Thread: Which router do you prefer, plunge or fixed base

I have two plunge routers.
Having said that - because I am not happy with repeatability of depth plunge with one of them (its 22 years old). I tend to lock the depth and use it like you would a fixed base.

I have had a plunge router for years, and I've never used it to plunge. I always set it to a depth and then use it locked in place. Even if I'm dropping in, I will lock it to depth first, and then drop it in by hand.

None of my router bits can do a straight drop in anyway - they will only cut down a short way, then they have to be moved around to properly dig a hole. The only use I can think for a plunge router is maybe for deep morticing, and I would probably do that on the drill press. I wouldn't trust a plunge router for this, because they can still slip around (and I'd need to get more specialised router bits for this anyway). I've used the locked base routing out deep channels in several passes, and it works well. I've never wanted to plunge my way in.

I have ended up taking the spring out of my plunge router, because it just makes it harder to set the depth, having to push against this. Without the spring, it's much easier to set the correct depth. I always wished I had a fixed router that I could wind up and down, instead of having to jiggle it into an exact position and then lock it.

Hi Phil,

IMO your question is not appropriate as a generic in the manner you have phrased it. The choice of machine obviously depends on what you are trying to do and that covers the gamit of hogging masses of material in stair stringers to doing the finest face shave on the laminate at the front front of a bench top : now there's a fair choice of machines and techniques between those two operations. Now if the question asked me that if I could only have one machine what would it be I'd go for a fixed base mid size router of about 1HP. I've got one of those but I don't like it for plunge cutting though I did put up with it for all operations for a couple of decades. Cheers Old Pete

I have six routers, all plunge, but I tend to fix the depth and then hand plunge. I really need to have a small fixed base for trimming as they are much more accurate for fine work.

Phil

Going back to Old Pete's comment of if I could only have one machine what would it be, I' d have to say a plunge router in that you can use it virtually as a fixed base machine (admittedly with slightly less fine control) but a fixed base cannot be used as a plunge.

Having said that De Walt make a small router (900W) which has a fixed base and a plunge base. They seem to be fairly easily interchangeable. They are not yet available in Oz, but can be obtained from the UK.

Dewalt D26204K 8mm (1/4in) Combination Plunge & Fixed Base Router - YouTube

The problem in Oz with fixed base routers is that they are horrendously expensive. In the US, where fixed base routers are the preferred machine, they are much more affordable.

The irony of plunge routers is that the majority of straight router bits are not designed to cut vertically, as Surfdabbler has pointed out, only when traversed. I think the spiral bits are the bit for plunge cutting.

The closest thing to a fixed base I have is my laminate trimmer.

Just as an entirely irrational comment and despite voting for a plunge router, I think the fixed base router is far more aesthetically pleasing.

Regards
Paul

There is a nice fixed base router for sale in the For Sale section!!

Ooooooo... can of worms being opened here!

I'm greedy; I have 5 routers in total. Two (1/4" & 1/2") are mounted in tables leaving me with another 1/4" and 1/2" routers for hand held work. These are all plunge routers. The last one is a Makita "D" handled; this is used exclusively for jig work and edge profiling.

If I could only have one router it would have to be my big 1/2" Triton as it can do anything; but a second one would definately be the Makita D handle.

I'm starting to feel terribly inadequate with my single router, when everyone else seems to have a collection of them. I have it mounted under a bench, but I've designed a special custom mount for it, and I can slide it in and out in about 15 seconds, including doing up the locking nut. So it's easily ready to use either under the table or handheld.

Originally Posted by surfdabbler

I'm starting to feel terribly inadequate with my single router, when everyone else seems to have a collection of them. I have it mounted under a bench, but I've designed a special custom mount for it, and I can slide it in and out in about 15 seconds, including doing up the locking nut. So it's easily ready to use either under the table or handheld.

I would be interested to see how you have done this as I find it a pain in the rear to remove my only router from the table.
If you could provide some pictures that would be great.


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Well I hope someone has more than me as I have seven of the bloody things, no wait , I have eight of them, I forgot my motising machine I built. Three are plunge routers that I use for plunge work and on my Leigh Mortise and Tenon Jig and the others are fixed. One I use for my Leigh Dovetail Jig as I can get fine adjustment when setting height that then remains fixed for the rest of the job, and a couple for router inlay work and fine trimming. I tried to sell one once but no one wanted to buy it so I must have one gathering dust somewhere, yes I have one just to gather dust at a fixed depth of dust gathering.

SB

Triton plunge all the way

Wow, didn't expect this thread to come back again in a hurry.

It's been so long I now have 7 routers....

Actually, each one does have a specific use:

Big Triton in the table, never comes out
Little Triton for 1/2" hand-held plunge routing
1/2" Ryobi plunge for overhead routing on the Triton WC
1/2" Makita "D" handled fixed base for jig and edge work
1/4" Chinese no-name plunge for small hand-held plunge routing
(Identical in every way bar name) 1/4" Chinese no-name fitted to a baby table
1/4" Ryobi trim router

Now just need a fixed base router to complete my collection! Munruben is selling one for a couple of hundred bucks and throwing in a Triton MkIII...if only I lived near Brisvegas

Oh, I've also got to think of a specific use for it so I can justify the purchase further than "I just want one, OK?" Maybe use the fixed base for jigs and the "D" for edge work...hmmm.

Oh, to appease the Darksiders and Neanderthals, I also gots me a Veritas router plane with some extra good bits you can't get in Oz. And a few years ago I picked up an Indian copy of a Stanley 45


Gloat over

I only have two, one fixed, the other plunge, both are good for specific work but the plunge will do both so the plunge gets used most




Pete

Well I took the plunge last night (like that one) and ordered another router. As I could not make up my mind I decided to purchase a Dewalt D26204K. Can't wait for it to arrive.