Thread: Plunge Or Trim Router first up?

I hear you petermiddo. Sometimes there's too much help. Unfortunately Festool people just don't understand us mere mortals. Buy one of these - Compact Router With Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Base 710W Installation | eBay - the collets are complete crap, but you can buy a genuine Makita 1/4" one from Total Tools and the like for under $25. If you want any other sizes buy from these guys - Makita Collets RT0700 - 3DTEK | UK Shop

For information on this router go to this thread - Chinese 710W trimmer router review - it's a great little router, except for the collets.

You could always consider the cheaper end of the Makita range. Makita MT Series Router, 1000W M3601G — United Tools Burleigh or Makita MT Series 12.7mm (1/2in) Plunge Router, 1650W M3600G — United Tools Burleigh
One of the best things you could do (apart from using this forum) is to visit some tools shops and not just Bunnings. Compare features and how it feels in your hand. Also check what size collet(s) it comes with or can be bought later.
This can be useful so the same bit can be used in your handheld router and then latter you bench router.

There is no one size fits all. Also what you think you will do with it, and what you end up doing could be two different things.

Originally Posted by aldav

I hear you petermiddo. Sometimes there's too much help. Unfortunately Festool people just don't understand us mere mortals. Buy one of these - Compact Router With Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Base 710W Installation | eBay - the collets are complete crap, but you can buy a genuine Makita 1/4" one from Total Tools and the like for under $25. If you want any other sizes buy from these guys - Makita Collets RT0700 - 3DTEK | UK Shop

For information on this router go to this thread - Chinese 710W trimmer router review - it's a great little router, except for the collets.

Aldav, thanks for saving me the effort of linking my review!

Peter, please read the review carefully as there were two issues with the unit; firstly as noted above the supplied 1/4” collet was utter crap but genuine Makita or quality aftermarket ones are fine. Secondly, the plunge base had an issue with one of the plunge posts that needed to be Dremmel’d to fix. If you do consider buying one (and for $95 shipped you can’t really go too wrong!) you need to expect that it will also have the same issues.

The second post in the review was written by Derek who only had the basic trimmer body (no plunge base) but he provided several quality photos and and descriptions of how he uses his for waste removal when cutting half-blind dovetail joints.

Mine is currently on loan to a lady from the Bundaberg Woodworking Guild who is practicing using it freehand in the plunge base; she’s much more confident with it than if she was using her husband’s larger plunge router.

If CNC routing is of interest then the two most common routers for this task are the Makita and Dewalt trim routers. Most CNC's have pre-made mounts available for these two routers.

Originally Posted by ian

Pete

I'm not sure that I've even heard of a 12 mm Black and Decker collet.

I am pretty sure you're right on it not being a 12mm collet. I guess I just did the maths and rounded down. It will be a standard 1/2" collet.

And it's definately a black & decker motor. I checked it this afternoon.

You have had plenty of opinions. I'll chuck in mine.

You have a router table of some kind. What doesn't it do well? First thing that comes to mind is blind dadoes. That's plunge router territory.

If your router lacks power you take lighter cuts.

If you buy a 1/4" router you will need seperate bits for it and the table router, unless you use a reducer and 1/4 bits in both, which comes with a seperate set of issues.

Given that I'd buy the lightest 1/2" plunge router you can find.

You like ryobi fine, but if it were me I'd look for a second hand quality unit in good order. Same or less money, little or no loss reselling, much more satisfying to use. I know nothing of the chinese router but if it's fixable then that might be a good option. I am biased. I have some ryobi stuff, most of it is not very good.

Even dovetails can be cut in 2 passes using a narrow straight bit first. Power only enables speed.

2c

Derek, the MOF 97 has to be the Dewalt 621, the best router ever made. I have the smaller Triton in my router table, & neither has missed a beat in 15+ years. I also have my father's Makita trim router, still going strong after 30+ years. Bought a clear base for easier viewing, built a hinge mortise jig that works a treat. Hope the trip was a joy!!

Originally Posted by Repete

Derek, the MOF 97 has to be the Dewalt 621, the best router ever made. I have the smaller Triton in my router table, & neither has missed a beat in 15+ years. I also have my father's Makita trim router, still going strong after 30+ years. Bought a clear base for easier viewing, built a hinge mortise jig that works a treat. Hope the trip was a joy!!

They are indeed one and the same design, with the exception that the DW has a 1/2" as well as 1/4" option. The Elu MOF 97 is 1/4". Since it is intended for smaller work - is not intended to push wide bits - that is okay. This router has about the best dust control around, and is so well balanced. Great fine adjustment too. Love it!

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by aldav

I hear you petermiddo. Sometimes there's too much help. Unfortunately Festool people just don't understand us mere mortals. Buy one of these - Compact Router With Plunge Base Variable Speed Plunge Base 710W Installation | eBay - the collets are complete crap, but you can buy a genuine Makita 1/4" one from Total Tools and the like for under $25. If you want any other sizes buy from these guys - Makita Collets RT0700 - 3DTEK | UK Shop

For information on this router go to this thread - Chinese 710W trimmer router review - it's a great little router, except for the collets.

Just resurrecting this little one again. Anyone with thoughts on why these have been out of stock on eBay - i don't think it's COVID-19 related because that came somewhat after they appeared "out", but it may contribute to them not coming back quick. Of course the other consideration is that someone from Makita came and smacked the factory over the head for releasing the alternate stream?