Best fixed base router

[Mark Karacsonyi]

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a good fixed base router, that can ideally take 1/2” bits. Ebay is not helpful unless you are in the US, which is no help living in the 240 volt world.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Is it to be used free hand or in a router lift?

If it's the latter we may be able to help.

Cheers Peter

 

[Mark Karacsonyi]

Hi Peter,

It’s to use freehand. I have a Triton in the table. I have a green Bosch plunge router, can’t remember the model. I am finding increasingly I have a need for a fixed base model.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Hi Mark

I tend to use plunge routers for free hand work, hopefully someone else can help you out.

Cheers Peter

 

[TheUnicorn]

Depending on your level of use I wonder whether a simple home made base would work? I was thinking of doing something simalr recently, essentially two heavy screws as pillars with a nut above and below the level of the collet to lock the height.

 

[Mark Karacsonyi]

Thanks all,

The issue I have with my fixed base router Bosch POF.... Is it will not lock, most likely the mechanism is full of dust. Luckily I have tracked down a Bosch MRF23EVS in Germany.

 

[marcros]

As far as my research went, I think that there is a high end Bosch model and a draper and not much else available in fixed base.

They seem very popular in the USA but rare over here.

 

[MikeK]

If you want a lot of value for your money, you might consider the Bosch GMF 1600 CE Multifunction Router. I had this setup and it is great. It comes with the fixed and plunge bases.

 

[MikeJhn]

The Draper Expert is also worth looking at, it's perspex base and three work lights make it a pleasure to use.

 

[Mark Karacsonyi]

Great thanks all. I just checked Axminster.co.uk, strange I have never really been there before. Found a sexy looking Bosch model there with a change of bases.

Wife will be annoyed to see the transaction (hammer)