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  1. #1
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    Default Any fixed-base router on Australian market?

    I'm looking for a fixed-base router like the DeWalt DW618 or Bosch 1617EVS, available on the US market, but I need 240V not 110V. These are 2.25HP (1680W) units with handles. Not lami trimmers.
    They are supposed to be good for use with dovetail jigs due to the low centre of gravity, good power and up to 1/2" collet. I'd be dedicating it to my Leigh D4R jig.

    Here's what they look like:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/DEWALT-DW618-Electronic-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Base/dp/B00006JKXB
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Bosch-1617.../dp/B00004TKHV

    I don't think either of these are available on the Australian market (except on eBay or Amazon au, from US, at 110V). Has anyone seen something like this here in Australia recently with real 240V?

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  3. #2
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    Makita 3601B. This is a 1/2” D-handled router and is my preferred choice for all edge and jig work such as dovetails. The baseplate is threaded to take the US standard Porter Cable threaded guide bushes.

    Best of all you can pick one up 2nd hand fairly easily for around $100 -150.
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chief Tiff View Post
    Makita 3601B. This is a 1/2” D-handled router and is my preferred choice for all edge and jig work such as dovetails. The baseplate is threaded to take the US standard Porter Cable threaded guide bushes.

    Best of all you can pick one up 2nd hand fairly easily for around $100 -150.
    Yes, close - 1000W, maybe that's enough, especially if you're not using the bigger dovetail bits? Nice it has a D-handle.

    Eye-watering price new $670 - although for Festool router owners that would be like peanuts.

    Not sure I'd go with second hand due to doubt about its previous life and run-out issues, though the eccentric bush on the jig (Leigh e-Bush) is designed to take up the inevitable slight run-out present even on factory-new machines. The ubiquitous rusty tin lid on the 2nd hand ones is only slightly off-putting otherwise.

    On the other hand buying a 110V DW618 for $300 and then a 2000W transformer (proper one, $580, don't know about those $100 eBay ones) is even more expensive overall - wrong frequency anyway - that puts the price in perspective I suppose.

    Is the Makita 3601B all we have here in this type of router?

  5. #4
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    Default

    The only other one I can find myself is Axminster in the UK sell a Bosch GMF 1600 CE 1/2" router, one of the supplied bodies is a fixed base; costs even more at $745 plus $102 postage, still peanuts to a Festool owner but seems OTT to me.

    Seems the US market has all sorts of routers that aren't available internationally.

    So, is that it then? I really hope I've missed something.

  6. #5
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    The 1050W power is plenty; these aren’t Chinese Watts! You can spin any sized dovetail bit in this machine, I also use rebating bits, 1/2” flush trim bits and roundovers with no problem. My only issues with it are the no soft start or variable speed. That power rating is a continuous power rating, meaning it will run all day.
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  7. #6
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    It's a pity that for the $670 price, the Makita 3601B has no soft start or variable speed. Granted it's 'heavy duty' but that's more than necessary for a backshed dovetail jig router. It's primitive and expensive, and has that rusty tin lid.

    If it was ChungChong brand with the rust specks showing through the paint, nobody would even jab at it with a dunny brush. But since it's Makita it's all brand love-love-love. Anyhow it seems to be the only locally-sold fixed-base 1000W-plus 1/2" router.

    The only other good locally bought 'dovetail-jig' router options (as opposed to 'mate, anything will work') seem to be settle for a plunge router with variable speed and soft start, i.e. Makita RP2301FC or Hitachi M12VE both at $549. Then be careful not to release the plunge spring when routing. Also heavier and more powerful than necessary.

    Or just import a DW618 from US, and use a stepdown xformer. Even eBay gets the router for approx AUD 350 inc GST, and then a Tortech non-isolating xformer 2400W (Australian made) $300 = total $650.

    Overall cheaper than the Makita fixed-base, and it's a better router for a dovetail jig. Also, if you ever wanted to move up to two dedicated routers, one for pins, one for tails, you're actually ahead this way.

