Router for beginner (initially not for table use)

[beedj]

Hi, new to this forum (lost several hours browsing it this morning )

I'm looking to buy a router for basic/simple tasks - chamfering edges for some alcove cupbords I plan to make, cutting grooves (dado's?) to make shelving, etc. I don't anticipate table use in near future (though that could be my ignorance). Ongoing use will be occasional/hobby rather than very regular.

I am a complete beginner as far as using router is concerned; from reading other threads on here, I'm leaning towards a 1/4in model due to weight/ease-of-handling, but open minded. Budget £120-160 . The choice seems a little bewildering, but these look like options from reading other threads:

Triton JOF001 (no 1/4in collett unless 6mm is same thing?) - c.£125

Could probably stretch budget to Triton MOF001 - perhaps more future-proof, but maybe overboard for my current needs? c.£160

Makita RP0900XB.htm c.£125

Apologies as a new user I can't post links yet, but these look to be common models. Any advice would be very welcome; or other models I should be considering (though I'm not sure that more choice is what I need right now!)

(ps. I know there is another similar thread currently running - but focused on a router for table use, hence raising this separately)

 

[MikeJhn]

For freehand use I rather like my Draper Expert, it has a see through base and three LED lights in the base that light up whatever you are working on, I liked it enough I bought another.

Mike

EDIT: to add link: http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/s ... ux9h5OLS9g

 

[blackrodd]

Hello and welcome, For starting out, I suggest get a nice and easy router like this Trend T4 below.
Nice and light and easy to use, one that you will always value and probably keep.
The design is old but tested, 1/4" cutters are cheap, get a cheap set and replace the most used ones with Trend or similar good quality ones.
With more experiance, later on you can get a bigger 1/2" model for the larger jobs.
Shop around for prices.
HTH Regards Rodders

http://www.axminster.co.uk/trend-t4-1-4 ... AmQM8P8HAQ

 

[Roughcut]

Hello and welcome, For starting out, I suggest get a nice and easy router like this Trend T4 below.
Nice and light and easy to use, one that you will always value and probably keep.
The design is old but tested, 1/4" cutters are cheap, get a cheap set and replace the most used ones with Trend or similar good quality ones.
With more experiance, later on you can get a bigger 1/2" model for the larger jobs.
Shop around for prices.
HTH Regards Rodders

http://www.axminster.co.uk/trend-t4-1-4 ... AmQM8P8HAQ

I would be wary of a T4 after reading the Reviews:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/trend-t4-rou ... sel=701789

 

[blackrodd]

Well, I must apologize for that twaddle advice! I didn't bother to read the reviews!
I'm very surprised that Trend have had this obvious rubbish in their "stable" I buy (or did) their cutters and products almost without second thought, but reasonable reviews below.
A couple couple years ago they were really good and just as light and handy as the old Pof range from Bosch , which it does resemble, a handy one handed router.
This shared the same body as the angle grinder and also the jig saw, still got one and a half now!
Rodders

http://www.its.co.uk/pd/T4EKPK12-Trend- ... Ai-o8P8HAQ

 

[siggy_7]

I have the Draper Expert twin base as well, it's a neat system. Currently on offer at Yandles for £130. I would suggest getting a 1/2" router, if only because you then have the flexibility. Most of my bits are 1/2", probably overkill for small stuff like your current jobs but if you get into medium sized cutters you either have to stick with the small shank if you want compatibility with a small router or buy bigger shank bits for a heavier table router that you then can't use handheld.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

 

[marcros]

i would go for a secondhand elu. 1/4" or 1/2". it will be future proof because you can never have too many routers and you will not find anything better available new. and you should save about half of your budget.

Also, invest in a few decent cutters. I am as guilty as anybody for buying a silverline for "just this job", but it is far better to get a decent straight bit, chamfer or roundover bit as you need them. you will get a better result and it works out cheaper in the longrun!

 

[Roughcut]

Well, I must apologize for that twaddle advice! I didn't bother to read the reviews!
I'm very surprised that Trend have had this obvious rubbish in their "stable" I buy (or did) their cutters and products almost without second thought, but reasonable reviews below.
A couple couple years ago they were really good and just as light and handy as the old Pof range from Bosch , which it does resemble, a handy one handed router.
This shared the same body as the angle grinder and also the jig saw, still got one and a half now!
Rodders

http://www.its.co.uk/pd/T4EKPK12-Trend- ... Ai-o8P8HAQ

Yes I was surprised when I came across the reviews recently.
Maybe the quality has gone downhill?

 

[AJB Temple]

I have some routers, 2 of which are Elu. if you can find a second hand Elu on eBay, either quarter inch or half inch collet, then snap it up as they are very well made and cheap now. You can always invest in an expensive new router once you have learned what you like. Having been a beginner myself, and spent many hours routing for inlays, joints, hollowing out guitar bodies freehand etc, I found a 1/4" plenty to start with as they are light and easy to use. In a table, half inch is more useful. I still regularly use my 1/4" Elu that I have been using for at least 20 years.

In truth though, most routers are pretty much the same - its just a spinning tool after all. The differences come in ease of adjustment and handling and that is personal thing. Buying new now I would probably get Festool, but that is outside of your budget. If you were nearer I would invite you to come and try some different ones out.

 

[Adam9453]

Triton routers are superb, as I said in the other thread, I am seriously considering buying the triton quarter inch models you mention because the tra001 I bought recently is superb in every respect. Every respect, no cons whatsoever.
The tra001 would be a heavy lump to use freehand so for what you need go for either of the smaller ones you mention.
You'll be hard pushed to find better imho

 

[woodenstx]

Well, I must apologize for that twaddle advice! I didn't bother to read the reviews!
I'm very surprised that Trend have had this obvious rubbish in their "stable" I buy (or did) their cutters and products almost without second thought, but reasonable reviews below.
A couple couple years ago they were really good and just as light and handy as the old Pof range from Bosch , which it does resemble, a handy one handed router.
This shared the same body as the angle grinder and also the jig saw, still got one and a half now!
Rodders

http://www.its.co.uk/pd/T4EKPK12-Trend- ... Ai-o8P8HAQ

Yes I was surprised when I came across the reviews recently.
Maybe the quality has gone downhill?

I very nearly picked up a T4 with cutters and depth gauge for a good price from ITS, but on reading the Axminster reviews I was put off.
I only wanted a light weight router for simple trim work etc but I'd also need bits etc so the T4 deal looked ideal. Shame

 

[beedj]

Thanks all, hugely helpful