First router

Am looking to buy a router for the first time. One with a 1/2" collet would be nice but they seem to be much too costly. Better options to start with seem to be

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?67
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?83

I have seen a positive video review of the Trend T4 but the Amazon reviews indicate some build quality problems.

The Bosch seems to have a comprehensive set of features for a good price. The reviews say that it has the problem that its power cannot be locked on and this makes it unsuitable for use in a table. I have checked in the product manual to be sure that the reviews are correct. Unfortunately, they are. The manual says: "Note: For safety reasons, the On/Off switch 22 cannot be locked; it must remain pressed during the entire operation." Pretty weird, huh. To use that router in a table an option seems to be to hold the switch with a tie-wrap though I cannot confirm that that will work.

There is another Bosch, the 1400, with a constant-speed control, a light and a case, for another ?13. That might be worth getting.

Could you recommend a set of bits and/or other accessories to buy with the router? I would rather get a comprehensive set of accessories up front. That would probably work out cheaper in the long run.

Incidentally, I am thinking to make the router table when I need it. There seem to be some good options described in Youtube videos. There's quite a wide range of advice there!

James

Reply to
James Harris
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If I were buying my first router all over again, I think I'd go for the Trend because all the gadgets & accessories in their vast catalouge will fit straight away, with out needing adaptors/bases

Reply to
The Medway Handyman

The T4 seems to be a bit of an anomaly in the trend line, in that I get the impression that they badge it rather than make it - so it does not always seem to live up to the quality of the rest of the lineup. Having said that its been out for a while now and is well priced, so ought to still be usable.

That's a common problem with lots of routers these days. Usually it can be fixed in one way or another though.

1400W is a more useful power for a general workhorse router...

Well that's a harder call... I would caution against buying a huge set of cutters - since you may well find that most never get used, and a few get used to death!

You will need a selection of straight fluted cutters, say a 1/4", 1/2" and maybe some other sizes. Round over and ogee profiling bits are always useful, and perhaps a couple of bearing guided flush trim bits (one with a top baring and one with a bottom bearing).

After that, buy bits as you find applications for them. Keep in mind that over time the investment in cutters will soon amount to several times the cost of the router.

Yup making a table is often a good idea, and you can produce something a much better size and more solidly built than many commercial tables.

Get a good book on making router jigs as well, since much of the creative power of the router comes down to the jigs you build for it.

Reply to
John Rumm

The router i have in my router table has a power switch that is supposed to be held in by your fingers too, a cable tie sorted that out for me.

Reply to
Gazz

+1 - it's another piece if Eurobollocks I believe.

One thing the OP will find is that if he builds a table, and I would I wouldn't be without mine, you inevitably find some application that requires the machine to be hand held ..... so you go and buy another router!!

Reply to
robgraham

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You need a quick-swap mechanism.... I don't know what that would be, though.

James

Reply to
James Harris

a second router...

(I find about 4 of them a reasonable number ;-)

Reply to
John Rumm

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