Thread: been looking for a new router

Originally Posted by Wolffie

I just had a look at Makita, Hitachi and Bosch.
Bosch is out because it does not have a lockable switch.
Neither have variable speed.
Which router should I buy or rather, anyone know of one, 1/2" collet with variable speed and a lockable switch?
I need it for my Leigh jigs.
Cheers
Wolffie

Both Makita and Hitachi have the ability to lock the switch. What is more important is that both have access to a variety of Metric template guides. With the aid of the template guide you will be able to increase your router's potential.

Originally Posted by Template Tom

Both Makita and Hitachi have the ability to lock the switch. What is more important is that both have access to a variety of Metric template guides. With the aid of the template guide you will be able to increase your router's potential.

Thank you Tom.
I did see the lock on those 2 but neither have variable speed.
You cannot run at 22000rpm on perspex etc.
Neither can you cut lithopanes at that speed.
Cheers
Wolffie

High Wolfie,

I have owned the Makita 3612 for while now and a really great tool but pretty heavy and I just wish it was variable speed. It is powerful and handles everything with ease though.

Hi wolffie, I have both of the leigh jigs, one for mortise and tenon and the other for dovetails the D4R. I use the small triton router and have no complaints. It's got variable speed, a lockable switch and a 1/2 inch collet. It's not too large and well balanced for these jigs.

SB

Originally Posted by Wolffie

Thank you Tom.
I did see the lock on those 2 but neither have variable speed.
You cannot run at 22000rpm on perspex etc.
Neither can you cut lithopanes at that speed.
Cheers
Wolffie

Both my Makita and Hitachi Have variable spped if you choose the right model

Wolffie, take a look at the Makita RP2301FC and the DeWalt DW621. I have both routers and can highly recommend them.

For use with Leigh Jigs I would recommend the DW621. At 3kg it is not to heavy, has all the power you will need and a great dust extraction system.

The DeWalt RP2301FC is a top class router however at 6kg probably to heavy to be maneuvering around the Leigh Jigs for any length of time - unless of course you are superman.

If your budget allows a Festool OF1400 could fit the bill, it's got all the required features, plus some and is also a relatively compact router like the DW621 and mid sized Triton.

Originally Posted by T.C

If your budget allows a Festool OF1400 could fit the bill, it's got all the required features, plus some and is also a relatively compact router like the DW621 and mid sized Triton.

Stuff the budget and get the Festool OF2200

But seriously, all the big brands have variable speed models and I know the Hitachi has a lockable switch (I'm assuming you mean a switch that you don't have to hold to keep it on) as does the Triton range

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

Stuff the budget and get the Festool OF2200

But seriously, all the big brands have variable speed models and I know the Hitachi has a lockable switch (I'm assuming you mean a switch that you don't have to hold to keep it on) as does the Triton range

Unfortunately the Festool is outside my budget range.
That is exactly what I mean, my arthritic fingers cannot hold on to the switch for any length of time.
I bought the Hitachi M12VE(H1) online but it looks like it only comes with a 1/2" collet.
Our local Mitre10 (the only hardware store within a 50 km range) only carry a very limited router assortment and none with variable speed.
We found out that Bunnies carry the AEG range so we are going to Cairns (Smithfield) to have a look at them. They have one that comes with both fixed and plunge bases. This means I can also use it in my CNC machine. It has both 1/2" and 1/4" collets, at $399.- I believe it is affordable..
Hopefully, if I allow Lee to be the boss today I can talk him into buying that one for me, then he can have the Hitachi
We have fitted the old Bosch to the Leigh Mortise and Tenon jig but he doesn't like the idea of swapping routers around so I reckon my chances are good for getting the AEG.
Cheers
Wolffie

Not much help now but Masters are scheduled to be open in Cairns in September to give you more choice.

Have you looked on the internet at various manufactures/toolshops to see if you can find a suitable tool with the specs you want at a price within budget. (Bosch, Makita, Just Tools, Total Tools, Sydney Tools etc.)
Once you have found what meets your needs then it is a matter of asking if you local hardware store can bring it in or order it from a supplier that stocks it for delivery.
I agree though that often the specs on the internet do not always tell the full story and there is nothing like actually holding a tool prior to purchase to see if it fits in the hand and you can feel the weight.

Originally Posted by perthwoody

Not much help now but Masters are scheduled to be open in Cairns in September to give you more choice.

Can't wait for the big green shed to get some competition.
Once they managed to shut all the others down, service went into a big black hole very quickly.
Cheers
Wolffie

Originally Posted by Handyjack

Have you looked on the internet at various manufactures/toolshops to see if you can find a suitable tool with the specs you want at a price within budget. (Bosch, Makita, Just Tools, Total Tools, Sydney Tools etc.)
Once you have found what meets your needs then it is a matter of asking if you local hardware store can bring it in or order it from a supplier that stocks it for delivery.
I agree though that often the specs on the internet do not always tell the full story and there is nothing like actually holding a tool prior to purchase to see if it fits in the hand and you can feel the weight.

All we have here in M10 and lately they are more interested in being a gift shop than a hardware shop, getting them to order stuff in has been a bad joke for years
Cheers
Wolffie