New router.

[dicktimber]

Roy,
Never ever considered taking the thing to bits.........!!!!!!!

But tomorrow, the tool kit is out.

Mike.

 

[chippy1970]

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.

Yeah mine broke and I bought new parts and fixed it then it broke again a year or so later so now I just use two spanners to loosen the collet.

 

[dicktimber]

What quality are the routers that never seem to get a mention..
Ryobi, etc,

It can't be a case of what you pay you get, because the Trend T5 is the same as the Dewalt 1/4 according to the stuff I read in the Axminster catalogue..but the Dewalt is £30 more(arrd)

I have to say that buying any electrical tool of this type is a very difficult task.
Do you go on price?
Service back up?
reviews
OR even what folk on the forum recommend!!!!????
I have to say in my caseI purchased a cheap router when starting off. Then I bought Trend...only because the service has been good and any problems have been sorted exchanged or money back.......and so I stick with them...plus spares and add on items.
I am looking at a T5 for out of table general work....
Convince me to go with another manufacturer.
Mike

 

[neilyweely]

Convince me to go with another manufacturer.
Mike

Try elu. Think the Trends are copies, and not so good. Although TBH I have never actually owned a trend, just used them from time to time.

The Erbauer I had was terrible. I did get it 2nd hand, although I paid nearly retail for it. It looked brand new. From cashconverters, so I did get a 60 day warranty. I don't know if it had a loose spindle, if it did i didn't notice it, and I have never had the same problem with any of my other routers. There must have been movement somewhere as the jig was ok, and has been fine since, but the cut was not good at all. The fit was poor, and there was some tearout of the surface. I have heard others have had problems with it too.

Besides which how on earth do they manage to make a 2100watt router with any degree of quality for £50?? I know I am being 'picky' but it just seems slightly dodgy to me. Kinda like the one I had. :wink:

Shouldn't have said it was fact, I guess. Just trying to stress my disappointment with the one I had.

Neil

 

[Shed_Dog]

I was thinking of getting a Festool, but are they as good as the blurb says they are?

 

[mailee]

I have got the Trend T5, 2 Elu 96e's and a De Walt 615 and I can state that the trend is pants compared to the other routers in my collection. I would certainly go for another Elu, (if you can get hold of them) failing that it would have to be the De Walt. Trend T5 isn't a bad router and it is better than a lot of the DIY shed models but it just isn't in the same quality league as the Elu and De Walt. I know, I know it is supposed to be a decendant of the old 96's but it just doesn't cut it. Try them all and I think you would agree. IMHO. :wink:

 

[JonnyD]

I was thinking of getting a Festool, but are they as good as the blurb says they are?

I have got the small Festool router OF1010 which is a decent refined machine but i dont think its any better than the Dewalt 621K which I also own which is a lot cheaper. That said they are both excellent machines.

Jon

 

[dicktimber]

Mayleeee
Ok lets get down to basics.

Why doesn't the T5 cut it above the others you have.?
Can you give some reasons, because a lot of people who own them on the forum rate them.
New people who click on to this forum who want advice, not a general comment , because this can put them off buying that product.
OK we don't need a full bells and whistles .
It's crap, is not good enough for a comment....and don't forget...(I am retired) that Trend do give an excellent customer service, so if the goods don't meet the mark you can be confident of good cusotmer service.
Never the less.......
what was the problem with the T5?

Mike


mike

 

[mailee]

Hi Mike, I found that the T5 had a very rough plunge compared to the others I mention. Also the collet lock was a bit flimsy and the base plate is bonded on instead of using screws. I find that the whole 'feel' of the machine is 'too plasticy' for my liking. On the other hand the Trend T10 and 11 are great machines as is the small T4 for small jobs. Having all of these machines in my colllection I use them all so can compare each machine. I still use the Trend T5 but it is now set up with a dovetailing bit for my dovetail jig which has the fine height adjuster set up for it. I don't need to use the plunge any more. IMHO the Original Elu 96E has got to be the best 1/4" router money can buy, and dare I say it as good if not better than a Festool! (Oops, wait for the feedback on that one) I don't intend to put anyone off buying a machine if they are set on buying it but I am just imparting my experience with the machines I have used. I like most of the forum members on here started out with cheap tools that did the job, just but eventually bought better when I could afford to through trial and error. All people have their favourite machines but others often don't get a chance to use more than one, it is with this in mind that I stated my opinions on the mentioned machines. Sorry for any offence it may have caused. :wink:

 

[dicktimber]

maylee,
Thank's for the clarification. No offence taken or meant.

I started off with a poor quality router..well all tools to be truthful....it's about finding a level of quality that meets your requirement,
For a person new to all this it is a maze.Products are talked up on price, name, etc..and the mags don't help....do they gat paid for a good review??????
but for the times you use a router will depend on the quality you buy.......
..........but who can judge quality, product life accuracy, and longevity?
Don't ask a tradesman...all their tools get nicked...so what do they KNOW??

IMO if you are happy with it................
Mike

 

[woodchip]

I also have the misfortune to own an Erbaur.

1) It stalls/overrevs (constant speed my rse)

2) The depth lock comes off!

3) The collett seems to take a lot of undoing before it will release a bit

4) The fence adjusters seem to cross thread easily

I upgraded to a triton, but now the fine adjustment on that has gone, so perhaps I'm just ham fisted.

 

[Shed_Dog]

I was thinking of getting a Festool, but are they as good as the blurb says they are?

I have got the small Festool router OF1010 which is a decent refined machine but i dont think its any better than the Dewalt 621K which I also own which is a lot cheaper. That said they are both excellent machines.

Jon

Thanks Jon

I think I will go with the Dewalt as I have other Dewalt tools and they seem to be pretty good.

I was also thinking of getting a palm router. This is probably just because I feel like buying a new tool because I have never had one before therefore probably don't need one. Anyone got any suggestions of makes or uses that would make it a must have? :?