Thread: Aldi Router

I got one about a year ago and it goes fine.
I'm not a huge user but it does what I want/need it to with no issues.

Used it quite a bit. No problems so far.

Haven't got one but saw the catalogue description. Noted that it only takes 1/4 and 5/16" router bits. There are no 5/16" bits available here so you are limited to 1/4" bits.

I would also double check the detailed specifications when they appear on their website to make sure that it's indeed 1/4" .

Otherwise they seem alright for the price but probably rather noisy, so good ear protection will be a must with the cheap routers.

Hope that helps.


Peter.

I thought that they offered 5/16" and 1/4" collets, otherwise there is only 1/32" wall thickness on the collet

I have one , had little use, never over work it. The last time ALDI had wood working tools etc on sale, I purchased the router table and router, and a biscuit jointer.
The router table was crap, the fence had about 2mm curve in it, the router lasted about 2 hours of easy work. Dust fell down into it , smoke went everywhere, burnt out.
As the router was over 30 days old ,I had to freight it to Sydney for them to inspect it, the freight was more than the router was worth , it was binned.
The biscuit cutter required major work to get the cuts alined with the work face.
I'll buy another router as a spare , for only light work. John.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Haven't got one but saw the catalogue description. Noted that it only takes 1/4 and 5/16" router bits. There are no 5/16" bits available here so you are limited to 1/4" bits.

I would also double check the detailed specifications when they appear on their website to make sure that it's indeed 1/4" .
Peter.

Unit comes with 8mm and 1/4inch collets. There are some 8mm shank bits availabe, it is the standard shank for Leigh Superjig and the smaller bits for the family of D4 dovetail templates, although the D4 family also uses some 1/2in shanks for the larger bits.
Leigh go for 8mm (a standard Euro size) because the offer a significant cross section increase over 1/4 in shanks, and hence are stiffer and more stable, while still fitting through the 7/16 guide bush that they use.

The 1/4in collet is a true 1/4 rather than a 6mm, I have used mine with both ALDI and Porter Cable 1/4 shank bits without problems.

The unit is not a $280 Triton JOF, but appears to be reasonable value for money.

If you are looking for 8mm shank cutters - Lee Valley have a fair selection at reasonable prices and good quality.

Les

The Aldi router I bought a couple of sale cycles ago came with a 6mm collet not a 1/4", and an 8mm collet. You can hammer a 1/4" bit into a 6mm collet, but it isn't pretty, and is 'fun' when it come time to take the bit out.

I'd suggest taking a 1/4" bit along and trying it in the router before taking it to the register. There is a good chance that any bits Aldi sell are going to be 6mm not 1/4" (6.35mm) also.

What can I say about buying tools from Aldi? If something cheap is the way to go then go for it. I haven't seen the add, but if it is a Taurus brand router, forget it. About 12 months ago I bought both the Taurus router and router table. The router (which was my first) lasted about one hour in total use and burnt out. I returned it to Aldi and they refunded my money without hesitation. I kept the table which is nothing great (except if you are a very small person) and as commented by nine fingers is out of level on both the in feed and out feed bolt on extensions. I have put another old router that I was given onto the table just to play with (I mean learn with) while I purchased a Makita router which I find to be excellent. If it is not a Taurus then maybe it is okay as a secondary unit but otherwise use it in the knowledge that Aldi will refund your money! Gee, I am starting to sound like I know what I am talking about since joining Woodwork Forum but actually I learn from the advice of the knowledgeable here.

If you are looking for cheap without most of the nasty then check out Trade Tools.

Yes it is Chinese but the Renegade stuff appears to be a cut above. They do sell the usual suspects at reasonable prices but the Renegade brand stuff is well priced and come with warranty. The routers are 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch or a 1/4 inch trimmer.

No association other than a customer.

Here is the 1/2 inch, variable speed, soft start and under $100

https://www.tradetools.com/products/RI1500ER

I went to check out what the size was,didn't see a router but there were bits that said 6.35 mm,so I guess the router will be too.

Originally Posted by Bob38S

If you are looking for cheap without most of the nasty then check out Trade Tools.

Yes it is Chinese but the Renegade stuff appears to be a cut above. They do sell the usual suspects at reasonable prices but the Renegade brand stuff is well priced and come with warranty. The routers are 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch or a 1/4 inch trimmer.

No association other than a customer.

Here is the 1/2 inch, variable speed, soft start and under $100

https://www.tradetools.com/products/RI1500ER

They do look like pretty good value, and it comes with a 15 piece router bit set.