Thread: Fixed base routers

Do a search - this topic has been cudgelled to death.

The short version is that there aren't any imported (if you discount edge trimmers like the little Makita), and it's not just a conversion from 110v, it's also the change from 60Hz to 50.

My ryobi router has approx 30mm of plunge travel, I have trouble using standard 1/4" router bits(obtaining enough high)maybe it's full of sawdust lol. So unless you know something I don't, can't see the point in using a fixed base router in a table.


HJ0

Originally Posted by snellj

Is it my imagination or are there a dearth of suppliers of fixed base routers in Oz. I'm looking for one to mount in a router table. There seems to be a mountain of them in the US of every possible make but I'm not keen on transforming from 110V if I can avoid it - nor seem to be able to find any outfit that actually ships here. I'd be grateful for any suggestions and/or words of wisdom.

Tis not your imagination, ive seen one in the last 3 years that i recall and it was too big for what i was looking for at the time. Ive since outgrown the need that i wanted one for anyway. what purpose do you seek the fixed base router for anyway?

I think Makita used to sell a fixed base router here; and a while back GMC sold a fixed base router through bunnings and harris scarfe (I think).

The advantage some see in a fixed base is that it's easy to drop out of the table to change bits.

Limited otherwise though methinks.


Cheers...............Sean

Is there a specific reason you only want to mount a fixed base routerto the table? GMC did make a 1400w fixed base a couple of years back if you can find one.Searching under fixed base in the archives will get you lots of info.Good Luck

Originally Posted by HJ0

My ryobi router has approx 30mm of plunge travel, I have trouble using standard 1/4" router bits(obtaining enough high)maybe it's full of sawdust lol. So unless you know something I don't, can't see the point in using a fixed base router in a table.


HJ0

You might find a second hand 3601B Makita router (it's the D-handled one). It's a very good router, as far as fixed based routers go. Mine is in the router table and I have no trouble bringing the collet up proud of the table, so there's no issue with travel, at least not if you have a good router

Cheers
Michael

Many thanks for the responses to my post. I take the point about the search and the subject being cudgelled to death! The question has been raised as to why I want to use a fixed base router? I already have a plunge router which I use constantly and happily. It seems to me that in putting a plunge router into a table, I'm putting functionality in there that I can't use and I'm constrained by having to include the handles into a situation where they are no use and just get in the way. Judging from the web sites for Bosch, Porter-Cable and Amazon, there is obviously a demand in the US for this type of router and I'm just amazed that there is no equivalent demand in Oz that somebody can exploit to their advantage - or is it just a factor of the relative size of the respective markets?
GMC used to supply a fixed base router but don't any more, Carbatec have stopped importing Porter-Cable routers - presumably because they are not cost effective. I think I know what I want and why I want it and am totally frustrated by not being able to get it - I'll keep watching the second hand columns - hopefully something will turn up!

So this isn't a good time for all of us who bought two (or more) of the excellent gmc fixed base routers for the princely sum of $39 each to gloat?

Originally Posted by Caliban

So this isn't a good time for all of us who bought two (or more) of the excellent gmc fixed base routers for the princely sum of $39 each to gloat?

Damn, you beat me to it.

One of mine is still in it's shrink-wrapped box too. :eek:

(No, it's not for sale, well, it might be if the price is right. Hahahahahahahah)

Craig (who doesn't normally gloat )

Originally Posted by mic-d

You might find a second hand 3601B Makita router (it's the D-handled one). It's a very good router, as far as fixed based routers go. Mine is in the router table and I have no trouble bringing the collet up proud of the table, so there's no issue with travel, at least not if you have a good router

Cheers
Michael

My little B&D router must be a good one, It has about 80mm of travel lol. Still think the ryobi full of sawdust cuz the travel less everytime I use It.

HJ0

Originally Posted by snellj

Judging from the web sites for Bosch, Porter-Cable and Amazon, there is obviously a demand in the US for this type of router and I'm just amazed that there is no equivalent demand in Oz that somebody can exploit to their advantage - or is it just a factor of the relative size of the respective markets?

Of course there is no great demand here for fixed base routers for, unlike the Seppos, we have learned that you can use a plunge router. They still have to learn that.

Peter.

You think there is no need for a fixed base router well then make a horizontal router table and put a plunge router on it

I believe you can still get the Makita 3601B (the 'D' handle machine) new. It should be about the same price as the 3612. I own one of these, got it new and had it years, and it is A-OK - but I don't think it would be ideal in a router table. Why wouldn't you use a plunge type?

B....r! Just stumbled across this and it's the same question (as a newby) I recently posted! Seems there's no big market for fixed base routers but I'm still curious about the experts opinion on the new Bosch fixed base with plunger attachment.:confused: