Another 'What Router?' Question

[another_beginner]

Hi,

I'm am about to embark on making/repairing a number of windows in my house and I am looking into what router I should buy. I'm aware that there are probably important issues that I need to take account of but I dont know what they are yet.

I will need to be able to cut mortice joints and also to cut frames/stiles for sash windows. So I think I need a decent 1/2" router in a table. I have a cheap McAllister(? something like that) which I bought to cut the worktops when I fitted the kitchen. Did the job but isnt terribly great quality. I have a dual attitude to buying tools - I'll buy cheap for a one off task but beyond that I'm prepared to spend for decent quality/precision.

I've read a number of threads on here and the ones I see people seem to have/recommend are the De Walt 625, the Trend T11 and the Triton (which I'd never heard of as a brand). Looking at that it seems that my budget needs to be in the order of £200-£250.

Ease of use is good. Ability to reliably adjust height is good. What else do I need to be aware of? What are the significant features of these routers - and of course is there anything else I should look at?

BTW I'm near Ripon in North Yorks - I don't know of a supplier anywhere near me...


Thanks for any info / suggestions.

Mark

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I have a Makita 3612c abd a Hitachi M12V both 1/2 inch and both good, they are slightly different I prefer the Makita but I have had it for the longest.


Pete

 

[another_beginner]

Hi Pete,

Thanks - I'll go look those up. Can you say why you like them?

Not being an expert on this stuff I have a fear that I might buy something only to find that when I start using it I have overlooked some important feature.

'Oh No! It doesn't have a left handed furtwangler attachment! How could I be so stupid!'

 

[Argee]

For table use, you need as much controllable power as you can get, then you'll be able to handle all types of router bits, including large panel-raisers. That requirement equates to a 2Kw motor with variable speed.

Soft start is more or less universally included nowadays, but for hand-held work, I'd say that was a requirement too.

A practical fine adjuster makes sense to get the depth of cut just so. It helps if plunge depth can be easily set and locked to ensure repeatability, a bonus if you can set two depths - good for counterbores, etc.

An in-built spindle lock aids easy bit-changing, as it requires the use of one spanner instead of two, but it needs to be both easy to use and robust. A piece of plastic locating against a flat on the shaft won't do service for very long and is easily overcome. You need a steel pin with positive locating in order to be reliable.

Finally, a really good feature to include would be above-the-table bit changing built in, but you'll only find this on two makes as far as I'm aware. I've only got experience of one - see here.

HTH

Ray.

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I like the round base on the Makita and the collet, the adjusters are a bit coarse, you can get an extended adjuster from Trend http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-2 ... 28c%29.asp which helps a lot
The Hitachi has a better plunge lock and a neat depth stop but has a flat side on the base. Both seem to have plenty of power and handle well so its a toss up between the two.

Pete

 

[MooreToolsPlease]

DeWalt 625 here, I have a t11 but its only better than the 625 if its going to be permanently setup in a table.
Have 4 of them here in the shop, even have 2 of the old elu's where the design originally came from.

 

[OPJ]

I also own the Makita 3612CX (I've had it for a good four years now, I think) and I particularly like the electronic brake - unlike every other router I've used, the cutter stops spinning within three seconds! :shock:

It's a very sturdy, powerful router. I find the plunge lock can vibrate loose when you're taking too deep a cut (that could be considered a good thing... It would stop you forcing the cutter too much! :wink but, I prefer the use of a threaded bar for the depth stop. On the DeWalt models I've used, where they only have a straight bar that slides up and down, I've found it's quite easy to knock the bar from it's setting if you plunge down too hard (this usually happens when working with lots of gummy softwood and the resin builds up on the plunge bars, making the plunging action sticky).

One downside is the side fence. It should be fine for rebating and grooving close to an edge but, they are longer on most other models and I often find them too short for a lot of the work I do (mainly furniture now). There probably is an option to extend them somehow but, I may've overlooked it! :roll:

 

[maltrout512]

Mac Alister (retied) Trend T11, T5, T4.

 

[busy builder]

Most of my routing is kitchen worktops.

I have had a couple of routers, one cheapo B & Q Trendtech type (absolute rubbish) and a Triton which I personally didn't like.

I now have a Makita 3612cx and love it...wouldn't want anything else.

