Budget Router Review

[Andy Hall]

The October issue of Practical Woodworking reviews 8 budget routers (prices under £80) as follows

Einhell BOF1050E 1020W 1/4" and 8mm £33.30 3* Draper PT1500VK 1500W 1/4, 8mm, 1/2 £49.97 3* B&D KW850E 1100W 1/4, 6mm, 8mm £51.63 4* Skil 1830 1100W 1/4, 6mm, 8mm £49.93 3* Bosch POF1300ACE 1300W 1/4, 8mm £79.95 5* Trend T3 550W 1/4, 6mm, 8mm £39.95 3* SIP 1500W 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 £56.80 3* Axminster AW635R 850W 1/4, 8mm £39.94 3*

Comments were that

- two machines stood out - Bosch for design and comfort and B&D for compatiblilty with Trend.

- Draper and SIP for power plus minimum outlay.

- Trend for versatility and light weight plus value for money.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Right,so why didn't the review the... Ryobi Ert1150v 1100w Router, 49.99GBP Ryobi Ert-1150vn 1150w 1/4" & 3/8",69.99GBP Which puts them above the ones you stated?

[Andy Hall]

Who knows? Buy a copy and write to the editor.

Techtronics Ryobi is not likely to exceed the Bosch anyway.

From having compared their products in the past, the mechanisms aren't that great. On this scale, I would give them 4*, certainly not 5* since they are a little better than the entry level 3* products.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Prolly not,but I'm suprised you gave the B&D KW850E 4* This was my first ever router and its absolute s**te,Its noisey, hasn't got the punch, the locking lever loses its grip because its serrated plastic lever rounds off,the the power switch goes faulty because of the way its positioned, and is basically on par with the lower end trend router.

[Andy Hall]

I didn't give any of the ratings on the list of 8. The magazine reviewer did.

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Ah I see,apologies then.

Regards to B&D one, the netto router I picked up for a fiver is quieter. :-)

[Andy Hall]

Mind you, routers aren't among the quietest of tools in any case.

[Bob Martin]

The Ryobi 1150w is a 1/2" router - it comes with collets for 1/4 and 3/8.