Expert reviews differ as to whether plunge routers or fixed-base routers are more convenient to use in a router table. As noted above, the most recent Fine Woodworking review recommends the 2.25-hp (12-amp) Triton plunge router (*est. $200) as the most convenient router for table-mounted use. For heavy-duty routing, reviews recommend the Bosch 1619EVS plunge router (*est. $310) .
Among big, fixed-base routers for continuous use or work in hardwoods, reviews recommend the 3.5-hp Milwaukee 5625-20 (*est. $275) , though it lacks dust control and vibrates more than the Bosch and Triton wood routers. The Milwaukee's maximum depth is smaller, too -- 1.75 inches compared with 2.56 inches for the Bosch 1619EVS and 2.31 inches for the Triton MOF001KC. Milwaukee routers carry a longer five-year warranty, though, and reviews say the Milwaukee 5625-20 makes table-mounted depth adjustments easier (though you have to support the router with one hand underneath the table). In the 2008 Taunton Tool Guide, the readers' survey ranks the Milwaukee 5625-20 router third, after a Triton and Bosch fixed-base router.
Like the Bosch and Triton routers, the Milwaukee 5625-20 router has a soft-start EVS motor and two-stage depth adjustment that can zero out for accuracy. It comes with two bases, one clear and another ready for Porter-Cable guide bushings. It comes with both D-handles and ball-shaped handles.
The Woodworker's Journal review also recommends the 3.5-hp Porter-Cable Speedmatic 7518 (*est. $340) . Owners praise this Porter-Cable wood router in reviews at Amazon.com. It gets top marks for low vibration in the Wood Magazine review, but loses points for lack of dust control. The controls are located better on the Milwaukee fixed-base router, which also has more power. The Porter-Cable warranty is for only one year.
For handheld use, reviews recommend the lighter 1.75-hp (11-amp) Milwaukee 5615-21 (*est. $155) , often called the Milwaukee Body Grip router. Though designed for one-handed use, the Milwaukee can also be gripped around the body with both hands. Popular Mechanics names this model its top choice -- editors say bit-height adjustment when mounted in a table is especially easy, and the motor pops out for bit changes. Shaft and collet nuts are heavy-duty and easy to use. The Journal of Light Construction likes the way the Milwaukee fastens to your hand with a Velcro-type strap, making one-handed routing safer and easier.
The motor, an older model (that some would call a classic) on the Milwaukee 5615-21 Body Grip is not soft-start. Getting that feature requires moving up to the 2.25-hp (13-amp) variable-speed Milwaukee 5616-21 (*est. $190) , which also has the body-grip design. Owners reviewing this "improved" Milwaukee router at Amazon.com give it mixed reviews, with some complaints about problems requiring repairs. One owner notes that the variable speed has an overload cutout that tends to shut down the router a lot, making the single-speed Milwaukee 5615-21 easier to use. It has a longer track record with a much lower percentage of complaints at Amazon.com.
Both professional and owner-written reviews also recommend the 2.25-hp (11-amp) Makita RF1101 (*est. $200) router, but with some reservations about accurate depth adjustments. Editors at Wood Magazine say the quiet-running Makita woodworking router has a conveniently located switch. However, dust collection is optional, base changes require a screwdriver and turning the router on/off requires releasing one handle -- undesirable when routing freehand. Editors at Popular Woodworking agree that the Makita is unusually quiet for a wood router, but like several other reviewers, they note that it's difficult to accurately adjust the depth. The Makita only comes with a one-year warranty, compared with five-years for Milwaukee routers.
Among big, fixed-base routers for continuous use or work in hardwoods, reviews recommend the 3.5-hp Milwaukee 5625-20 (*est. $275) , though it lacks dust control and vibrates more than the Bosch and Triton wood routers. The Milwaukee's maximum depth is smaller, too -- 1.75 inches compared with 2.56 inches for the Bosch 1619EVS and 2.31 inches for the Triton MOF001KC. Milwaukee routers carry a longer five-year warranty, though, and reviews say the Milwaukee 5625-20 makes table-mounted depth adjustments easier (though you have to support the router with one hand underneath the table). In the 2008 Taunton Tool Guide, the readers' survey ranks the Milwaukee 5625-20 router third, after a Triton and Bosch fixed-base router.
Like the Bosch and Triton routers, the Milwaukee 5625-20 router has a soft-start EVS motor and two-stage depth adjustment that can zero out for accuracy. It comes with two bases, one clear and another ready for Porter-Cable guide bushings. It comes with both D-handles and ball-shaped handles.
The Woodworker's Journal review also recommends the 3.5-hp Porter-Cable Speedmatic 7518 (*est. $340) . Owners praise this Porter-Cable wood router in reviews at Amazon.com. It gets top marks for low vibration in the Wood Magazine review, but loses points for lack of dust control. The controls are located better on the Milwaukee fixed-base router, which also has more power. The Porter-Cable warranty is for only one year.
For handheld use, reviews recommend the lighter 1.75-hp (11-amp) Milwaukee 5615-21 (*est. $155) , often called the Milwaukee Body Grip router. Though designed for one-handed use, the Milwaukee can also be gripped around the body with both hands. Popular Mechanics names this model its top choice -- editors say bit-height adjustment when mounted in a table is especially easy, and the motor pops out for bit changes. Shaft and collet nuts are heavy-duty and easy to use. The Journal of Light Construction likes the way the Milwaukee fastens to your hand with a Velcro-type strap, making one-handed routing safer and easier.
The motor, an older model (that some would call a classic) on the Milwaukee 5615-21 Body Grip is not soft-start. Getting that feature requires moving up to the 2.25-hp (13-amp) variable-speed Milwaukee 5616-21 (*est. $190) , which also has the body-grip design. Owners reviewing this "improved" Milwaukee router at Amazon.com give it mixed reviews, with some complaints about problems requiring repairs. One owner notes that the variable speed has an overload cutout that tends to shut down the router a lot, making the single-speed Milwaukee 5615-21 easier to use. It has a longer track record with a much lower percentage of complaints at Amazon.com.
Both professional and owner-written reviews also recommend the 2.25-hp (11-amp) Makita RF1101 (*est. $200) router, but with some reservations about accurate depth adjustments. Editors at Wood Magazine say the quiet-running Makita woodworking router has a conveniently located switch. However, dust collection is optional, base changes require a screwdriver and turning the router on/off requires releasing one handle -- undesirable when routing freehand. Editors at Popular Woodworking agree that the Makita is unusually quiet for a wood router, but like several other reviewers, they note that it's difficult to accurately adjust the depth. The Makita only comes with a one-year warranty, compared with five-years for Milwaukee routers.
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