Router and Router Table questions, comments appreciated

barnesrich · 2005-11-08T20:47:45+00:00

Hi All:Details:- I am a relatively new woodworker.- I have ~ $700.00 CND (lets say $500 to $600 US) to spend on a routerAND a router table (including taxes, shipping).- I dont want to cheap out, and at the same time im not a professionalwoodworker. My saved here could be put towards other neccessities(router bits, air compressor, beer)- My expected usage for it is medium scale projects - ie my wife wantsme to make a built in window seat for our bedroom. My ultimatewoodworking goal (get back to me in 10 years) is to build a roll topcabinet.Ive done a fair bit of research thus far; Here is what I've come upwith:Router:1) Dewalt DW625 Pro: Lots of power, lots of reccomendations, plunge router. DeWaltquality - have several other tools and am _very_ impressed. Con: Heavy, not easy to use without table. Plunge is redundant if itsmounted on table 90% of the time.2) PC 7539 (Pro/Con - Same as above more or less), except PC is theindustry standard so all accessories will fit it (im a sucker for coolaccessories).Table1) BenchDog ProTop Contractor: Pro: Dosent take alot of space, Router is enclosed reducing noise andhelping DC Con: I dont get to make my own, laminate top (does this matter)2) Possibly the Vertias/Lee Valley router table,Pro: Excellent quality, steel topCon: Price is a bit beyond my budget (Canadian price is pushing 500bucks!), and I think its overkill for essentially casual usage..(based off of excellent article at )So, questions for all of you1) Do you have any reccomendations?1.5) Will the Dewalt plunge work fine with a router table? Ive readmixed opinions about this.2) Is the PC or some other router drastically better than the dewaltgiven my needs?3) Can you reccomend another good table that meets my needs (looksnice, router is enclosed, has strong reliable fench, isnt cheapquality). (Note: While I would love to build my own table, I dontreally have the time to do that, especially give the material costswould probably equal the cost of a manufactered...