Thread: Need a new Router - which one!!!

Hi Milo

I have two hitachis that i use in fixed conditions, ie router table
and router master, because of their weight i am reluctant to use
them for any template work, or dovetailing with the leigh. This
is a personal preference, my favorite for the leigh is a Dewalt dw610
it's obsolete now but i keep getting it rebuilt, next favorite is a
makita (dont know the model no off hand) they are both fixed
base routers (not plunge) with good adjustment apparatus.

So you can probably see where this is heading, more than one router!!
depending on the workload required, and application.
I've recently had a look at the Makta range, they are reasonbly priced
made in japan, use makita components, reasonably good warranty
and easy to repair, obviously you get what you pay for, and who
wouldn't want a porter cable, or festool!!!

BTW is there any reason in particular you chose the 1/2 inch cutters
for the leigh?, i've used the 1/4 inch but prefer the 8mm cutters

Regards
Col.

I own the makita 3612, great router and handles everything, but if I had my time over I would have prefered the variable speed version. If your happy with you 1/4 in bosch, Why not go a 1/2 in job?

Hello,

I have a bosch router and its
fantastic, fits all router bit sizes
and not very expensive.

The problem with the fixed-base routers, well with accuracy anyway, is that the height adjustment has a little play in it, leading to lateral movement of the bit as the router is raised. This can be observed as steps on the side of trenches as you make succesive passes at greater depths. I have an old Makita fixed base which is great for building site work, but terrible for fine work. I also have a small triton half inch router and an Elu MOF96 router (not available new) which is the most delightful router I have ever used handheld.

I understand that a 1/2" router is more versatile in the types of bit available, but to be honest I can't follow why the big powerfull routers like the big Triton are necessary. If the bit allows it ( and for example a dovetail bit would not) it is better to make several light passes, that a smaller 1/2" router is quite capable of making, than one full depth pass... easier to maintain control of the work and a neater finish.
I'd get 1400W Triton, but if I had the money I'd look at the routers from this company

Cheers
Michael

Correction on my statement regarding my Bosch POF 1100A 1/4 Inch router, I just found out that I can get a 8mm collet system, I have the use of a Ryobi half inch router in the mean time so I wll be sorted for the next 6-8 weeks whilst the 8mm collet is on back order.
I had a look at the big Hitachi 2000w router…..the thing looks like something out of a star wars movie!!! It's HUUUGE! To big for my like'ing! The new Makita variable speed router is a gem but at over $540 odd bucks she ain't a cheapy! The Makita has no styling what so ever and call me metro but the Bosch is really comfy to use with its sculpted handles and great build quality. The Makita is a junk yard brawler with no frills or fuss, I guess that’s why they never break and are easier to fix!!

Originally Posted by Milo

Routers
One thing that certainly confuses me is the fact that we do not get the " Porter Cable" style routers in Australia….why?????? Their design which allows you to break the router motor away from the subframe is pure genius and this allows you to have a spare frame in the router table etc. Cameron from Carba Tec told me it's because we are such a tiny market in Aus and that the US routers run on 11 amps?
Any feedback on this selection (or any other suggestions) of routers would be appreciated!

Makita now imports the 3601B

http://www.makita.com.au/product.asp?ContentID=3601b
don't know the price

Sydney Tools have the new Makita for $489

Originally Posted by Milo

Correction on my statement regarding my Bosch POF 1100A 1/4 Inch router, I just found out that I can get a 8mm collet system, I have the use of a Ryobi half inch router in the mean time so I wll be sorted for the next 6-8 weeks whilst the 8mm collet is on back order.
I had a look at the big Hitachi 2000w router…..the thing looks like something out of a star wars movie!!! It's HUUUGE! To big for my like'ing! The new Makita variable speed router is a gem but at over $540 odd bucks she ain't a cheapy! The Makita has no styling what so ever and call me metro but the Bosch is really comfy to use with its sculpted handles and great build quality. The Makita is a junk yard brawler with no frills or fuss, I guess that’s why they never break and are easier to fix!!

An 8mm collet for a 1/4 inch router?? How does that work?

Yeah a Hitachi 2000w is a serious machine for sure, my "little"
1300w TR-12 frightens me sometimes..

Originally Posted by ColW

An 8mm collet for a 1/4 inch router?? How does that work?

8mm is the Euopean standard, they do not use 1/4 inch and there is a difference between to two. Many routers such as the Makita come with a 1/4 inch and 8mm collet cone and you just fit the one you wish to use. If you don't have an 8mm one you can usually buy one from the trade suppliers, I got one for my Makita so I could use the Leigh bits without an adapter.

The shaft on a lot of European market 1/4" routers will take 6, 6.35 (1/4") and 8mm collets
My Bosch is an example
You can order the different collects as spare parts
just don't confuse the 6mm and 1/4in ones

Originally Posted by Milo

........ Cameron from Carba Tec told me it's because we are such a tiny market in Aus and that the US routers run on 11 amps? .........

It is not just Porter Cable routers, but also Bosch have a number of models for the blue professional range in the USA that is not available in OZ. In fact Bosch have discontinued all blue range router except for the laminate trimmer in OZ. Even Dewalt are scaling back on the models available here (thanks to Black & Decker). One can obtain some Milwaukee routers here now, but seems only a limited number of models. I am afraid we have to just do with the limited range available in OZ. The only manufacturer that sells all the models of their routers in OZ is Festool. Just very expensive, but really good (well I think so - that may not count for much). Makita also have most of their models in OZ - if not all. Not sure about Hitachi - you need gorilla strength to pick one up.
Les

I have two ryobi ert2100's and had no probs. I bought the two so that both are fitted under my BIG router table so I dont have to change bits too often.

All up price with 2 x xtreme extensions was under the $450 mark.

I would happily recommend one for the budget conscious who wants an ok tool.

Keep it on topic please and stop nit picking.

If you can find one, don't forget to check out the DeWalt DW625E. They have just stopped bringing these into Aus but they are fantastic and they are what the Trend T10 and T11 are modeled on (made in the same factory I believe) and prior to being a Dewalt they were the Elu Mof177E. I picked up mine two weeks ago from a M10 for under $500. I was also looking at the M12V2 but preferred the feel of the Dewalt.
Cheers
Josh