What wood router to buy?

[lowkee]

I am getting to the point in my woodworking hobbies that I would like to have a router. I am trying to stay low budget, so anything under $120 is best.

What are my options? Is the 2.5HP harbor freight model enough for general purpose use? HF also has a 1.75HP model already installed on a bench for $99. Is 1.75HP enough? It'll mainly be used for pine and maybe some plywood here and there. I don't see too much oak or other hardwoods in its future.

I'm a complete router newbie and have no idea what any of the bits do, so I'll likely just buy the 25 piece bit set from HF, just so I have everything.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: What wood router to buy?

Three comments:
1) If you are really thinking as big as 2.5 HP, you might want to consider a shaper instead.
For $99- and "the bench is included", you can imagine how good the bench is. It is no trouble to knock together a sturdy and sensible router bench/table from shop scraps....and like most homemade stuff it will not only be better than many store-bought, you can then spend more $$ on the router itself. I've used a lot of routers from $70- Craftsman to $300 DeWalt.
The Craftsman was just fine! (but the DeWalt was a great machine!)
2) The bits are really the heart of the operation. Don't skimp there. Sets of 25 will as likely as not give you at least 15 that you never use, and they will not be particularly good bits. you are far better to buy them one at a time, as you need a specific bit, and go for the best carbide bit that you can find.
Unless you truly are only making a couple of cuts, in which case a HSS is probably OK as a single use item; if you get more than one use...that is a bonus.
If you are paying less than $10- for a bit, I would be VERRRRY suspicious of its accuracy, quality, and longevity.
There are a number of very competent mail order outlets for good bits.....Garrett Wade, Lee Valley Tools, Woodcraft Supply. (man, I hope iBoats doesn't sell router bits or I'll get hammered by the Admins )
3) Just as the Gurus in here always say, "buy the shop manual", buy a router handbook/instruction manual. It will explain the basics and save you a bunch of wood, time, and tears. (or check one out of your local library at no cost)

 

[i386]

Re: What wood router to buy?

I'm going to buying one pretty soon also. I've used the $60 Ryobi router from Home Depot and it worked fine, but I was doing roundovers on pine which is soft.

The main reason I'm purchasing one though is for guitar building. The router will be used for pattern work on hardwoods like ash, maple, mohogany, etc...

I don't have to have a plunge router for that, but a dust port would be nice. Not sure if it has that so I better check into it.

One of those kits with a lot of bits might be ok to start out with. For what I'll be working on, only a few different bits are needed. I'll just buy the the good ones individually.

We have a few serious woodworkers here so it'll be interesting to hear what they say.

 

[spunkyjr]

Re: What wood router to buy?

One thing to look for is that make sure the router will handle both 1/4 and half inch bits. Some of the cheaper routers will only handle 1/4 bits. Stay away from Harbor Freight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also make sure that the router you buy has different attachments that can be added on at a later time. Some of the cheap routers don't have the capability to have extras installed at a later time.
Go with a brand name. Same for router bits. Those cheap sets are a waste of money. Some good bits will set you back a lot of money. If you use the bit all the time it is worth the price but for general use that might be used a few times there are some less expensive bits that will do the job. Mcls,Porter Cable, and Eagle America have decent bits at decent prices for the casual user. For hard core use go with a Whiteside, Amana, or Freud.

 

[JustJason]

Re: What wood router to buy?

2 Words baby.....

Porter Cable

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: What wood router to buy?

I have about six routers (and two shapers). Most routers are Craftsman, are set for one operation and are never changed except when the bits wear out. Craftsman is so-so for most stuff. My go to router is Porter Cable 1-1/2 horse D handle. Very smooth, works like a dream and is about 8 - 10 yrs old.
I found almost all the above advise to be spot on.
I have a bud who has a HF router and it is 90% un-usable, total junk.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: What wood router to buy?

I have a porter cable plunge router that I use for just about everthing. Dovetails to roundovers. Can't beat it!!!! I bought it bout 10 years ago. I have also switched to Dewalt bits. They seem beefier to me and stay sharper longer. Right now I have a good mix of bits but am slowly switching over. Ten bucks a bit is a good rule of thumb when buying bits.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: What wood router to buy?

What Jason said PORTER CABLE!

 

[Rowroy]

Re: What wood router to buy?

I own several Porter Cable routers, two Makitas, and a Bosch. All are good, but none are cheap.

DO NOT "cheap out" when it comes to power tools. The only one you'll be cheating is yourself.

 

[JustJason]

Re: What wood router to buy?

Routers can be a dangerous tool to use.

I'm the type of tough guy that never wears safety glasses for anything.... I hate them, and I still do.

But I took a bit bearing off the forehead a while back.

Still don't use saftey glasses. But I wear a full face shield when routing or using the table saw (don't ask me about the table saw )

Cheap routers bog when you push them.... bogging means material kickback.
(especially when using cheap bits) Kickback is when you get hurt.... especially when you push through a kickback.

You need a router with power.... pay less attention to the HP rating on the side of it, and more attention to the brand name and reputation of the tool.

Decide if you need a need a standard router, or if the work your doing requires a plunge. If you don't know then buy a plunge.

Alot of times it has nothing to do with your skill... if you use crappy tools you'll get crappy results.

 

[lowkee]

Re: What wood router to buy?

