Thread: How many routers is reasonable

Several routers is very practical, even for workbench use. Each can have different cutters setup which simplifies some projects.

Norm has more than 20 routers. I have one, want at least another couple.

Thanks, guys, I thought I was being a toolaholic. I don't mind changing bits, but the router table routine is getting on my case a bit.

I've got 5 routers and a trimmer and sometimes wish I had a couple of routers more.

Mick

I've got three routers and a laminate trimmer. I have a Triton in the router table, a Hitachi TR12 plunger router and a Porter Cable fixed base router. The trimmer is a Makita.

Use all of them regularly, and all for different purposes. To not have any one of them would be an absolute pain in the A***.

Cheers

Andy

Let's see... I have a big 1/2" 2.5 hp plunge Elu, which was used both in a router table and hand held. But now I have a fixed-based 2 hp GMC dedicated to the router table, and the Elu is freed up. This really does make a difference. I also have a small 1/4" 1.5 hp Makita, which is better for delicate work and originally purchased for dovetailing. Then there are the router planes - Stanley #71 and 71-1/2, and #271, all great for trimming dados or mortice hinges.

I think that you are limiting yourself with one router. As you are finding, it is not always available for a specific task, which means that you either put it off, or the pleasure goes out of the task as you curse having to set it up. And then there are the settings that you lose, having spent so much time carefully dialing them in.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Two electric routers (TR12 and a Pentagon that is identical) and a hand router. The Pentagon will be used in a router table when I get around to making space for one.

You are not a tool junky wanting more than one, you are just like the rest of us - intelligent normal people.

- Wood Borer

I only have three, but need a trimmer or small router for those baby tasks.

P

Only five routers and one trimmer.

Some times I think I should have bought a few extra GMC $ 39. ones.

Peter.

I have 2, one for the triton and one for an overhead system I made up for leveling the bases of burls to carve out.

slightly off topic but I power carve and have at least 6 angle grinders at any given time, one for each different cutting piece!!!

I have three routers plus a trim router .... one in the table (actually its a Jet spindle moulder), one permanently in the Multi-router (a deWalt 625) plus my workhorse Festo OF-2000. The trim router is used least, but then it cost the least and when I need it it is because nothing welse will do. I swap repeatedly between table and hand-held. If I had to move the same router between table and hand-held, and had to plan ahead to think which job had to be done on which ..... well, lets just say, instead I apply the mental effort and time saved to doing more challenging, fun work. If I saw yet another cheap router at an auction I would buy one (or two) on the spot, but I've never seen any cheap routers at auctions. In fact, at auctions most routers are totally clapped out and they still sell for stupid prices.

Qw

PS: Q: what would you do if you did have a couple of spare routers? A: Set them up semi-permanently with 1) a suitable round-over bit, 2) a flush trim bit

When you've got a hand-held router, and one in the table you still have to swap bits when you find the bit you want in one router is actually in the other. Is it reasonable to have multiple identical router bits? Where do you stop?

Qw

Originally Posted by QldWoodie

Is it reasonable to have multiple identical router bits? Where do you stop?

Qw

I hope that was a rhetoric question, cause everyone knows that u only stop when either SWMBO says so, or u run out of cash. No other reason will be accepted :eek: :eek: :eek:

How many routers...hmm almost lost count
Hitachi MV12 1/2", 1/4" ...in router table
Makita 3612 1/2", 1/4" ...on router lathe
Bosch 1300 ace ....2 of 1/2", 1/4" 1 set up on the Leigh Jig
GMC 1250W 1/2" 1/4 " set up on the Incra Ultra
GMC 1/4" set for trimming mitres
Black & Decker 1/4"

Makita 1/4" trimmer

All are set up either in router table and jigs'/router lathe bar one Bosch and trimmer used for hand held jobs.

They're cheap enough these days to actually warrant a permanent set-up for the jigs without having to keep swapping them around.

Cheers