D handle router...

[Brian]

Anyone have a preference of a D handle router over the plain knob? They do seem better for handling and maneuvering. They only ones I found so far are Dewalt and Makita. Any suggestions??

[brianlanning]

Porter cable has one for the 690 and the 890. Get it as part of a set because the separate d-handle is $100 at rockler, and I think $70 on amazon.

I was going to get one for use with the 690 and leigh d-4. I think the d-handle would give me better control. Then I got that new bosch colt. Now, I think I'm going to get a larger clear base and attach two large shop-made wooden handles to it. I think that will better provide the control and light weight I'm really after.

brian

[Gene]

To me the main advantage is the added safety of turning the router off by just letting go of the trigger rather than reaching hand-over hand to flip the switch on the motor.

[pat]

Segment extracted from router CD: Users of D-handled routers like the switch-in-hand and claim they have =E2=80=9Cmore control=E2=80=9D. Few other advantages are reported. D-handled routers are outsold by their two handled counterparts by more than 8 to

1=2E They are the least popular of all routers and more expensive than their two handled fixed based relatives. Moreover, and to this woodworker, they have control problems. Like the circular saw, their feed direction should be in line with =E2=97=8F D-HANDLED ROUTERS the handle axis and when you=E2=80=99re behind the handle you can=E2=80=99t= see the cutter, (Fig.-5). Turning corners on the outside of stock requires high skill to keep the router from rocking. It=E2=80=99s a lot more difficult to use one with an edge guide. Expect the cord set to be in the way when the tool is upside down for bit changes. The Bosch 1618 will not rest upside because of the wire. The high up handle grip will require some getting use to, to keep the router balanced. The two-handled fixed base takes less effort and skill to control.

(Routers)

[Teamcasa]

Small Router Knobs Medium Router 1 D Handle Bid Router 2 D Handles

Dave

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[brianlanning]

Is it that people don't like d-handles so stores don't stock them, or stores don't stock them so people don't buy them (thus skewing the numbers)? Norm seems to like his D-handled 690.

brian

[TEF]

Have identical Makita 1101 routers: one D-handle and the other a two-knob type. Used the D-handle a couple of times and put it away when I found it difficult to control when using a guide or straight edge. When doing tasks such as solid surface countertop work, I much prefer the two-knob arrangement as the router seems better balanced and much easier to control. I suspect that if one is knocking the square edge off of a table top with a round-over bit with a pilot bearing, the D-handle would be fine.

[Jim Stuyck]

I have a Ryobi that came with several bases, including a D-handle. I think I tried it once then put it aside. Maybe it's "old dog, new tricks."

Jim Stuyck

[Toller]

I have a Bosch 1617 and a 1618. Always use the 1618. Having the switch in the handle is nice. I also have a clear extended base on the other side. The combination is great.