I need a new Router Quick !!!

[dchallender]

Guys

I wonder if you can help, I was in the middle of building wardrobes yesterday and my router gave way, I had a Ryobi 1800W which I have had for about 5 years (I'm already mourning its loss ), it may be something simple but I need to get cracking.

I haven't had time to look and compare reviews but I wondered if anyone out there had and could recommend a good 1/2 router that I can use in a table for T&G work for doors etc. but would be ok to handle 'freestyle'

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm on a deadline for these wardrobes and I need to get a router pronto. :shock:

Thanks guys

Darren

 

[Pete Robinson]

I have three 1/2 inch routers, however, only two of these are worth a mention:

Makita 3612C variable speed plunge router - Excellent bit of kit, smooth running, fairly quiet motor with brake (1850w). Bought it around 7 years ago from B&Q, never had any problems with it what so ever. Used both in the router table & free hand. LOVE IT!!

DeWalt 625EK variable speed plunge router 2000w. A bit noisier than the Makita and a very similar spec. Good bit of kit but no brake on the motor.

Out of the two I would have to go with the Makita in my opinion its just an overall better bit of kit & YOU GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Note: The Makita has a trigger on of switch built into the handle which is comfortable and works brilliantly, however to use the makita in the router table this needs to be held in, I do this by wrapping tape around the handle, no big deal - works for me!!

Hope this helps

Pete

 

[mailee]

I would also recommend the De Walt 625E, Also Hitachi or Freud. I have all three and find them great machines. I have not used the Makita although I am not keen on the switches on those machines. :wink:

 

[RogerS]

Some B&Q's are doing a good price on the Triton router.

 

[dchallender]

How about the Trend ones? are they any good?

Also found a similar Ryobi to my last one and it's half the price of the Dewalt - is there a reason for this? as my last one was great and took a lot of use.

I saw a Triton a couple of days ago at a local B&Q looks like that may be favourite at the moment - I can't understand why the Ryobi is only £100 though?? - does anyone know?

rgds

Darren

 

[motownmartin]

Darren, I got the Triton 2200W and it's the Dogs dangly bits for use in the router table but have not used it handheld yet.

 

[jimturn]

This is mainly for Pete Robinson - but of course it may be useful to other forum users too -

Hi pete, it occurred to me when reading your reply to dchallender, that you said you used tape to hold down the swith on your Makita router. May I suggest you try hook and loop tape, bought on a roll from B&Q for a couple of quid. It has clear advantages over tape in that it has hooks on one side and loops on the other (velcro) and can therefore stick to itself, it is re-usable many times over and does not leave that gum residue on your tools. I use this material for a number jobs where string was once used such as cable ties and a miriad of uses in the home and garden.

 

[Pete Robinson]

Good idea, ill give it a try

Cheers

Pete

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Jim

This is mainly for Pete Robinson - but of course it may be useful to other forum users

Thanks, that's an excellent idea.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[ike]

Hi Darren,

There are several 'mid-size' routers about, including Bosch GOF1300CE, Bosch 1400CE and also a Makita model. All accept 1/2" bits, but are somewhat lighter and less wieldy to use freehand. I can vouch for the Bosch 1400CE (plunge and fixed pair). For power, I find it more than adequate for most jobs. I'm about to use it for some worktop joints, which I suspect will work it at it's limit.

cheers,

ike

 

[ByronBlack]

The reason why the ryobi is only a £100 is because it only lasts 5 years. I dare say a DeWalt or Freud would last longer hence the increase in price - supeiror engineering and better quality parts.

Btw, for table and hand use, i think the Triton is quite decent, but then i'm not a huge of fan of routes, so take my comments with that in mind

 

[Taffy Turner]

How about the Trend ones? are they any good?
Darren

Darren,

I have a Trend T9 which I use freehand and in a table - it only gets hobby use, but I can't fault it other than the fact that that it gets a bit heavy on the arms after a while.

I bought a Trend T3 when they were on offer at Rutlands, and use this for smaller jobs where the T9 isn't required.

I have no experience of the newer Trend models (T10 , T11 etc).

Regards

Gary

 

[mailee]

So much help Darren, now I'll bet you are still unsure with all these recommendations. :? All I can add is that you pays for what you get so don't buy too cheap is my advice. :wink:

 

[ivan]

I think you'll find the DW265/Trend and CMT lookalikes have just about the biggest bottom bearing - the one that takes all the load. Can't comment on the Triton, though.

 

[dchallender]

Guys

thanks for all your help and comments, I'm going out today to get one with list in hand !!

many thanks

Darren

 

[OPJ]

Another vote for the Makita 3612CX from me - the electronic brake really is excellent.

 

[Pete Robinson]

Well OPJ, sounds like its just me and you!!! But hey, if they all had a farrari would it be special any more? You don't miss what you ain't got and in my opinion the brake is a feature I miss in other models, you might of thought DeWalt would of picked up on this or do they expect their over rated, over priced, out dated products will last forever!!

 

[motownmartin]

Well OPJ, sounds like its just me and you!!! But hey, if they all had a farrari would it be special any more? You don't miss what you ain't got and in my opinion the brake is a feature I miss in other models, you might of thought DeWalt would of picked up on this or do they expect their over rated, over priced, out dated products will last forever!!

Ooooooerrrrr, controversial, must agree though Pete, I don't like paying twice the price for something that isn't twice as good. Just don't put down Festool :lol: :lol: :lol: Gary might be looking.

 

[dchallender]

Well OPJ, sounds like its just me and you!!! But hey, if they all had a farrari would it be special any more? You don't miss what you ain't got and in my opinion the brake is a feature I miss in other models, you might of thought DeWalt would of picked up on this or do they expect their over rated, over priced, out dated products will last forever!!

I've been looking at the DeWalt stuff in recent days and my background is manufacturing / industrial engineering and a couple of years ago I went to Black & Decker to look at their automated lines. At the time they were talking about the new US brand of tools they were going to make called DeWalt.........

I spent a lot of money a couple of years ago on a drill / driver as it was going to be my workhorse, within 18 mths the batteries had died a death and it now sits in a box in the workshop and I'm back to my original Makita as it's still going !!

It makes you think would we be raving on about them if they had B&D on the side and were blue!!!????

 

[ike]

DW isn't what it was, and hasn't been for a long time. It's overpriced too. They have flogged the 'brand' but haven't kept the quality.