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
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