Thread: Router recommendations please (Also: Different wattages?!)

The Hitachi TR-12 1600 watt is a fine basic single speed powerful router, they seem to go forever, it's going to roar through anything you throw at it, I have used one many times, and have seen the 1500 watt model which is later I believe and I doubt you would tell the difference of only 100 watts. I also had the smaller TR-8 800 watt which was great for small jobs.

Plus one for TR12. Had mine for best part of 20 years without a problem. It is in my table so cannot see the wattage at the moment.

Thanks everyone for your replies! The TR12 has very favourable reviews as a workhorse router. HypnoToad, I've recently seen a 1300w version, basically mint, however a while most much difference between say, a 1500w and 1600w, what about 1600w vs 1300?

Originally Posted by Sick Puppy

Thanks everyone for your replies! The TR12 has very favourable reviews as a workhorse router. HypnoToad, I've recently seen a 1300w version, basically mint, however a while most much difference between say, a 1500w and 1600w, what about 1600w vs 1300?

Depends on what you are using it for, don't know why Hitachi put out so many different models, I have a Bosch 1200 watt router and it would not compete with the TR-12 1600 watt IMO, YMMV.

It is not the ultimate wattage that is important with a hand held router, however something in the 1.5-2.0 hp range is ideal. That is 1000 - 1500 watts.

Power is important to to avoid stalling a bit, but one is not likely to use large bits anyway when using a router in the hands. That is the job of a router table. For working with hands, a good fence is important, as well as balance, especially balance.

I would be looking at a medium sized router. I have never used the Makita or Hitachi mentioned here. My medium is an old Elu MOF97, which is fantastic. This is not made any more but has been replaced by the deWalt DW621. I would strongly recommend looking around for a used one or, if you can run to the cost, buying one new. This is simply a superb router, and the deWalt is both 1/4" and 1/2", variable speed and soft start.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Some of the things to look out for when buying used is does it come with things like spanners and guides.
This Makita for example https://webshop.cashconverters.com.a...12-blue-router does not look like it comes with the spanners or guides.
How ever this Hitachi https://webshop.cashconverters.com.a...0w-220v-router also includes a template guide and bits.
I have seen used routers also missing their depth gauge.

I have no association with cashconverters except as a customer.

Originally Posted by Handyjack

Some of the things to look out for when buying used is does it come with things like spanners and guides.
This Makita for example https://webshop.cashconverters.com.a...12-blue-router does not look like it comes with the spanners or guides.
How ever this Hitachi https://webshop.cashconverters.com.a...0w-220v-router also includes a template guide and bits.
I have seen used routers also missing their depth gauge.

I have no association with cashconverters except as a customer.

Thanks for that - i am looking at a model of the same wattage, which looks like it is mint. But i also know there are 1600w versions. So do i grab this one (or a similar wattage Bosch GOF1300ACE in similar condition), or wait for a more powerful version in as good a condition?

[Flips a coin, watches as it lands on its side ]

I will bide my time and wait for a 1600w TR12 in good nick to come up - hopefully with one careful owner, still in original box, left in a garage somewhere...! :P

Thanks everyone for your advice!

There is much more to a good hand held router than raw power.
Things such as:
Soft Start No kick when you start the router
Variable speed for various sized bits and different materials
Easy access to on off switch, safety
Easy adjustment of depth/ micro adjust
Smooth plunge action.
Depth lock that does not slip
1/2 1/4 & 8mm collets
I am sure there are more

I have an Elu MOF 177 ( a very good router but no longer made), several old Dewalt 1hp and more recently Bosch routers GOF 1400CE and the newer GOF 1600CE both with interchangebale fixed & plunge bases. The new Bosch leaves the rest for dead with regard to usability. The newer routers are so much nicer to use than the old single speed monsters
Ron

+1 for the TR12, they're pretty much indestructible. They've been replaced by the M12 series which are also really good

You mention that you will be using the router hand held, with possibly a router table at a later date. I have the TR12 1300W unit, bought close to 30 years ago; it is a 240V unit, not 230V as has been standard for the last 18 years in this country.

Regardless, it has a real kick when switched on, whereas my much bigger (Wattage wise) Triton router, has a soft start and is a dream to use hand held in comparison. I would suggest that you give any router with a soft start option over the, almost brutal, kick start TR12 router consideration; soft start really does make a difference.

Mick.

Originally Posted by Optimark

You mention that you will be using the router hand held, with possibly a router table at a later date. I have the TR12 1300W unit, bought close to 30 years ago; it is a 240V unit, not 230V as has been standard for the last 18 years in this country.

Regardless, it has a real kick when switched on, whereas my much bigger (Wattage wise) Triton router, has a soft start and is a dream to use hand held in comparison. I would suggest that you give any router with a soft start option over the, almost brutal, kick start TR12 router consideration; soft start really does make a difference.

Mick.

Real men like that kick. But seriously I know what you mean, the only real drawback with the TR12 is it's single speed, not a problem if you are not using wide bits, I am thinking of getting the schematic for the Silicon Chip magazine speed control that is supposed to keep constant torque at lower revs and has soft start. Not like those simple light dimmer controls they sell.

Originally Posted by HypnoToad

I am thinking of getting the schematic for the Silicon Chip magazine speed control that is supposed to keep constant torque at lower revs and has soft start.

You can buy it as a kit: https://www.jaycar.com.au/240v-10a-m...start/p/KC5526

Originally Posted by jack620

You can buy it as a kit: https://www.jaycar.com.au/240v-10a-m...start/p/KC5526

Thanks very much for posting that, there is a new one out and you can buy the PCB, the reprogrammed IC and the March 2018 issue of Silicon Chip magazine and build one for less than half the JayCar price.

Full Wave, 230V Universal Motor Speed Controller - March 2018 - Silicon Chip Online

Being a cheap old you know what I thought I could buy a good used TR-12 with the speed controller and a simple single bolt top mounted lift, I could get out of it for under $200.00.