 

[mailee]

Another vote here for the DW625, I have one of these. I also have the Hitachi MV12 and this too is a great router although I do prefer the DW. I also have a Freud V2000 which is another good router and is very capable of cutting worktops. I have used all of these routers hand held and in the table but have to say my own favourite is the DW. Oh and by the way the depth stop on the DW625 is on a gear and also has a locking knob so it can't slip in use unlike the small DW which is just held with a knob. Difficult decisions ahead of you knowing which one to go for isn't it? I was faced by the same problem years ago so bought the lot. :lol: No seriously You can't go wrong with most of the ones mentioned so far. HTH. :wink:

 

[neilyweely]

I have a triton (2000w model) an elu and a small bosch.
The triton is great in the table, and is the best mentioned here IMO for a table, however I think most will agree that the handles sit a little high for handheld use, so I personally do not use it for worktop cutting. Having said that I have no doubt it could do it,


The Elu, which the DW is modelled after, is a legend. I believe mine is the 177, and it is 20 years old, has been battered in a college, and is still the best all rounder I have. I use this for handheld work (kitchen worktops etc).

The Bosch, which is a lightweight at 500w, is for detail work, and performs well. As it is smaller and easier to handle it is easier to use, but doesn't have the power to cut worktops.

So, the truth is the best way forward is probably the DW, IMO, as it can do all jobs. However, if you find yourself using the router a lot you may find yourself buying more!!

This is all just my preference, but may well be a view shared by others. Then again, I always seem to put my foot in it somehow!!!......

HTH

Neil

I also do not like the flat part of the router base, so can see myself buying a makita. What is the flat part for? I have NEVER used it!

 

[CWatters]

I foind this thread interesting especially the bit about adjusting the depth from above the table..

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/view ... 764#286764

 

[another_beginner]

Thanks for all these comments guys, and the links.

Not an easy choice this is it? I've emailed Nick to ask for a pdf copy of the router test - be interesting to see.

cwatters - you must spend your life on the web - you're on loads of forums that I read from time to time. ebuild/green building/att/etc

 

[Maia28]

I've been using a very cheap 1/4" router from Homebase for a while and have been following the discussions on the Tritons here. Reading this thread has just made me spend £80 on this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRITON-1-2-Inch-P ... 286.c0.m14

If I've got this right then it's a bargain. If not, then I'm sure someone will tell me otherwise

Andy

 

[Chems]

I have the 2000W triton and I came from a similar MacAlistar cheap type of router before, the difference is amazing.

Save yourself some trouble choosing and just get the Triton you can't beat it.

The real question you need to ask is what router table to put it in, if your spending the money Axminster do a decent looking router table.

 

[DaveL]

If I've got this right then it's a bargain.

Well I think that is a gloat, well done on spotting it before anyone else. 8)

 

[another_beginner]

I've been using a very cheap 1/4" router from Homebase for a while and have been following the discussions on the Tritons here. Reading this thread has just made me spend £80 on this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRITON-1-2-Inch-P ... 286.c0.m14

If I've got this right then it's a bargain. If not, then I'm sure someone will tell me otherwise

Andy

Bargain!

I've bought the axminster table top and insert with the intention of slapping it on a kitchen unit base as a first step. I couldnt see what the bottom end router tables gave me for the extra £100.

 

[Maia28]

If I've got this right then it's a bargain.

Well I think that is a gloat, well done on spotting it before anyone else. 8)

I read all the discussions about the B&Q £99 offer a while back and none in my local store. I really had some doubts that the item was the one described here, so a little gloat but also prepared to face the music if it wasn't. Might be worth watching that seller though.

Trouble is, this is my second purchase this week, it's only Monday, A_B's pointed me towards Axminster inserts, I've vetoed a new saddle for SWMBO, I'm at work all week and its half term. How am I going to explain this???

Andy

 

[DaveL]

Trouble is, this is my second purchase this week, it's only Monday, A_B's pointed me towards Axminster inserts, I've vetoed a new saddle for SWMBO, I'm at work all week and its half term. How am I going to explain this???

Ah, I have both my home and work addresses registered with ebay, so I get big things sent to work, might be worth thinking about? Not that I am trying to lead you astray of course. :twisted: :wink: