WHAT ROUTER?

[mailee]

Yes Chippy is correct, the Hitachi is a very good router but does not have soft start. I use one in my table and I have a 625 for hand held work eg: worktops. I find the 625 kinder on the wrists with soft start although the Hitachi in the table has plenty of power and can handle anything I throw at it. HTH. :wink:

 

[Oryxdesign]

We had an M12 where I used to work but I prefer my 625 out of the two. The Festool is a vast improvement though.

 

[ike]

The M12V is soft-start. It's not a really slow soft-start like some though, enough to negate the kick. I have an old TR12. That's got quite a kick.

 

[marvic18]

Thanks for the replies its good to know that the hitachi is a viable option. chippy1970 said he'd had a couple of 625's and they broke, is there an issue with the longevity of them?

 

[hpl]

Just to chip in with a Festool comment. I only have the small one and an old Elu 77E. B4 the Festool I was using an Elu 96. The 96 broke down in the middle of a job and I had to get a new one the same day. I bought the Festool. I reckon it paid for itself in the next 3 days in time saved, it was so much easier to use and so I was able to rout much faster. The amount of power isn't always the issue, often it is how well the tool performs.

HTH

Johnny B

 

[Smudger]

Also been looking at trend routers, anyone use them?

I've got a 1/4" Trend T5, I like it in all but one respect. It has a slide switch which is possibly a problem in itself (I once dropped it and it switched itself on) but is very awkwardly placed so that I can't work it whilst holding both handles.
In terms of use it is great, easy to change cutters, keeps clean, has a good soft start. The base could be bigger, but I could get a sub-base if I wanted one.

My 1/2" router cost me £20 at Homebase, and also works well!

 

[chippy1970]

Thanks for the replies its good to know that the hitachi is a viable option. chippy1970 said he'd had a couple of 625's and they broke, is there an issue with the longevity of them?

Just a quick reply wont go into detail, I had a DW625EK noticed it had bad wobble when cutters were spinning took it in maybe 7 times to get it fixed then Dewalt finally agreed there was a problem gave me a new one and after two weeks or so the casing cracked on the motor housing so then they swapped it for a new DW626 which has touch wood been fine.

 

[marvic18]

Thanks for all the advice, I got a 625 on Friday as I have a kitchen to install this week so I went with the tried and tested brand (most of my other power tools are DeWalt anyway) so I am looking forward to seeing what the results are compared to my old router.