New router.

[jlawrence]

I'm thinking of getting another router - so I can leave my Hitachi in my router table permanently.

Looking around I really can't decide what on earth to go for.
I've used an ELU96 in the past and haven't really come across anything which I thought felt the same for hand use.
I keep looking at something like the Dewalt 615 and thinking for that price I could buy 2 or 3 old ELU's and be more than happy.

Can anyone think of a reason not to go with a couple of ELU's? I know parts could be a problem but a couple of machines could take care of that for a few years.

 

[joiner_sim]

I can't think of a reason not to, but if it were me, I'd invest in something like the Trend T5 £175 or Trend T10 £270. These are really great heavy duty routers to use!

 

[Doctor]

Brand new but reconditined Dw625 for £149 on ebay, thats a good deal, comes with a years garuantee

 

[mailee]

I have the Elu 96's and the DW 615 and can't fault any of them. I would go for the Elu's in your place and keep my eye open for spare ones to keep them running. :wink:

 

[chippy1970]

Had my Elu for about 15 years I think now and its been used most days over those years still going strong. I did try to replace it a few years ago with a Trend T5 but that was crap I actually had that replaced once by Trend and then sold it because it was rubbish for what it cost.

If you have the money I would go for a Festool 1010 they are well made.

If not maybe the Dewalt 615 might be better than the Trend.

 

[Mr Ed]

I'd definitely stick with your thoughts on going with DeWalt. I have 2 and think they are brilliant, whereas the Trend ones I have used have been total crap in comparison.

Cheers, Ed

 

[maltrout512]

T11, T5, T4, all have to work hard esp the T11. Not had any problems with any of them.

 

[Johnboy]

I had a Trend T5 and was not impressed. The plunge developed loads of play which made it useless for plunge cutting. The switch position means the bearing on the plunge column is very short so a small amount of wear results in a load of play.

I replaced it with a dewalt 621 and it is miles better. Dust extraction through the plunge column and comes with fine height adjustment. I paid £168 from Toolstation but it is now £198 :shock: Found it here http://tooltray.com/brand/Dewalt/1/2-Sanding-Sheets-115mm-x-280mm.htm at a better price though.

John

 

[RATWOOD]

I have got this Erbauer ERB210C 2100W Router £79.67 from screwfix good machine

 

[matt]

Just bought a secondhand DW615. Not used it much but can't fault it so far. Damn site more manageable than my CMT (which is now fixed to a table).

 

[Ironballs]

Also have the De Walt 621K and it is a fantastic router, very solid, finely adjustable and the extraction through the plunge column is (as has been said) excellent

 

[Krysstel]

I also have an Elu 96 and although a great little machine it's total lack of dust extraction let's it down, a lot, IMO.
If I was to replace it I'd definately got for one of the Dewalts with dust extraction through the column. The clip on dust shrouds the Trends come with just don't look adequate to me.

 

[Richard Findley]

PM Sent.

Richard

 

[neilyweely]

have got this Erbauer ERB210C 2100W Router £79.67 from screwfix good machine

Sorry, gotta pull you on that one. I bought one of these routers some time ago (before I knew better) and wouldn't wish it on anyone. It went back the next day, after it had chewed up a worktop, and it only cost me £50!

Sorry to disagree, it is an AWFUL machine though.

And that is not opinion, thats FACT!!! :wink:

Neil

 

[Shultzy]

Neil, I have to disagree, you must have had a duff one. I bought the same model and used it to do all the routing jobs when I built my workshop and apart from being a bit heavy it performed flawlessly.

 

[chippy1970]

I also have an Elu 96 and although a great little machine it's total lack of dust extraction let's it down, a lot, IMO.
If I was to replace it I'd definately got for one of the Dewalts with dust extraction through the column. The clip on dust shrouds the Trends come with just don't look adequate to me.

weird my 96e has a dust extraction shroud and it works really well.

 

[Karl]

Sorry, gotta pull you on that one. I bought one of these routers some time ago (before I knew better) and wouldn't wish it on anyone. It went back the next day, after it had chewed up a worktop, and it only cost me £50!

Sorry to disagree, it is an AWFUL machine though.

And that is not opinion, thats FACT!!! :wink:

Neil

Well i've got one and have been using it for about 3 years now. Cut many many worktop joints with it (in both laminate and real wood). Has never let me down yet.

Cheers

Karl

Edit - also, I don't see how a router can chew up a worktop on its own.

 

[dicktimber]

No one has mentioned the different ways the spindle is locked for removing or installing cutters.
I had the Axminster white 1/4 inch.
You pushed a black button till it engaged and then struggled holding the button down while trying to tighten the collet nut.
After about six months the button just kept slipping and it was impossible to tighten up the cutter.


Do all routers have the same type of spindle lock?

My Trend 9e which is in my table, has a similar locking mechanism,but when it's engaged, it's engaged...no chance of slipping or jumping out when tightening.
And I have to say it is a good router with an excellent fine height adjuster which has a big knob and easy to use under the table.
( please note in that last comment, I am talking about the router not myself!!!)
I also consider some of the, fine height adjusters on the 1/4 routers hit and miss, and a bit naff.

Mike

 

[Digit]

Mike, I have several of those cheapo routers in fixed installations and the first thing I do is remove the cover that the locking slide fits into and dump the lot.
The slide engages in a 13 mm flat so that I use a 17 mm spanner and a 13 mm spanner to lock and release the collet nut.

Roy.

 

[Krysstel]

weird my 96e has a dust extraction shroud and it works really well.

Weird, mine doesn't and never has had

No one has mentioned the different ways the spindle is locked for removing or installing cutters.
I had the Axminster white 1/4 inch.
You pushed a black button till it engaged and then struggled holding the button down while trying to tighten the collet nut.
After about six months the button just kept slipping and it was impossible to tighten up the cutter.
Do all routers have the same type of spindle lock?

Exactly the same spindle lock mechanism on the Elu 96. Dreadful. Whole thing fell to pieces a couple of years ago, but cheap to fix.
The spindle lock on my Triton was a revelation in comparison.