router kit recommendation?

[Doug]

I would like to pick up a router for hand held use. I'm considering a plung-fixed base kit, and like the Makita,the Bosch and the new Hitachi. The question is, are the kits worth it? I've never owned a fixed based router, and wonder why I would ever switch from the plung to the fixed base. Does a fixed based router offer advantages over plung models?

[David]

Fixed base (without the plunge accessory) will be cheaper. It also won't "give" (the motor, and hence the bit, tilt ever so slightly from perpendicular) a little as many plunge units do, under uneven pressure. You can still plunge with a fixed base by tilting the unit; I prefer a "real" plunge myself. There's plenty of info listed on the web about the usefulness of each design. I like the idea of multiple routers of various sizes--I have a PC7518 (big) and a medium size (for handheld use) PC plunge router. Now all I need to round out my selection is a laminate trimmer. I'll NEVER have 1/2 the number of routers that Nahm has! :)

Dave

Doug wrote:

[Robatoy]

I find that, generally speaking, the fixed base routers have a lower centre of gravity. I also find that miniscule adjustments in router bit height are easier with a fixed base such as the Milwaukee routers.

I don't think they interchangeable. But if I had to have just one router, I'd have a plunge. 1/2" collet, 3+ HP. The M12V Hitachi comes to mind. I work mine very hard and it is just as tight as day one. YMMV

[Edwin Pawlowski]

You can mount the fixed base in a table. Fixed bases also have the handles lower for better control.

[pat]

[C & M]

I got the DeWalt 618-3B - 3 bases - and have no comlaints. I don't think that this particular set is still available but the 2 base is.

[Andy]

I was recently pondering the same thing, and I ended up with a Dewalt DW618 (reconditioned on Amazon it was a great deal - keep an eye on that page). I have used it quite a bit freehand and currently have it mounted in a table. I like the low center of gravity and wide, grippy handles. The depth adjustment is very easy, and the motor slides easily out of the base. It works with Porter Cable baseplates etc. There is also a plunge base available, and it comes in a fixed/plunge kit, but I haven't used it. I read somewhere that almost all routing can be done withOUT a plunge, and most of the other times you could be creative and rig a fixed base to work (by tilting it like a previous poster mentioned, etc.). So unless you want to start a lot of routing in the middle of a workpiece (as in making lettering for a sign?), I agree that (on a finite budget) a fixed-base is the way to go. Also, good bits make a big difference - a friend has a cheap set ($50 for 50 bits from ebay) and I'm not impressed with those. I've had very good luck with bits from MLCS (mlcswoodworking.com) - reasonably priced, free shipping on all orders, and excellent quality IMHO. Enjoy! Andy

[Bob G.]

================ I own AND USE a total of six routers.... 5 of which are fixed base...

The only reason that I own the one Plunge router is very simple ... when you need to make a plunge cut (and I do sometimes) I need the plunge router....the fixed base units just do not work...

I keep the plunge and one of the fixed base units on the shelf for hand held use... the others are mounted in tables. (overhead, horizontal, and 2 in regular tables...)

Bob G.

[Rumpty]

Try 12, only 2 are plunge Boosch 1611, and the only mounted routers are of the fixed base type, i.e PC 690's.