New router opinions......

The M12V doesn't have that goofy colour scheme.AFAIK

Just to close the thread sorta, I decided on the 3 base DeWalt 618 setup. Great deal from Amazon, 209 shipped. Its on backorder right now, but for a deal like that I can wait.

Thanks for all of the opinions!

-Chris

As one other poster mentioned, the Bosch's have problems with their switch. Mine went out once under warranty. Also, and mabye this is a general router comment, but the sub-base never quite centers. If I use the centering cone to center the sub-base, then the outside of the sub-base is not centered. I even sent it in to Bosch under warranty to have them look at it, but it came back the same.

I wouldn't buy another Bosch router, although I am happy with the other Bosch equipment I own.

Look at the Dewalt 621 plunge router. Hogging out deep or wide dadoes in one pass is probably not a good idea - both in terms or heating the bit and finish of the edges. Same goes for doing molding with a router. Most plunge routers have a 3 step "turret" which lets you make cuts in 3 passes with some DOC control.

The DW621 has a nice smooth plunge action, a dust port in one of the plunge columns that actually works - and pretty well at that. One wrench bit changing is also a godsend - hate the PC two wrenches approach. The base of the DW621 has two FLAT sides- much easier and more accurate than a less than well centered round base - ala PC. Has variable speed as well - if you're planning on using larger diameter bits - you need lower RPMs. DW621 also has semi-micro adjustment for depth of cut.

If you're going to use it hand held - check Pat Warner's site for a nice thick - BIG roung base for the DW621 - it's a little tippy on some cuts - like around a corner.

I've got and regularly use both of my 621s - one hand held, one in my router table. Getting use to the trigger and trigger lock on one handle and a depth lock on the other takes a few minutes to get used to but not having to take your hands off the handles is really nice.

charlie b

I have two routers. One is over 15 years old, a Black and Decker, works fine. Another is a 3.25 HP Porter Cable that is variable speed for my router table--works great in the table but too heavy for hand-held work. My next router will be a plunge type or a laminate router. My father passed away years ago and I recall him saying, "some day I'm going to buy a router" and never got one; today, it is difficult for the modern woodworker to have just one router.

Get a Pat Warner baseplate. Centered, guaranteed. His work is outstanding.

As one other poster mentioned, the Bosch's have problems with their switch.

you are right. . .it doesn't. Didn't the Router Workshop use that beast some time back?

The charlie b entity posted thusly:

I recently picked up a 'house brand' router that I believe is a DeWalt

It's a Power Fist, house brand for Princess auto. Paid $77 Cdn for it. I think it will work fine once I get the garage wired and stop trying to use 12 Amp extension cord to power it. :-)

Anyone know for sure if this is a rebranded DeWalt 625?

I very much doubt it Oleg. You've most likely bought a Chinese knockoff and Princess Auto is well known for selling poor quality clones of popular tools. I'm not criticising or attacking you for buying it, but I'd be very wary of *anything* bought from this company. Just my opinion.

The Upscale entity posted thusly:

I know exactly what you mean. I have had both good and bad luck buying from Princess Auto. I'm hoping that this will make a reasonable table mounted unit a second table setup.

Yes. That's what they used to use before Porter Cable out spent them in sponsorship.

At that price, more likely a Chinese knockoff. May work just fine though.

I couldn't find a picture of a Power Fist router through Google, but my DeWalt 625 only has a flat side on one side of the base.

Did you happen to see the early 80's movie "Top Secret"?

A few scenes in the movie involved a Sawzall with the blade replaced with a fist...

Yup, I did indeed. Now excuse me while I go put galoshes on the cow.