Routers

[johnny945]

Thank you all for the advice, it sure helps hearing from people with experience.

[Robatoy]

Try to keep this quiet, Robert, but here's a deal that's almost incredible.

[Davej]

invest in a lift kit. The Triton is an easier solution for a table.

[J. Clarke]

If there's a local Woodcraft I'd advise walking in and looking around--the local ones had that model router on closeout for under a hundred bucks just before Christmas.

[dgadams]

Yeah, but the 208 Volt 30 amp service is gonna be tough to get in a home workshop. Not to mention the umpty umpty BTU's of cooling he'll need.

D.G. Adams

[dgadams]

I have a Craftsman, Porter Cable 690, Skill, and just recently a Triton. While any of the first three will work, the 690 is my machine of choice almost every time. The 1/2 collet is a really good feature. I haven't had a chance to play with the Triton yet. I'm going to mount it in a table that is still in the planning stages. Maybe in the next month or two.

My Porter Cable has been a good unit, and I would recommend it.

D. G. Adams

[Bonehenge (B A R R Y)]

Two years from now, the woodworking tools would still have value.

[Puckdropper]

What do you mean "tough?" Just unplug the table saw. You don't need to be using it when you're using the router.

Puckdropper

[PaperPusher]

My first post to this group so be gentle...

I have a 3hp Milwaukee for the router table (mod 5645).

For handheld routing I use a Dewalt kit with plunge and fixed base mod (618PK). Most of my handheld powertools are Dewalt and I like them a lot (planer, biscuit jointer and 5" orbital sander)

Both work great for me (beginner hobbyist), and I have no regrets, but if I had to do it again, I'd get the Dewalt kit that includes the D- handle base. For the router table I'd look at the 3 hp Porter- Cable.

[pat]