Thanks for the awesome advice everyone! Between here and some woodworking sites I have checked out, it seems the 7518 (or 19.. I'm guessing the 19 is just newer) by Porter Cable is well considered as a 'lifetime' router, so I'll be shopping for that one. At $330 for the 7518 (ouch, my guts hurt just thinking about it) and my hunt for a 14" band saw, these will officially be the most expensive oars ever made (the reason I'm buying this equipment right now). Now to find someone on craigslist selling these items..

 

[i386]

Re: What wood router to buy?

That one's a hoss! Would be great mounted in a table methinks.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: What wood router to buy?

Routers can be a dangerous tool to use.

I'm the type of tough guy that never wears safety glasses for anything.... I hate them, and I still do.

But I took a bit bearing off the forehead a while back.

Still don't use saftey glasses. But I wear a full face shield when routing or using the table saw (don't ask me about the table saw )

Cheap routers bog when you push them.... bogging means material kickback.
(especially when using cheap bits) Kickback is when you get hurt.... especially when you push through a kickback.



You need a router with power.... pay less attention to the HP rating on the side of it, and more attention to the brand name and reputation of the tool.

Decide if you need a need a standard router, or if the work your doing requires a plunge. If you don't know then buy a plunge.

Alot of times it has nothing to do with your skill... if you use crappy tools you'll get crappy results.

"Its a poor carpenter that blames his tools"-----Skill is everything. The tools you use will not make you a pro. Experience and skill will make you the pro.

I have seen guys armed with top of the line tools make garbage projects and I have seen guys with cheap Black & Decker or Skil tools create magic.

A powertool is only as good as the hand operating it.

Bogging means you are overworking the tool! A dull bit or material that is too thick or too dense will bog a tool. Trying to move through the work to quickly will also bog the tool. If your router is bogging and causing kickback you need to slow down and examine the bit you are using.

Remember Lowkee, measure twice, cut once. Take your time, do it right the first time.
Watch your fingers and saftey glasses and guards and shields are the most important tools in your shop. Your loved ones will appreciate them more than you know.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: What wood router to buy?

Freud!

 

[i386]

Re: What wood router to buy?

I have narrowed it down to a few...

Ryobi 1.5HP from Home Depot - $60
I've used this one for edge work on pine and it was fine.

Bosch 1617 2.25HP $160
Everything I've read says this has the easiest and most accurate height adjustment out there. This model had been in production for a long time too. I've read Bosch will rebuild these for you when they wear out with a 1 week turn around. A plunge base is available for it too or you can get a kit with both bases for $225.

Porter Cable 690LR 1.75HP $160
I like this one because it's a Porter Cable and the large number of accessories available for it.


I will likely go with the Ryobi for the price as I am trying to put a small shop together and don't want spend too much in one place. At some point in the future I would like to have the Bosch. Then I'll put the Ryobi in a router table and leave it there.

 

[FSHKPR]

Re: What wood router to buy?

i have two freud routers i believe they are 3 horse power. i got them at menards for 179 bucks. i went online and pick out a plan for a good router table so leave one in the table and they powerful enough to do the panels on raised panel doors. i also have one ryobi that i leave set up for dovetailing drawers together. that one is 11/2 horse. agree what was said about skimping on bits. buy a good carbide. harbor freight has it place but i never had much luck buying router bits from them. i get most of my bits from grizzly or the local woodworkers depot here in town.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: What wood router to buy?

With a good router and table saw, you can make just about anything. I custom built all my kitchen cabinets at my old house just using those 2 tools. All the real estate people wanted to know who the contractor was that built them.

Don't skimp on the bits, after all that is what makes great results. One thing that has not been mentioned and that is learning how to read the grain of the wood. Go against it and you will get splintering, go with the grain and you'll get a great result

BTW, I've used and abused my Craftsman 1 1/2 horse router for the last 28 years. It was one of the first tools I got for my arsenal of woodworking tools.

Good Luck...........SS

For the lighter side,,,,,,,,,Don't put a wire brush in the spindle as you will end up like a porcupine after it explodes. I learned the hard way many many years ago

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: What wood router to buy?

exploding porcupine!!!!! too funny!!

 

[jimr]

Re: What wood router to buy?

I have a old B&D that used to be my dads, A skil and a craftsman plunge that I like. I bought my FIL a bosch 2 years ago for xmas that has never been used. I also have a router table and a shaper. For the band saw I picked up a used older emerson made ridgid 14" with a 6" riser off craigslist for the right $$. You can do alot with a inexpensive router with good bits.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: What wood router to buy?

i have two freud routers i believe they are 3 horse power. i got them at menards for 179 bucks. i went online and pick out a plan for a good router table so leave one in the table and they powerful enough to do the panels on raised panel doors. i also have one ryobi that i leave set up for dovetailing drawers together. that one is 11/2 horse. agree what was said about skimping on bits. buy a good carbide. harbor freight has it place but i never had much luck buying router bits from them. i get most of my bits from grizzly or the local woodworkers depot here in town.

good stuff hu, we "son and i" also have a biscuit joiner.
think there are 5 routers in the shop.
grizzly is also pretty good stuff, our table saw has an 8' bed.
grizzly drum sander, jointer, shaper, planer.
two band saws, jet and craftsman.
two floor bench drill presses, jet and craftsman again.
jet wood lathe and combination sander.
craftsman table saw using cabide blade for cutting aluminum.
two other older table saws.
dewalt and craftsman miter saws.
forget what the chop saw is but it's a good one.
miller mig welder
whole lotta stuff in the shop.
all that just for hobby.
grandson's a pretty good wood worker also.