What type of router?

[jj5225]

Hi

I'm new here (first thread) - so go easy eh?

I want to buy a router for general wood work...and have got a bit boggled by the choice.

I'm thinking that being able to take both 0.5 and 0.25 inch chuck is good?
And that more rpm is better than less rpm?
And that being able to plunge to pre-set depth is good?
And that more power is better than less power?

Is that it?
Why do seemingly similar spec machines vary in price so much?

Thanks

JOhn

[Mountain Dew]

i have 10 (or 11)
of these

if you live fairly close ill send one out to you

[bigbaddog]

i have 10 (or 11)
of these

if you live fairly close ill send one out to you

Uhhh....I don't think that's the kind of router he's looking for. But, if you do have some of these...how much do you want for one?

[tybrenis]

TBCS Regulars: Thanks for not hijacking this thread.

jj5225: You seem to have the right idea.

You definately will want to purchase a plunge router versus a fixed based router. This just means that it can "plunge" down on your piece, so you can line it up, then plunge down on your piece, allowing for easy free hand depth adjustment.

Now, you will also probably want to be able to adjust the depth easily, so a depth guide is a must. Depending on your material, faster isn't always better. You'll never ever need to go any higher than 30,000 RPM. With plastics, a lower RPM should be used. Much lower. So, if you can find one with speed adjustment, that'd be great. I have a router fixed to a table, so what I did is wired my router in with a foot pedal for speed adjustment.

I recomend looking around your local hardware store to get an idea of what is out there. I have also found that eBay is a surprisingly good place to find cheap used and new tools.

Good luck!

[Airbozo]

I agree with all Tybrenis said. As far as router's go, you usually get what you pay for. That being said, don't be afraid to get last years model since you can save some real coin. Also, it does depend on what you will be working with. A top of the line $300 router may be a little overkill unless you will be working on some big material. Could aslo be that the $69 craftsman will last for a while. Before buying, go to your local HW store and ask some questions and put your hands on a couple to see how they fit.

I have 2 routers, a $80 craftsman plunge router that I use for smaller jobs and a $200 porter cable that I use for large jobs and extremely delicate or precision work.

[Cevinzol]

Welcome to the boards jj5225.

This is similar to what i have www.porter-cable.com its a kit with BOTH fixed and plunge bases. speed adjusts from 10k-23k rpms. 2.25 HP should do just about everything you need.

If its good enough for Norm its good enough for me.