    Other notes on going with the DW618:
    Turns out that ac frequency is a non-issue, universal motors aren't frequency sensitive due to their design and anyway the DW618 rating plate says 60/50Hz.
    The DW618 breaks magnet rings (the most likely fault other than brushes), which only cost USD 4.50 in the US but end up about AUD30 on eBay sent here. Or forget eBay, buy a spare magnet ring at same time as the router, have the package sent thru a USA freight forwarder.
    Tortech also have isolating xformers, nicer but more expensive, which would only need to be 2000W not 2400W because it can handle the starting load of the 1680W motor, whereas a 2000W autotransformer (i.e, non-isolated) possibly cannot, hence an autotransformer is better to be 2400W.
    If anyone else actually cares, read the Tortech website on the difference: https://www.tortech.com.au/isocompare

  8. #7
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    Perth
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnaduit View Post
    I'm looking for a fixed-base router like the DeWalt DW618 or Bosch 1617EVS, available on the US market, but I need 240V not 110V. These are 2.25HP (1680W) units with handles. Not lami trimmers.
    They are supposed to be good for use with dovetail jigs due to the low centre of gravity, good power and up to 1/2" collet. I'd be dedicating it to my Leigh D4R jig.

    Here's what they look like:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/DEWALT-DW618-Electronic-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Base/dp/B00006JKXB
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Bosch-1617.../dp/B00004TKHV

    I don't think either of these are available on the Australian market (except on eBay or Amazon au, from US, at 110V). Has anyone seen something like this here in Australia recently with real 240V?
    Since it is for a dovetail jig, what about a Bosch Colt router trimmer? These are 1 or 1.25 hp. That would be plenty for the purpose (I use an old Makita to remove the waste from hand sawn half-blind dovetails). There may be more powerful trimmer routers available.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  9. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by derekcohen View Post
    Since it is for a dovetail jig, what about a Bosch Colt router trimmer? These are 1 or 1.25 hp. That would be plenty for the purpose (I use an old Makita to remove the waste from hand sawn half-blind dovetails). There may be more powerful trimmer routers available.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Seems to be called a "Bosch GMR1" in Australia, 1/4" collet, 550W. The problem I see with the trimmer routers is that the smaller Leigh router dovetail bits are 8mm shank, and the larger ones are 1/2". So that disqualifies the trimmer routers I've seen.

  10. #9
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    I know it is second hand but could still be worth considering. https://webshop.cashconverters.com.a...vy-duty-router
    Looks a clean unit, and you might be able to negotiate a better price.

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Handyjack View Post
    I know it is second hand but could still be worth considering. https://webshop.cashconverters.com.a...vy-duty-router
    Looks a clean unit, and you might be able to negotiate a better price.
    You're right. It doesn't look too bad. Currently $249. I can get the US router, which is much better spec, new for $275 I think, but then have to get the $300 transformer. I'm undecided, but leaning toward the US router.

  12. #11
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    Default

    A new machine will come with all the essentials - spanners and collet, maybe even a guide or template bush. Most second hand units will not come with the accessories that can make them use able. The Makita above from the images shown does not include a spanner or two for bit changes and there is no image of the collet. It would be worth while to enquire and even ask for an image of the collet to make sure it is there. It does have an Australian plug and will have had an electrical safety check.
    An overseas machine will probably require a plug change as a minimum. If purchased from some countries a transformer as well.

  13. #12
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    Default

    Yes a US power tool will need a transformer. Post #6 has more info.

  14. #13
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    There is this one on eBay: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Makita-H...AAAOSwLEVbiJm8

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  15. #14
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    Default

    I just don't know what these Makita 3601B routers get used for -- they really are primitive -- generally speaking, who buys them? I don't think it would be a 'handyman' router - too expensive, and no bells or whistles.

    So, a trade router? When they wash up on eBay by the dozen, is that because they've been thrashed to an inch of death in service of some trade?

    I'd buy a used ladder. Or particular old hand tools, sure. But I'm not so sure I'd splash $180 or whatever on a dinged up old carpenter's utility router, as the heart of my dedicated, top-of-the-range precision dovetailing jig.

  16. #15
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    Perth
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    Personally, I do not see the attraction of a fixed based router, but then I do not use dovetail jigs. If I did, I would find a compatible 1/4" router bit for a trim router to use in your Leigh. I have an old Makita 3701 trim router, and use it with a 1/8" bit to clear the waste from half blind dovetails, which involves routing into (generally Jarrah) end grain. It has more than enough power, and is only rated 440 watts (about 2/3 hp). It is small and balanced. (All my other routers are by Elu).

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

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