I think it's time to get a Router

[colinj]

I have no knowledge what so ever about routers but seeing how many projects need one I will no doubt be putting one on my Birthday list.

What is out there and what is a basic beginners tool and what bits do I need. also how will this improve my woodworking ability.

I expect to be using it on MDF Pine and Hardwoods.
Colin.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Colin

It is the cutters you really need to think about.

As far as a router goes, it depends on budget and your requirements + budget

I have treeid loads and owned about half a dozen and if you want a decent quality tool, then I would suggest the Trend T5(1/4") for light duty work and T11 (1/2") for heavier work and if you want to use it in a table at some time

 

[colinj]

Something under a £100.00 Are Ebay buys ok or should I inspect the tool first
also What should I look for in a second hand router.
What are the benefits of owning a router?
Colinj

 

[mambo]

i have a pro performance 1250 from B&Q was cheap and is very good for money :wink:

 

[Colin C]

i have a pro performance 1250 from B&Q was cheap and is very good for money :wink:

I would agree with that as they are very good for the money, got two

 

[Shultzy]

I think this is a good buy
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 4&id=95675
but I don't think any power tools will "improve your woodworking ability" in an instant.

What I mean by this is your ability will only improve by using tools more often. By getting used to them, they way they work, what they can and can't do, your confidence and ability will grow.

I'm sure that there are many on this forum who are able to construct many fine pieces of furniture without the aid of any power tools because of their experience.

Look on the Trend site and see what cutters are available and then think of where you might use them.

 

[Fecn]

I have a B&Q Macalaster 1500W router. It's my first and only router. Although it's fine for handheld use, it's not so good for in-the-table use.

If you're anything like me, soon after you get a router you will find yourself lusting after router tables.

I don't know if you'll be able to find it for the £100 budget, but if possible, get something where the plunge springs are removable. It makes setting the position of the bit whilst the router is in the table much much easier because the router doesn't fight against you.

I'm currently contemplating blowing a chunk of money on a Triton TRB001 for in-the-table use.

If I could go back in time and buy a new first router, I'd be very tempted by the Triton MOF001 for £150 (edit - just found it for 140 elsewhere) http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/section//sn/TRIMOF001

Fecn

 

[martlewis]

I have a very old Bosch which I still use for light jobs. Also a B&Q Performance Power Pro 1250W which I got off ebay brand new for £40, My best buy ever and works absolutely great. Also got a MacAlister (aka Performance Power) 1250W from B&Q which I use in the router table. Again this is perfect and plenty powerful enough for everything I do. Is identical to the first one I got off ebay except not as wide a range of speeds.

The MacAlister ones are really cheap in B&Q at the moment too, and their brand is some of the best lower priced hand power tools I've had. I'm a fan :lol:

 

[Fecn]

I have to agree.. the B&Q Macalaster range are very good

I've got the 24V drill, 710W Core Drill, Handheld Planer, SCMS and the router... The router's good and a solid performer... It just lacks some featuers I find myself wanting for in-the-table use.

 

[Shivers]

I think this is a good buy
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_jo ... 74546.html

but I don't think any power tools will "improve your woodworking ability" in an instant.

What I mean by this is your ability will only improve by using tools more often. By getting used to them, they way they work, what they can and can't do, your confidence and ability will grow.

I'm sure that there are many on this forum who are able to construct many fine pieces of furniture without the aid of any power tools because of their experience.

Look on the Trend site and see what cutters are available and then think of where you might use them.

thats exactly the model i'd get if i had to do it all again--good choice for chris to start off with.

 

[Shivers]

I have a B&Q Macalaster 1500W router. It's my first and only router. Although it's fine for handheld use, it's not so good for in-the-table use.

If you're anything like me, soon after you get a router you will find yourself lusting after router tables.

I don't know if you'll be able to find it for the £100 budget, but if possible, get something where the plunge springs are removable. It makes setting the position of the bit whilst the router is in the table much much easier because the router doesn't fight against you.

I'm currently contemplating blowing a chunk of money on a Triton TRB001 for in-the-table use.

If I could go back in time and buy a new first router, I'd be very tempted by the Triton MOF001 for £150 (edit - just found it for 140 elsewhere) http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/section//sn/TRIMOF001

Fecn

good advice on the spring thing--never used a triton are they anygood.

 

[MrJay]

I bought a big box of cheapest assorted router cutters. The ones I use fairly regularly get replaced with better quality ones. Budget cutters really are awful in comparison, but when you're starting out you don't know what you're going to end up using so at least they give you chance to experiment.

Best thing about Routers is having to make all those jigs - that and the sense of relief you get when you turn them off, quiet returns and realise you and your stuff are still all in one piece.

Worst things are the dust and noise, wobbliness, tear out and the mess that happens when cutting sliding dovetail channels with an under-spec diy router.

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Colin

Welcome to the forum.

If you are going to start with a smaller router, make sure that it will take an 8mm cutter. The 8mm cutters cost the same as the 1/4" but they have 60% more steel and so they are much stronger.

Cheers
Neil

 

[Anonymous]

good advice on the spring thing--never used a triton are they anygood.

Yerah, Triton are superb in the table - best around. However, I wouldn't want to use one hand-held as they are very heavy and also quite 'top heavy'.

Really designed specifically for table use with some very nice features IMHO - mine has stayed in there :wink:

 

[wizer]

perhaps what you really need to think about is getting yourself a book.

I'd highly recommend Bill Hylton's offerings.

 

[RogerS]

I think this is a good buy
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_jo ... 74546.html
.

I think the gremlins have got in with this link !

 

[Alf]

Yep, second the book. You'll also want eye, ear and respiratory protection, and with all the mess a vacuum is essential.

Cheers, Alf

 

[George_N]

Yep, second the book. You'll also want eye, ear and respiratory protection, and with all the mess a vacuum is essential.

Cheers, Alf

I would also recommend Hylton & Matlack's "Woodworking with the router". Lots of plans for jigs and a couple of router tables. And yes, as Alf says, protective equipment and a vacuum cleaner are absolutely essential. I have a Wicks wet 'n dry one that cost about £40, I think. I use it in conjunction with a Triton dust bucket which catches almost all the sawdust before it reaches the vac (saves the vac filters and motor). The main thing to decide is what you want to make and only get the kit you need for that job rather than trying to fill out a wish list (which all of us have). It won't save you from heading off down any of the very slippery tool buying slopes, often discussed on this forum, but it does help you have some control.

 

[OLD]

1/2" routers are heavy and have a torque reaction on start up so i would recommend a 1/4" router as your first one spend as much as you can afford to get light weight smooth plunge good fence and easy handling you can do a lot with it and will soon get comfortable then you can go to the larger m/c for the table and heavy cuts.

 

[George_N]

It is interesting to read several recommendations for the smaller B&Q Performance Power machines. I have the 2000W one and quite like it, but it is my only router so nothing to compare it with, and others posting on this forum in the past have slated it.