Thread: What Router?

Simple answer
Ryobi 1600W Plunge Router | Bunnings Warehouse
The ryobi adds variable speed and soft start over your GMC (I own both at the moment)

I'll bet it's the brushes on the GMC rather than the switch, pull them out and check as you will be able to buy replacements

I did check the brushes and they are like new. I also pulled the switch apart (and spent 2hrs looking for the spring that flew out) The switch did look ok (ish) but still switches on/off intermittently so is not useable. My model also has soft start and variable speed.

Hi Slim

I would argue for a Makita Trim Router: Sydney Tools

This is 1/4" 1 hp. soft start, and comes with a bunch of optional extras, such as a base to convert it into a plunge router. In fixed version, it will do all the edging you can dream up. Wonderful little router that can change your ideas about small routers.

For double the price you could get the cordless version. The corded version is excellent.

Regards from Perth

Derek

If he has a ½” router he likely has ½” bits which he wouldn’t be able to use if he had two ¼” routers.
Plus he wants a router at least as powerful as his 1550W GMC.
I reckon that Ryobi fits the bill.

If you're prepared to invest a little money into a new router than this Makita is a very nice unit

Makita 2100W Plunge Router RP2301FC | Total Tools

Originally Posted by slim

I did check the brushes and they are like new. I also pulled the switch apart (and spent 2hrs looking for the spring that flew out) The switch did look ok (ish) but still switches on/off intermittently so is not useable. My model also has soft start and variable speed.

Hi Slim,
Your 100% correct about soft start and variable speed... just checked mine and it's the R1250S model and i'd completely forgotten the variable speed and hadn't noticed the dial under the layer of dust . i will say though that in comparison to the measured speed ramp up from the Ryobi the GMC soft start feels nearly instant.

I only bought the Ryobi when I couldn't find the 1/2" collet for the GMC and the bit i wanted to use that day i only had in 1/2" shank.

If the switch is good(ish) and the brushes look new i wonder if it's in the variable speed pot or just a bad connection.

Thanks all.
You are right, Aussiephil, about the GMC soft start. I think it starts at around 25,000rpm and ramps up to 29,000 top speed. From memory I think it only cost me around $100, with a box full of bits. I don't think there is a lot wrong with it (maybe) and as I haven't used it a lot, it's probably fixable, but I think I would rather put the money into something new. I'm thinking about the Makita 2100W Plunge Router RP2301FC. (I like the idea of the work lights) I have looked at the Festool but got a bit nervous when I saw the nearly $2,000 price tag. If I used it daily then, maybe?? I still use a Festool 150 orbital sander that was used daily in our business for 10years and that seems unbreakable.
Does anyone know if the Makita has a 10 or 15amp plug?

Have a look at post #14 here and you should have your answer.
Just wondering if you have something else wrong with your GMC as our wood club was given a fairly large GMC and it has a really slow soft start.

Originally Posted by Treecycle

Just wondering if you have something else wrong with your GMC as our wood club was given a fairly large GMC and it has a really slow soft start.

I have a GMC 2050w Platinum version that has a really slow soft start, makes the ryobi i have look look quick but the R1250S that is referenced in this thread has a slow start that is best described as a fast start with no jerk it's slow enough to spin up big 2" long trim bits without issues but it's not as slow as people may be used to with more modern routers.

Originally Posted by slim

I'm thinking about the Makita 2100W Plunge Router RP2301FC.

If your budget extends that far, that would be a ripper. Certainly better than the Ryobi. It has a 10A plug.

Thanks everyone.
I am going to Bunnies and possibly Syd tools tomorrow so will check out what they have, but I'm leaning towards the Makita. I'll let you know how it goes.
Slim

Buy the Makita, it will outlast you.

Well my trip to Bunnies was a bust. Under whelming, to say the least. All of the routers on offer looked like they would not outlast me, and that's saying something at my age.
My next stop is Sydney Tools, fun fun. Where I will probably buy the Makita.
To those of you with router experience, what is the general rule for speed setting with a variable speed router? My table router has 2 speeds, adjustable by changing the drive belt to the other pully.

Here is a pretty good chart.
Router Bit Drill Speed | HowStuffWorks.

Router speeds.JPG