guess I still am), and
needed a new router, Amazon has the Hitachi KM12VC 2.25hp kit on sale
for $120.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002ZZWX8/ref=nosim/102-7976820-4364909?n=228013
It's not a bad deal, you get fixed and plunge bases, and from what I
understand, a pretty decent router.
It might. More on selecting the 60 + extant routers at the:
http://patwarner.com/selecting_router.html link.
*****************************************************************************
[email protected] wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Here's my situation:
> I'm a beginner.
> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> and nice grooves.
> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
>
> Will this keep me happy:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223K9/qid=1152642950/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-9406795-4089440?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
>
> ?
>
> If not, can you recommend one?
>
> Many thanks in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude
[email protected] wrote:
> Hi,
[snipped for brevity]
> ?
>
> If not, can you recommend one?
>
I have 7 routers which are in operation all the time. Their duties are
divided between the Milwaukee 1516-21 and the Hitachi M12V.
For precision and ease of handling, the Milwaukee is a jewel. I love it
to bits.
For plunge action and raw balls, the Hitachi is the best bang for the
buck.
I fabricate solid surface countertops, a craft which is very demanding
on both the durability and power of a router. I used to be Porter Cable
all the way, but found them to have slipped in quality over the years.
A lot of my wooden friends are happy with DeWalts and Bosches, but the
solid surface guys shy away from them. It's the type of abrasive dust,
I guess.
YMMV
r
[email protected] wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Here's my situation:
> I'm a beginner.
> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> and nice grooves.
> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
Here's another relative rook's opinion: I agree with what most of the
others have said...it's probably going to be too intimidating to be a
good first router. Think smaller. I have a Bosch 1617 EVSPK and I
couldn't be happer with it. Soft start, variable speed, *_excellent_*
bases (both plunge and fixed). I don't care for Porter Cable's
routers. I've used several models in WWing classes, and they can't
hold a candle to the Bosch. Clumsy bases, poorly engineered adjustment
mechanisms. A hand-held router can be an intimidating thing...do
yourself a favor and get one with the best ergonomics you can find.
Others mentioned the Dewalt...I've never used any of theirs so can't
comment.
> charlie b
>
> "List price" of $541! Sounds like the same marketing crew that started
> the SIX HORSEPOWER (on a 20 amp 120 V circuit?) thing have moved
> on to LIST PRICE.
Ain't that sumptin'? I was startled at first, now I just laugh. The
Hitachi M12V at one dealer in Canada: MSRP $ 649.00 NOW $ 579.00!!!...
But...(here comes the funny:) IF you buy today $ 229.00.
Point being, you can buy that router for $230- $250 all day long all
over the place.
So I think you're right, charlieb, but I think they also brought in
some of the tennis-shoe guys.. it's not just bullshit..it's colourful
bullshit to boot!
r
Aa,
The first powertool that I bought specifically for woodworking was a
router. I bought the Bosch 1619EVS - it too is a 3 1/4 hp monster. The
thing is - it was too much of a monster. Heavy - way too heavy for
freehand use on a regular basis. Looks that that Hitachi weighs in on
the heavy side too!
For what you mentioned, and if you are open to recommendations, I'd look
at a much smaller machine - perhaps the Porter Cable combo (or Bosch) -
Porter-Cable 694VK 1-3/4 HP Variable Speed Router Kit
Was: $430.00 $199.00
Now: $189.00
My inner tool freak machismo took over in thinking I had to have the
biggest and baddest... it was a mistake. I don't recommend going that
"route."
Good luck.
- jbd in Denver
[email protected] wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Here's my situation:
> I'm a beginner.
> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> and nice grooves.
> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
>
> Will this keep me happy:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223K9/qid=1152642950/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-9406795-4089440?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
>
> ?
>
> If not, can you recommend one?
>
> Many thanks in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude
>
[email protected] wrote:
> Here's my situation:
> I'm a beginner.
> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> and nice grooves.
> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
Other than the nice grooves, the rest would be a little
tricky to do with a hand held router. By picture frame I think
you're talking about profiled stuff - decorative trim and molding
as well. LOTS easier to do that type of thing on a router table,
preferably with a good fence. The router will be the least of the
expense.
