Wanted Cheap but functional/quality router

[redefined_cycles]

ITS currently have a Makita router/trimmer in the sale; around £50 all in

Thanks Mel... I looked but couldn't see. Unless you meant the Makita Red at £60? Appreciate the heads up though. Hopefully @furnace might get back at some point about the Elu

 

[Jameshow]

I'd think if you want a trimmer or a full fat router.

If a trimmer get a new katsu off eBay etc.

If a heavy duty router the a trend t7 or a erabuer 2100w are good value.

 

[recipio]

@recipio that's correct... indeed, easier said than done. Just thinking about about how I'd ensure the slots are exactly opposite each other and square is making my head hurt...

Exactly. Standard two flue bits for a 1/4" router go up to 25.4 mm . The dado should be about 0.4 mm wider than the material so you will have to experiment. One of those guide rails that clamp on the edges would be a wise investment. A test cut will tell you how much to offset the guide rail from the marked line. I'd aim to get the width right from the beginning - trying to take two passes to make up the width of the dado will probably end in tears.

 

[Matt S]

I think the time has finally come to get a router. Maybe after logging into the forum one too many time but also cos I fancy making some proper grooves to slot the vertical pieces in as opposed to screwing and staggering them.

Hapoy to take one if someone has an accurate one lying about that they no longer use. Alternately, open to suugestions but trying not to buy owt cheap/chinese if that's even possible for an economical but good router...

Thanks...

not sure if its been mentioned already.......try currys website - search for routers - i've just picked up a Bosch one for around £45 (usually a lot more in B&Q)

 

[Phil Pascoe]

A test cut will tell you how much to offset the guide rail from the marked line ...

make yourself a zero clearance fence.

 

[Mel769]

Thanks Mel... I looked but couldn't see. Unless you meant the Makita Red at £60? Appreciate the heads up though. Hopefully @furnace might get back at some point about the Elu

Thanks Mel... I looked but couldn't see. Unless you meant the Makita Red at £60? Appreciate the heads up though. Hopefully @furnace might get back at some point about the Elu

Heres the link
https://its.co.uk/pd/RT0700CX4-Makita-RT0700CX4-14-RouterTrimmer-_MAKRT0700CX4.htm

 

[redefined_cycles]

https://www.isaaclord.co.uk/shop/po...routers/makita-rt0700cx4-router-trimmer-240v/
Thanks for all your help. I went to get the one off IT summat. But with delivery it added up. Then did a google search for something and managed to find it at the Katsu price. Seems to have a few things with it so am hoping I've got everything I need to start off...

https://www.isaaclord.co.uk/shop/po...routers/makita-rt0700cx4-router-trimmer-240v/
Could be an expensive mistake if it doesnt come with yhe same amount of kit as did the IT one...

Really appreciate everyones input. Hopefully a worthwhile addition to my outhouse thingy... ;-)

 

[TheUnicorn]

not sure if its been mentioned already.......try currys website - search for routers - i've just picked up a Bosch one for around £45 (usually a lot more in B&Q)

I had no idea curry's did tools, I'd have never thought to look there, that said I typed in bosch router and it came up with ovens and kettles, and the power tool section seems pretty limited and not very well priced, did you buy your router there recently?

 

[redefined_cycles]

I called the place with the £46 Makita today. Happy to inform that it does come with accessories. They said that it was cos thet managed to get a batch cheap so passing on thw savings... 5 lwft at the time of speaking (so down to 4 after I put the phone down).

 

[housemaintenance88]

Not sure if you are still looking, I borrowed the Katsu version of the Makita however, for the slight extra I'm ever so grateful I purchased the Makita.
Although with all the extras it is in fact cheaper than the Katsu.
I bought this kit version; https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/ma...er-trimmer-with-trimmer-tilt-and-plunge-bases part of the advert shows 3 bases and further down it has text saying 4 bases, mine came with 4 different bases and the carry bag which I must say is extremely well made all for £133.50.
Also, it takes different collet sizes, 8mm namely, the blurb says it takes 8mm, yes, but it does not come with one, no biggie, https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/makita-763618-5-collet-cone-8mm-for-rt0700c-rp0900 under £4 don't forget to order at the same time, 8mm much stronger than 1/4".
Plus, this dust extractor https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/makita-194733-8-dust-extraction-nozzle-set-for-rt0700-drt50-routers £1.30 it comes with the straight base extractor but this one fits the plunge base.
I bought these 8mm bits as well Amazon.co.uk

Just to say I have a Trend T11ek and the Trend router table it goes with.
But I find the Makita it a fantastic addition especially with all the extra bases one is for getting into corners and right up against edges.
I also bought these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07XBM6VBW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 £19.99 Katsu guide bushes which fit the Makita.
And this seemingly expensive bit of hard rubber Amazon.co.uk but very very useful. I quickly by eye made this curved edge on my desk with the above items.

 

[redefined_cycles]

Very very helpful thanks @housemaintenance88
I actually bought the Makita (the one comparable to the Katsu) at about £46 from Isaac Lord. Spoke to them over the phone and seems to come with a few standard bits. So when it arrives I'll check what else I need - along with terminology of what exactly I'm hoping to do - so I can compile the gear and get the grooves made.

FWIW, I think it's some plunging that I'm planning in some 25mm thick redwood. Just a very shallow groove and more to start getting into the groove (sorry, couldn't help myself) of using it...

I know safety aspects of using a router are quite significant so I guess I'll need to check a fair few YT vids to ensure I don't do anything too daft!