Anyone familiar with this router?

On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 06:36:09 GMT, "David"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing this
>same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
>brand it is:
>
>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4314259283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
>Disclaimer: The above link is to an ebay auction that I have no relation to
>whatsoever.
>
>Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?


it's a generic chinese router. the reviews are mostly bad. if you're
going to get this kind of equipment, get it from harbor freight. it'll
be cheaper and you do have some sort of recourse....

> $60 is a better deal than Harbor Fright's $80 model, and that
> one comes -without- bits.
>
Harbor Freight is a step down from Ryobi, but it also usually represents a
decent buy. My Homier clamps broke the first time I used them. My HF
clamps have been used many times; they are very clumsy, but at least they
work.
My guess is that you won't like the HF router, but it will work for you.

I think the other posters have given you the scoop on this router, but
just remember, cheap is cheap. You pays your money and takes your
chances.

Now, if you are not offended by the larger size, (3hp?) and intend to
use this as a dedicated unit in a router table, you might want to
consider the Hitachi M12V, a variable speed 15 amp motor unit. My
buddy has one and swears by it. Amazon/Tool Crib online has them for
about $160 or so, which in the 3hp range is really reasonable.


"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<t9oLc.134805$IQ4.22005@attbi_s02>...
> I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing this
> same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
> brand it is:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4314259283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
> Disclaimer: The above link is to an ebay auction that I have no relation to
> whatsoever.
>
> Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?

I have this same router in a router table I built several years ago. No
problems out of it yet. You can probably find one cheaper at www.homier.com

"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:t9oLc.134805$IQ4.22005@attbi_s02...
> I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing
this
> same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
> brand it is:
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4314259283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
> Disclaimer: The above link is to an ebay auction that I have no relation
to
> whatsoever.
>
> Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?
>
> --
> Thanks,
> David W. Lovell
> ( Intrepid )
>
>

Start planning NOW how to store and identify bits, they multiply
faster than rabbits.

On Fri, 23 Jul 2004 01:42:44 GMT, "David"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I cant believe you people, my wife is going to kill me! Now I have to go
>spend 130$ and buy additional bits. Geez!
>
><grin> Thanks for the prodding!

On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 06:36:09 GMT, David
<[email protected]> wrote:
> I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing this
> same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
> brand it is:

You can get a PC690 fixed base for <$200, it will last you forever, and
if you decide you don't like it, it'll have some resell value.

But routing is almost as addictive as turning, so that last bit isn't
really an issue.

One thing to consider is what you are going to use it for. If you are just
going to edge a few boards, and a bit of hobby work, then going with a
cheaper router might not be a bad idea. If it breaks (in some brands, when
it breaks) then replace it with a unit that also does whatever else you
discovered you need.

Consider what attachments come with it, or are available, and how template
guides fit in it. I bought a nice (low cost) router which served me well on
one project, as my first router wouldn't handle the job, only to discover
that when I needed to use a particular template bushing on the next project,
it wouldn't work. I had to get another. That makes 3. In some projects,
they are all active.

I used to use the rule of getting the first tool of a kind cheap, and
replace it with a top of the line unit. That lets me figure out what
features I want or need before spending real money. In some cases, the
cheap tools have been sufficient, in other cases they were woefully
inadequate after a while. Considering that there may be a four to six fold
difference in price between bottom and top of the line, it has made sense.

Michael

"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:tDHLc.142532$JR4.27617@attbi_s54...
> I did ask the seller and he said it was a generic brand. So it definitely
> sounds like its one of those imports. My thoughts were that I could
cheaply
> get one of these since the included bit set is nearly worth $40 on its
own.
> Then if it broke down shortly into using it, I could feel better about
> spending more. Alternatively, if I use it once and then my interest in
> routing wanes, I am not stuck with a $200+ uber-router.
>
> When most people say this is "bad", is it that it wont handle hardwoods
very
> well because the motors aren't as powerful as they claim (ie: not really
> 2HP)? Or is it that it performs unreliably (ie: It worked great for 3
hours
> and then the housing melted on me!)
>
> At only $40.00 with the bits, it seems worth the gamble for the small
> projects I might use it for.
>
> To put it another way. Would you say this is a better router to start with
> than the Ryobi 1.5HP router that comes in a kit with router table and *no*
> bits at Home Depot for $99.00?
>
> --
> Thanks,
> David W. Lovell
> ( Intrepid )
> "patrick conroy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > >
> > > I thought it was an original Makita. That's why I thought it to be
worth
> > > more. How can you tell that it's just a knock-off, the lack of a name
on
> > it?
> > > I just thought it was a poor quality picture and the name didn't
appear
> > > well.
> >
> > Confession - I cannot tell. You thought it was an original Makita, I
> thought
> > it was a knock-off. Guess only way to find out is to ask the seller.
> >
> >
>
>

