Choosing a router??

Dalejones · 10 Jan 2016

Ok so I'm in the process of buying a new router, I'm after one with variable speed, good dust extraction, smooth, and strong, I'm also going to be using it for scribing worktops and some other fairly heavy jobs, will a DW615 be adequate or will I need something more like DW625? For scribing worktops does it have to be a 1/2" router? Thanks

Random Orbital Bob · 11 Jan 2016

You will need a 1/2" collet and any of the branded ones are good, Trend, Dewalt etc. I use the Trend T11EK and it's never let me down. But for heavy duty application (worktops (40mm etc) don't even think about a 1/4" collett.

mseries · 11 Jan 2016

Yup a half incher for worktops, you'll not find a 1/4" shank, 1/2" diameter cutter long enough anyway. You can get 1/4" inch collets for 1/2" machines or collet reducers to enable you to use 1/4" cutters but 1/2" routers are generally heavy and powerful and often to too unwieldy for jobs where you want to use a 1/4" cutter. Solution: a 1/2" and a 1/4" router. You'll not go wrong with a DeWalt 625 or similar.

Dalejones · 11 Jan 2016

Brilliant, thanks

Newbie_Neil · 11 Jan 2016

The DW625 will be man enough for the job.

Racers · 11 Jan 2016

Cheapest decent 1/2" router http://www.its.co.uk/pd/M12VE-Hitachi-1 ... TM12VE.htm I have its older brother the thing's a beast.

Pete

mahomo59 · 11 Jan 2016

I use the hitachi for Worktops it's great, no sweat. DW625 in router table, also great. They're almost the same. Both handle extremely well. If was day in day out fitting kitchens and Worktops I'd get the Festool of2200, mainly for the dust control. The of1010 & of1400 are fantastic machines for handling and dust extraction.