Here's my situation: I'm a beginner. I want to do make things like picture frame, decorative trim, moulding, and nice grooves. I want a quality reliable piece, but not necessarily too many features.
I have 3 of them. One is mounted in a router table. Don 't think you could go wrong with this one. It's powerful and well made but a bit on the heavy side. It's never failed me.
A 3+ HP router seems like overkill for the relatively light-duty uses you've described. I have a 2 1/4 HP Dewalt 618, and I've never found it to be underpowered. Unless you're using big panel-raising bits or something large-diameter like that, I don't think you'll need 3HP. Of course it wouldn't hurt, especially if you had it mounted in a table, but if you're using it by hand then something smaller and lighter might give you better control and therefore be safer. Amazon also has a Hitachi combo fixed/plunge KM12VC for $120. If you want to stick with a plunge router, they also have a Porter Cable (good brand) 2HP, model 7529, reconditioned for $160 +shipping. Or Amazon has the Porter-Cable 693LRPK 1-3/4 HP Fixed Router and Plunge Base Kit for $170. Check out toolking.com for some more deals on plunge routers in the price range you mentioned. Good luck, Andy
The first powertool that I bought specifically for woodworking was a router. I bought the Bosch 1619EVS - it too is a 3 1/4 hp monster. The thing is - it was too much of a monster. Heavy - way too heavy for freehand use on a regular basis. Looks that that Hitachi weighs in on the heavy side too!
For what you mentioned, and if you are open to recommendations, I'd look at a much smaller machine - perhaps the Porter Cable combo (or Bosch) -
Other than the nice grooves, the rest would be a little tricky to do with a hand held router. By picture frame I think you're talking about profiled stuff - decorative trim and molding as well. LOTS easier to do that type of thing on a router table, preferably with a good fence. The router will be the least of the expense.
I've got a couple of Porter Cables and three count 'em three Dewalt plunge routers - two DW621s and a DW625. With the exception of the DW625 which is a 3 1/4 hp if I recall correctly, the others are a horse and a half to two and a half horsepower.
I bought a DW621 plunge first and it's still my favorite for hand held work though I did get by well enough with the other one mounted in a router table. Until I got to using a raised panel bit and got the DW625 for that purpose, the DW621 was, and still is my favorite. It's light, well thought out, has variable speed - and soft start (with the Porter Cable routers I have to hang on firmly when I turn it on - away from the work until the start up kick is over. Not a problem with the DW621 - or the DW625 for that matter.
The one shortcoming of the DW621 is the small base - round at both ends, flat and straight on the sides - with different offsets to the bit. But being able to grab the handles, trigger it on or off, plunge and lock it down - without having to take EITHER hand off the handles is a joy and a blessing. ANYTHING that makes you look away or remove your hand from the handles is a screw up waiting to happen. NOT GOOD when a pair of carbide chunks are spinning at 20-28K rpms.
Get the Dewalt DW621. I guarantee you won't regret it. It's dust collection set up actually work when attached to a shop vac.
charlie b
"List price" of $541! Sounds like the same marketing crew that started the SIX HORSEPOWER (on a 20 amp 120 V circuit?) thing have moved on to LIST PRICE.
I agree with Andy. I have the Dewalt 618. I think it is perfect for the beginner. Multiple bases give flexibility. Not overly weighty. Power is good. Even with an occasional raised panel.
I have 7 routers which are in operation all the time. Their duties are divided between the Milwaukee 1516-21 and the Hitachi M12V. For precision and ease of handling, the Milwaukee is a jewel. I love it to bits. For plunge action and raw balls, the Hitachi is the best bang for the buck. I fabricate solid surface countertops, a craft which is very demanding on both the durability and power of a router. I used to be Porter Cable all the way, but found them to have slipped in quality over the years. A lot of my wooden friends are happy with DeWalts and Bosches, but the solid surface guys shy away from them. It's the type of abrasive dust, I guess.
Here's another relative rook's opinion: I agree with what most of the others have said...it's probably going to be too intimidating to be a good first router. Think smaller. I have a Bosch 1617 EVSPK and I couldn't be happer with it. Soft start, variable speed, *_excellent_* bases (both plunge and fixed). I don't care for Porter Cable's routers. I've used several models in WWing classes, and they can't hold a candle to the Bosch. Clumsy bases, poorly engineered adjustment mechanisms. A hand-held router can be an intimidating thing...do yourself a favor and get one with the best ergonomics you can find.
Others mentioned the Dewalt...I've never used any of theirs so can't comment.
Ain't that sumptin'? I was startled at first, now I just laugh. The Hitachi M12V at one dealer in Canada: MSRP $ 649.00 NOW $ 579.00!!!... But...(here comes the funny:) IF you buy today $ 229.00. Point being, you can buy that router for $230- $250 all day long all over the place.
So I think you're right, charlieb, but I think they also brought in some of the tennis-shoe guys.. it's not just bullshit..it's colourful bullshit to boot!
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