It is imitation of the Makita 3612, mind you it might be worth the minimum
bid anyhow just for the accessories.
I had a customer return from the US last year with what looked to be the
exact same thing, he paid $60US in Florida for it, the top bearing had
overheated & melted into the housing.....after a thorough search, parts were
not obtained & he plans to take it back with him this winter, by that time
he will have had it almost a year & used it for 20 mins.
The router looked just like a Makita, the name plate looked like Skil, from
the outside the router appeared to be excellent, on the inside all the
components looked great too....on the other hand looks don't count.
Stick with a reputable name brand & you can't go far wrong.


--
© Jon Down ®
http://www.stores.ebay.com/jdpowertoolcanada
"You cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in."






"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:t9oLc.134805$IQ4.22005@attbi_s02...
> I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing
this
> same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
> brand it is:
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4314259283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
> Disclaimer: The above link is to an ebay auction that I have no relation
to
> whatsoever.
>
> Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?
>
> --
> Thanks,
> David W. Lovell
> ( Intrepid )
>
>

> I have this same router in a router table I built several years ago. No
> problems out of it yet. You can probably find one cheaper at
www.homier.com
>
Last year I went crazy when homier came to town. I bought some clamps and a
sawzall that broke the first time I used them. I bought forstner bits that
are not sharp enough to work at all.
I got a good buy on a tape measure. It still works after 6 months. but I am
not counting on much more from it.
Just take the money and burn it; much easier than messing with the router.

I agree. I think it is better to buy a tool that will last and will be a
pleasure to use instead of a tool that is more likely to become a source of
frustration.

Jim
web site: www.woodblog.com

"U-CDK_CHARLES\Charles" <"Charles Krug"@cdksystems.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 06:36:09 GMT, David
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> > I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing
this
> > same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
> > brand it is:
>
> You can get a PC690 fixed base for <$200, it will last you forever, and
> if you decide you don't like it, it'll have some resell value.
>
> But routing is almost as addictive as turning, so that last bit isn't
> really an issue.
>
>

"patrick conroy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> It'll be a complete crap shoot - with the odds against you.
> There's a chance you'll get something that meets your needs.
> But only a small chance.
> Only you can solve for the risk/reward ratio required.

I thought it was an original Makita. That's why I thought it to be worth
more. How can you tell that it's just a knock-off, the lack of a name on it?
I just thought it was a poor quality picture and the name didn't appear
well.

"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:tDHLc.142532$JR4.27617@attbi_s54...
>
>
> Then if it broke down shortly into using it, I could feel better about
> spending more. Alternatively, if I use it once and then my interest in
> routing wanes, I am not stuck with a $200+ uber-router.

Sounds like your mind is mostly made up, and you were just asking for some
additional input.
That's fine! Sounds like we're more alike - I often am willing to take a
risk if the price is low enough.
Again - the risk/reward/cost equation is something only you can make.

Personally? My upper limit would be $30 - a tank of gas. I'd be willing to
gamble $30 on it. No more.


> When most people say this is "bad", is it that it wont handle hardwoods
very
> well because the motors aren't as powerful as they claim (ie: not really

Probably all. Some will melt or disintegrate. Some will have the collet let
go of the bit and trash your work. Some will work wonderfully for years.

In this situation, I'd be tempted to buy it from Harbor Freight. Knowing
there's a chance that if it dies, I'd take it back.


> At only $40.00 with the bits, it seems worth the gamble for the small
> projects I might use it for.

Don't put too much faith in the bits. Consider them the "prize" in the
cracker jack box. They're likely poor quality too. Same as the router, they
might disintegrate and spit parts out at 23,000 rpm, they might slip out'a
the collet, or they might just work wonderfully!


>
> To put it another way. Would you say this is a better router to start with
> than the Ryobi 1.5HP router that comes in a kit with router table and *no*
> bits at Home Depot for $99.00?

