Opinions? Lumberjack 1/4" Electric Plunge Router Variable Speed 240V with Parallel Fence

[7171551]

I have a big router permanently mounted in a table. I'm thinking a smaller, lighter handheld might be useful... Currently this Lumberjack is on ebay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124382780852

Anyone any experience?
Opinions?
Alternatives?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jameshow]

Bit of a no mans land router I had a similar one as my first router.

Bulky to handle but not that powerful.

The smaller trimmers from katusi or excel are cheaper and easier to use.

 

[7171551]

Bit of a no mans land router I had a similar one as my first router.

Bulky to handle but not that powerful.

The smaller trimmers from katusi or excel are cheaper and easier to use.

I'm completely out of touch with the current runners and riders in the router world!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Bulky to handle but not that powerful.

It's only 1/4" - 1200w isn't bad, it's twice what my Bosch is (not saying I'd buy it, mind).

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I just looked - my baby Bosch is 500w.

 

[Orraloon]

1200w is plenty power for a 1/4''. Not knowing the brand my concern would be build quality so I would like to see one in the flesh before handing over the money.
Regards
John

 

[7171551]

1200w is plenty power for a 1/4''. Not knowing the brand my concern would be build quality so I would like to see one in the flesh before handing over the money.
Regards
John

Always good advice- however, I've no stockist anywhere near me. Being a bit out in the sticks, this is almost always the case!

 

[Sideways]

Of all the tools in your workshop, the router spins fastest and stands to benefit from some precision parts for smooth operation and precision. It's a versatile tool and will see some use. I'd buy the best you can afford and consider a reputable brand. At least look at what's available from Makita, Bosch and Hitachi.

1200W 1/4" plunge router is great to have.

 

[Orraloon]

Always good advice- however, I've no stockist anywhere near me. Being a bit out in the sticks, this is almost always the case!

Sight unseen can be taking a bit of a punt so I guess its down to how often you will expect to use it. If you do a lot of routing then perhaps something a bit more well known but fir just the odd bit now and then I would not exclude it. My main table router is just a Ryobi but I did check it out in a shop. My 1/4'' is a makita and I have had it over 35years so buying good does have an up side. Its been used both hand and table. Another consideration is a trim router for smaller work. So for someone who does not particularly like routers I have 3.
I would have reckoned North Ayrshire fairly central. North west Sutherland is out in the sticks but then I have been in the land down under for the last 40 plus years and got used to big distances.
Regards
John

 

[recipio]

The sad truth is that cheap routers are usually badly built. You won't know until you switch it on and feel how rough they run.
For a small router you don't need 1200 w. Smaller motors at 500 - 600 w are fine for 1/4 " trim routers. I recommend the Makita range as they are exceptionally smooth. They also have their own range of template guides in metric which attach directly to the router base. For a more powerful router you won't beat the Makita RP1110 c - a 1100 w router built to industrial standards. I have one in my router table for both 1/4" and 8 mm bits and I use it for 90% of my routing needs. Pricey of course but you only have to cry once.

 

[TRITON]

 

[Spectric]

I have the 1/4 Bosch but it lacks varaible speed unlike the Makita above which has variable speed and can be got as a kit with all the bases, not sure if it takes the common guide bushes though but at 710 watts a nice tempting tool.

https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/makita-rt0702cx2-router-trimmer-with-bases

 

[7171551]

Sight unseen can be taking a bit of a punt so I guess its down to how often you will expect to use it. If you do a lot of routing then perhaps something a bit more well known but fir just the odd bit now and then I would not exclude it. My main table router is just a Ryobi but I did check it out in a shop. My 1/4'' is a makita and I have had it over 35years so buying good does have an up side. Its been used both hand and table. Another consideration is a trim router for smaller work. So for someone who does not particularly like routers I have 3.
I would have reckoned North Ayrshire fairly central. North west Sutherland is out in the sticks but then I have been in the land down under for the last 40 plus years and got used to big distances.
Regards
John

NW Sutherland to Oz? Wow, that must have been a bit of a culture shock!

