Recommend me a router

[coolhands]

Hi all first post. I want a router. To do small jobs like at the moment I need to build two framed ledged & braced doors for an exterior shed (odd size doors):
I would like to buy a router anyway, and it will help me with this type of job. It doesn't have to be top quality as I'm never really going to be a specialist wood worker, but I do make the occasional thing like these doors / decking / shed /boxing in things etc. Don' want to spend fortune.

<I'm not allowed to show pic of the type of door I want to make>

Poss one of these tools for £40 from screwfix? Again I can't link

/p/titan-ttb292rou-1250w-router-230v/41123

I've been told 1/2" collets will be better. However I cannot afford the big money (£200?) that these seem to cost. I would really like one that comes complete with all the bits as it will be more economically viable. I'm looking for value for money.

thanks
Chris

 

[greggy]

hiya chris, welcome to the forum.
you know what,,, i have yet to hear of someone wanting a cheapo router to do just a specific job, then hardly use it after that.
once you realise how usful they are the next thing is wanting a better quality one.

you can get a very cheap 1/2 in router at any decent diy shed, b&q, and the likes or sometimes from the likes of lidl,aldi or netto.
have a look on ebay, as you will get some new. but what you pay for a new one.... you can also get a really good second hand one from ebay for the same price. also,, if you let us know how much your limit is for the router maybe someone on here may sell you one.
at least it will be a good one, and not a pig in a poke.

 

[coolhands]

Thanks

Maybe up to around £100? Poss up to £130ish if it was a nice make like dewalt or makita :wink: I kind of want one that has a known history. Many of the ones on ebay have so little info with them, you wonder where they've come from or how abused they've been by kitchen fitters etc :lol:

One like this chap was selling for £95 would probably suit me - little used and probably decent enough for me:
the-great-clearout-part-deux-t49439.html?hilit=Router

or these bosch ones seem quite cheap / not used too much on ebay:

270749176943

220780946447

needs to be 240v for me as just using at home

 

[myturn]

There one for sale on this forum, an ELU and as the seller says, they are built like tanks. I've had my ELU router (different model) for over 20 years and it's still going strong.

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/fs-power-tool-clearout-t50899.html

 

[morrik27]

Just to echo Greggy, I completely agree, once you discover the benefits of a router, you'll be amazed what it can do!

Check out the trend website, and also Wealden tools, they both have sections on hint And tips, and trend have projects. The guy who writes for Wealdens (ron fox) knows just about all there is to know about routers, and is very unbiased in his views.

I personally bought a Ryobi ERT1100 as my first router (everyone said, "get a 1/2" router"), but i hardly ever use it now, and it just sits in the box!

Since then i have upgraded to trends T4 and T11 - both ends of their range.

Don't dismiss the 8mm collets, nearly all 1/4" routers come with 8mm collets, and their range sits neatly between 1/4 and 1/2", basically you can use larger cutters, mainly at the 1/4 inch price range..

Also consider that the buying of a router is the cheapest bit, once you see all the possibilities and cutter ranges available, you'll soon want to upgrade!

my personal recommendation would be the trend T4, although at only 850W power, it is very light and easily wealded around the bench. comes with the 8mm collet, and very often the 12 piece cutter set, although the starter cutter set from Wealdens looks vey good.

if you could afford, maybe have a think about the T5, there are several options available, the thing i like about the trends are that it also becomes possible to open up into their jig market straight off, although many routers on the market do, and the compatibility tables they publish are very clear as to what other makes, and models can be used, and also what extras you might need....

On last thing Trend are expensive, but don't get hung up on their list prices, almost alls outlets, offer a discount, which puts the +VAT price the same, or slightly lower than the list. Wealdens in particular offer good prices.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for, and I really do think that if you get a cheap router, you'll wish you paid a bit more once you discover what it can really do. Espessially once you get the hang of working with guide bushes, and start making your own jigs!

Hope this helps!

P.S. 90% of the jigs you see for sale can be made your self for next to nothing, but the catalogues do offer a source of inspiration!

 

[goldeneyedmonkey]

+1 for spending a fair bit on the router, you won't have to 'but-twice' of you opt for good kit. Get DeWalt, Makita or Trend if possible. I've got the big Makita, and I wouldn't be without it. If you don't need it right away, then save up a bit and get a decent bit of kit. You won't regret it.

Cheers _Dan.

 

[Tusses]

I'd like to hear about the cheaper ones .

I have a couple of good ones, but was wondering about just getting a cheapy to leave upside down in a table ?

 

[Shane]

You can pick up 1/2 inch hitachi's for a good price, check ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hitachi-M12VE-12m ... 336683975c