No. I'd say this: "A router is an essential tool in the shop. I won't spend
$99 on the Ryobi when I can spend $140 for a Porter Cable 690". I'll get a
quality router that fits a variety of accessories.

I too got real hung up on a Router Table at first. So much so, I spent $60
at Rockler for their mini-table. Only after using it for several projects
did I realize that I really could have used a slab of MDF with a hole in it.
If you think you must have a table - either spend the big bux, or go in
bare-minimum (the Wolfcraft at HD).

That said that *2HP* Plunge Ryobi got a decent review from a WW rag - but I
stand by my decision.

Bits - a whole nuth'a topic.
I *invest* in bits and only buy them as I need them.

>
> At only $40.00 with the bits, it seems worth the gamble for the small
> projects I might use it for.

Wanta bet you throw the bits out immediately because they either have no
cutting edge or simply disintegrate on first use?

>
> To put it another way. Would you say this is a better router to start with
> than the Ryobi 1.5HP router that comes in a kit with router table and *no*
> bits at Home Depot for $99.00?
>
The Ryobi is an underpowered POS that you will find almost useless except on
the easiest cuts; but it will last you a while. I have some Ryobi tools,
and while they aren't much, they represent a decent value. They have to,
because you would just take them back for a refund if they didn't perform.

The router is likely to break the first time you use it. Your seller is
going to tell you to send it back to China for warranty service.
Which do you think is a better router to start with? (personally, my first
router came from a garage sale. Can't believe what I actually made with a
6a router. I used it for a while and then sold it for a profit on Ebay.
Only problem is that I now have a bunch of 1/4" bits; I should have started
with a decent router and 1/2" bits)

"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:t9oLc.134805
> I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing
this
> same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
> brand it is:

It appears to be my model, a Makita 3612BR plunge router. The one I have is
10 years old and has always performed flawlessly for me, both as a handheld
and in a router table. It looks like all the original accessories are there
except for the plastic case. Those router bits are included in the sale too.
If working properly, in my opinion, it's absolutely worth the $41.99 for the
buy it now option. Of course, you would have to factor in the costs for
shipping, but for me, it would be worth at least $100 (Canadian funds) if I
didn't have one already.

"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:o2_Lc.146682$JR4.115846@attbi_s54...

> I cant believe you people, my wife is going to kill me! Now I have to go

In that case - please update your will so the rest of us can enjoy your
tools when you pass on... ;->

I cant believe you people, my wife is going to kill me! Now I have to go
spend 130$ and buy additional bits. Geez!

<grin> Thanks for the prodding!

Thanks,
David W. Lovell

--
Thanks,
David W. Lovell
( Intrepid )
"patrick conroy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:tDHLc.142532$JR4.27617@attbi_s54...
> >
> >
> > Then if it broke down shortly into using it, I could feel better about
> > spending more. Alternatively, if I use it once and then my interest in
> > routing wanes, I am not stuck with a $200+ uber-router.
>
> Sounds like your mind is mostly made up, and you were just asking for some
> additional input.
> That's fine! Sounds like we're more alike - I often am willing to take a
> risk if the price is low enough.
> Again - the risk/reward/cost equation is something only you can make.
>
> Personally? My upper limit would be $30 - a tank of gas. I'd be willing to
> gamble $30 on it. No more.
>
>
> > When most people say this is "bad", is it that it wont handle hardwoods
> very
> > well because the motors aren't as powerful as they claim (ie: not really
>
> Probably all. Some will melt or disintegrate. Some will have the collet
let
> go of the bit and trash your work. Some will work wonderfully for years.
>
> In this situation, I'd be tempted to buy it from Harbor Freight. Knowing
> there's a chance that if it dies, I'd take it back.
>
>
> > At only $40.00 with the bits, it seems worth the gamble for the small
> > projects I might use it for.
>
> Don't put too much faith in the bits. Consider them the "prize" in the
> cracker jack box. They're likely poor quality too. Same as the router,
they
> might disintegrate and spit parts out at 23,000 rpm, they might slip out'a
> the collet, or they might just work wonderfully!
>
>
> >
> > To put it another way. Would you say this is a better router to start
with
> > than the Ryobi 1.5HP router that comes in a kit with router table and
*no*
> > bits at Home Depot for $99.00?
>
> No. I'd say this: "A router is an essential tool in the shop. I won't
spend
> $99 on the Ryobi when I can spend $140 for a Porter Cable 690". I'll get a
> quality router that fits a variety of accessories.
>
> I too got real hung up on a Router Table at first. So much so, I spent $60
> at Rockler for their mini-table. Only after using it for several projects
> did I realize that I really could have used a slab of MDF with a hole in
it.
> If you think you must have a table - either spend the big bux, or go in
> bare-minimum (the Wolfcraft at HD).
>
> That said that *2HP* Plunge Ryobi got a decent review from a WW rag - but
I
> stand by my decision.
>
> Bits - a whole nuth'a topic.
> I *invest* in bits and only buy them as I need them.
>
>