I've got a couple of Porter Cables and three count 'em three
Dewalt plunge routers - two DW621s and a DW625. With the
exception of the DW625 which is a 3 1/4 hp if I recall correctly,
the others are a horse and a half to two and a half horsepower.
I bought a DW621 plunge first and it's still my favorite for hand
held work though I did get by well enough with the other one
mounted in a router table. Until I got to using a raised panel
bit and got the DW625 for that purpose, the DW621 was, and
still is my favorite. It's light, well thought out, has variable
speed - and soft start (with the Porter Cable routers I have
to hang on firmly when I turn it on - away from the work until
the start up kick is over. Not a problem with the DW621 - or
the DW625 for that matter.
The one shortcoming of the DW621 is the small base - round
at both ends, flat and straight on the sides - with different
offsets to the bit. But being able to grab the handles, trigger
it on or off, plunge and lock it down - without having to take
EITHER hand off the handles is a joy and a blessing. ANYTHING
that makes you look away or remove your hand from the handles
is a screw up waiting to happen. NOT GOOD when a pair of carbide
chunks are spinning at 20-28K rpms.
Get the Dewalt DW621. I guarantee you won't regret it. It's
dust collection set up actually work when attached to a shop
vac.
charlie b
"List price" of $541! Sounds like the same marketing crew that started
the SIX HORSEPOWER (on a 20 amp 120 V circuit?) thing have moved
on to LIST PRICE.
[email protected] wrote:
>
> It might. More on selecting the 60 + extant routers at the:
> http://patwarner.com/selecting_router.html link.
> *****************************************************************************
Note his opinion of the DW621.
His offset base for the DW621 solves the unit's narrow base
shortcoming.
charlie b
I wish my first had been the Bosch 1617, instead of my 4th! I gave the first
two away (Crapsmen),
Jim
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
>
> Here's my situation:
> I'm a beginner.
> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> and nice grooves.
> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
>
> Will this keep me happy:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223K9/qid=1152642950/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-9406795-4089440?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
>
> ?
>
> If not, can you recommend one?
>
> Many thanks in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude
>
Andy wrote:
>>> I'm a beginner.
>>> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
>>> and nice grooves.
>>> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
>
> A 3+ HP router seems like overkill for the relatively light-duty uses
> you've described. I have a 2 1/4 HP Dewalt 618, and I've never found
> it to be underpowered. Unless you're using big panel-raising bits or
> something large-diameter like that, I don't think you'll need 3HP. Of
> course it wouldn't hurt, especially if you had it mounted in a table,
> but if you're using it by hand then something smaller and lighter might
> give you better control and therefore be safer.
> Amazon also has a Hitachi combo fixed/plunge KM12VC for $120. If you
> want to stick with a plunge router, they also have a Porter Cable (good
> brand) 2HP, model 7529, reconditioned for $160 +shipping.
> Or Amazon has the Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and
> Plunge Base Kit for $170.
> Check out toolking.com for some more deals on plunge routers in the
> price range you mentioned.
> Good luck,
> Andy
>
I agree with Andy. I have the Dewalt 618. I think it is perfect for
the beginner. Multiple bases give flexibility. Not overly weighty.
Power is good. Even with an occasional raised panel.
Dave
John Dykes <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> For what you mentioned, and if you are open to recommendations, I'd
> look at a much smaller machine - perhaps the Porter Cable combo (or
> Bosch) -
Either of those would be good. For a hand-held router, you don't
want more than 2hp. Bigger routers are really best reserved for
table use.
In my opinion, the most important thing in a hand-held router,
especially for a beginner, is "soft-start". Fortunately, almost
every quality brand variable speed router has that today. The
old routers, which tried to twist themselves out of your hands
the moment you turned them on, could be pretty intimidating.
John
I have 3 of them. One is mounted in a router table. Don 't think you could
go wrong with this one. It's powerful and well made but a bit on the heavy
side. It's never failed me.
Vic
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi,
>
> Here's my situation:
> I'm a beginner.
> I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding,
> and nice grooves.
> I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
>
> Will this keep me happy:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223K9/qid=1152642950/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-9406795-4089440?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
>
> ?
>
> If not, can you recommend one?
>
> Many thanks in advance!
>
> Aaron Fude
>