Routers

Satn -

Try this:

The URL doesn't seem to want to post correctly - you might have to copy & paste, because a simple click just takes you to the main page - it's supposed to take you to the sub-page for this particular item - I dunno why it won't post properly.

-Kevin in Indy To reply, remove (+spamproof+) from address........

As long as you honestly understand that concept....

Sears has a nice beginning router set that is supposed to be a fair bargain, especially at your price point. The really good thing about Sears is you can take it back with no squabbles if you don't like it.

If you want a plunger, there are a lot of nice features and reviews on this one:

I think the point of consideration in buying one of these is a two fold: it might last you a long time depending on how much you use it, and you might be able to affordably get your feet wet with different machine features and with practical use of a router.

Don't worry... if you like and buy any of these routers you will be buying others anyway.

Robert

Look for a Porter Cable 690 or Bosch 1617 reconditioned. I paid $90 for my last single speed 690 and $95 for the 1617.

Lookee here:

A single speed 1617, with both bases, for $139.

You can also look for a plunge base on eBay or Craigslist for the units I mentioned in the second line. You can do LOTS with a single speed basic router.

You can make the NEXT router the heavy duty, high HP variable speed, plunger, as one router is never enough!

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I have a porter cable 690 that you can find on sale on reconditioned for around $100-125 This a great router. Now be prepared to shell out some bucks for all the different router bits you will need. If you can but carbide tiped bits. If you cant afford them be prepared to take very light cuts or you will burn up the bits. Have fun and be careful , routers can be dangerous.... also very nosiy.. Are you going to get a router table also?

Randy

emails. At least once a year they sell router bits for $5 each. Probably not bits that Marks or Warner would use but they work.

WARNING: It's an Eeevilll plot, a slippery slope. Once you get a router and find out what it can do, you will invest in a box of bits, and then find a need for a router table. Then a good clamping straight edge, and on, and on! But I agree, a single speed, basic, router will work just fine to get started. Hope this helps.....

I have a shameless inventory of routers and I'm surprised how well some of the newer Craftsman models perform. For the price they do very well. I bought this one several months ago and it has worked flawlessly.

I recommend the Bosch Colt. It is often sold as a "trim" router because it is small, but it is very reliable, can be used with most 1/4" shank bits, and has enough power to do most tasks if you don't try to do to too much in a single pass. It runs about $25 new in most stores.

See

you could always stop at a pawn shop and pick up an older craftsmans for $50.

Lou wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@k30g2000hse.googlegroups.com:

Don't older Craftsman routers have the ARHA (Automatic random height adjustment) feature? I would think one from a borg would be preferable, if only to avoid this.

Puckdropper

With the building industry in the dumps(in most areas), I would start touring the pawn shops.

I would look for almost any Porter Cable router, with the 690 series being a very nice choice.

You might also run across Dewalt or Hitachi but steer away from Ryobi or any brand not ever heard of.

You want a router with the ability to change collets(all Porter Cable) and you want a 1/2" collet for the best service.

I would think a decent router can be found for well under $100 these days.

I would mention Ebay, but that is pot luck and too many thieves and crooks like that venue.

snipped-for-privacy@webtv.net wrote:

Try checking your local craigslist for a used one. Also, some major cities have Porter Cable retail stores where you can often find reconditioned router bodies/motors for good prices.

(if you can wait a couple of weeks, shipping is free).

I think this is the first time I've seen the words Sears, router and nice used in the same sentence.

Sears routers are infamous for their "automatic random depth adjustment" feature.

Other than the "ugly as hell" factor, that is a stone cold deal for $59.

Jim Weisgram wrote:

I think we are looking at two different routers:

It just might be worth your while to stop by Sears next time you're in the neighborhood. There have been some changes made. I stopped buying Craftsman (except mechanics tools) in the 70s. But for the weekend worker or hobbyist there can be some good buys in the newer merchandise.

Max

I agree 100%. I bought a PC691 (D-handle) several years back. I=20 immediately threw the Crapsman router in the trash. What a sweet=20 tool! =20

Then you need a router lift, and... ;-)

--=20 Keith