Unfortunately, this is a cheap Taiwanese imitation of a good quality
router (by the color they're trying to imitate the Makita brand).

Don't forget, you always end up getting with what you pay for. A
similar router from a good manufacturer cost between 150$ and 250$. Do
you seriously think that this router is playing in the same league?

Wally


On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 06:36:09 GMT, "David"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing this
>same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
>brand it is:
>
>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4314259283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
>Disclaimer: The above link is to an ebay auction that I have no relation to
>whatsoever.
>
>Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?

On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 06:36:09 GMT, "David"
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:

>I am looking to buy a cheap beginner router from Ebay and I keep seeing this
>same model posted by many different people, but no one will tell me what
>brand it is:
>
>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4314259283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
>Disclaimer: The above link is to an ebay auction that I have no relation to
>whatsoever.
>
>Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?

It's no doubt a Chinese import which should be good to help
you break into router use. I'm still using an old B&D 1/4"
arbored beast and it works well for me with my limited usage.

I bought a set of those same bits at BigLots for $12.99 and
they're decent C2 carbide. I doubt the bearings will last too
long, but what the heck?

Get one and when (or if) you decide to upgrade, you'll have
a unit to fall back on or set up for secondary processes.
When it dies, you won't be out much money, but some of these
cheapo Chiwanese tools last forever.

$60 is a better deal than Harbor Fright's $80 model, and that
one comes -without- bits.

See http://www.littlemachineshop.com/photos/lmsphotos.php for
a look inside one of these Chinese factories where the Sieg
mini-mills are made.


---------------------------------------------------
I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol.
---------------------------------------------------
http://www.diversify.com Refreshing Graphic Design

"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:t9oLc.134805$IQ4.22005@attbi_s02...
>
>
>
> Is anyone here familiar with this brand? Good/Bad?
>

It'll be a complete crap shoot - with the odds against you.
There's a chance you'll get something that meets your needs.
But only a small chance.
Only you can solve for the risk/reward ratio required.

I did ask the seller and he said it was a generic brand. So it definitely
sounds like its one of those imports. My thoughts were that I could cheaply
get one of these since the included bit set is nearly worth $40 on its own.
Then if it broke down shortly into using it, I could feel better about
spending more. Alternatively, if I use it once and then my interest in
routing wanes, I am not stuck with a $200+ uber-router.

When most people say this is "bad", is it that it wont handle hardwoods very
well because the motors aren't as powerful as they claim (ie: not really
2HP)? Or is it that it performs unreliably (ie: It worked great for 3 hours
and then the housing melted on me!)

At only $40.00 with the bits, it seems worth the gamble for the small
projects I might use it for.

To put it another way. Would you say this is a better router to start with
than the Ryobi 1.5HP router that comes in a kit with router table and *no*
bits at Home Depot for $99.00?

--
Thanks,
David W. Lovell
( Intrepid )
"patrick conroy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> >
> > I thought it was an original Makita. That's why I thought it to be worth
> > more. How can you tell that it's just a knock-off, the lack of a name on
> it?
> > I just thought it was a poor quality picture and the name didn't appear
> > well.
>
> Confession - I cannot tell. You thought it was an original Makita, I
thought
> it was a knock-off. Guess only way to find out is to ask the seller.
>
>

"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> I thought it was an original Makita. That's why I thought it to be worth
> more. How can you tell that it's just a knock-off, the lack of a name on
it?
> I just thought it was a poor quality picture and the name didn't appear
> well.

Confession - I cannot tell. You thought it was an original Makita, I thought
it was a knock-off. Guess only way to find out is to ask the seller.