Geographically speaking- fair point: North Ayrshire IS fairly central... And if you're into pubs, charity shops, pound stores and Turkish barbers we've got you covered. Anything else? Specialist shops of any description? Forget it. For tools, Screwfix is it.

However, I look over to Arran from my kitchen window, so there is that...

Thanks for your recommendations. I've been very impressed by Makita tools I've bought over the last 18 months, so I'll keep looking. If money was no object etc etc...

Thanks for responding
Stu

 

[TRITON]

The makita one with a plunge base and little box of bits isnt that expensive. Not for someone owning a coastal property, with commanding views over Arran

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31480284...MYBKN2&hash=item494bb62283:g:CmwAAOSwnSVl8Iga

 

[7171551]

Pricey of course but you only have to cry once.

a nice tempting tool.

View attachment 177412

Thanks for these recommendations as well. Anyone else see a theme developing?

As I mentioned above, I'm very pleased with the Makita tools I currently own. If price was not a factor, I'd be very happy to stay "on brand".

But for £80 with a bundled "35 piece cutter set" as opposed to £350-ish for the Makita options? You can see why I am asking

 

[7171551]

The makita one with a plunge base and little box of bits isnt that expensive. Not for someone owning a coastal property, with commanding views over Arran

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31480284...MYBKN2&hash=item494bb62283:g:CmwAAOSwnSVl8Iga

You haven't seen the house!

That does look interesting! And not as tears inducing as I expected. I've never owned one as small, so I guess I'm a bit wary of what its capabilities are.

 

[TomGW]

I have the Makita and it's been great. Originally cost less than £100 and currently available at roughly £110 if you shop around. Screwfix is £125 but certainly not the cheapest. Comes with parallel guide etc.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-r...PsaQ_0Snv7g72Qr8u6saAla5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

A genuine Makita plunge base is £36 from Power Tool World or the Katsu version available for £20.

https://www.fruugo.co.uk/1pc-compac...fi8-6AzDStMGq-I4ErTE5MsYrFovkNG8aAj4eEALw_wcB

I'm not convinced that the Katsu router isn't the same item from the same source as the Makita and I would certainly buy one of those before the Lumberjack.

 

[Orraloon]

NW Sutherland to Oz? Wow, that must have been a bit of a culture shock!

Geographically speaking- fair point: North Ayrshire IS fairly central... And if you're into pubs, charity shops, pound stores and Turkish barbers we've got you covered. Anything else? Specialist shops of any description? Forget it. For tools, Screwfix is it.

However, I look over to Arran from my kitchen window, so there is that...

Thanks for your recommendations. I've been very impressed by Makita tools I've bought over the last 18 months, so I'll keep looking. If money was no object etc etc...

Thanks for responding
Stu

I just said Sutherland was in the sticks I actually came from North coast of Aberdeenshire. Slightly more central but still quite stickish.
Regards
John

 

[7171551]

I just said Sutherland was in the sticks I actually came from North coast of Aberdeenshire. Slightly more central but still quite stickish.
Regards
John

Sorry, my mistake. My mothers family came from around Turriff- also quite stickish by all accounts.

 

[7171551]

I have the Makita and it's been great. Originally cost less than £100 and currently available at roughly £110 if you shop around. Screwfix is £125 but certainly not the cheapest. Comes with parallel guide etc.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-r...PsaQ_0Snv7g72Qr8u6saAla5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

A genuine Makita plunge base is £36 from Power Tool World or the Katsu version available for £20.

https://www.fruugo.co.uk/1pc-compac...fi8-6AzDStMGq-I4ErTE5MsYrFovkNG8aAj4eEALw_wcB

I'm not convinced that the Katsu router isn't the same item from the same source as the Makita and I would certainly buy one of those before the Lumberjack.

I think you have all convinced me to stick with Makita. I'm also happier at the thought of a smaller lightweight machine- especially as I do have a heavyweight mounted in the table...

Now that the budget idea has been blown out of the water, I'm now intrigued by the 18V Makita trim router as I already have 18V Makita tools with compatible batteries.. Hmmm... (I don't have a "proper" workshop and mains power is limited.)