Which of these two routers...?

[Anonymous]

I considered getting the PC, but decided against it because a) all the adjustments were imperial and I wanted metric b) it seemed a little underpowered and c) I worried about getting parts easily, whereas I can get parts for the Makita even from my local hardware store 6 miles down the road.
NeilCFD

Neil

A - mine has metric adjustments on micro stop and normal stop. I think it is because Flex are based in europe and supply England with PC kit
b- maybe
c -Rutlands supplied a replacement collet overnight under warranty when mine broke

Cheers

Tony

 

[Neil]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for that bit of info re: the metric adjustments. In terms of the spares, Rutlands really hammer us Ireland-based woodworkers for postage charges which put me off that route.

One thing I will say about the PC though is that the fence looks fantastic, particularly if it is in metric - don't suppose you want to swap it for the one on the Makita? :wink:

NeilCFD

 

[Charley]

Just to back up Alf's comments about PC spares. When I needed a replacement screw for my PC router table a quick call to Hamilton Power and I had one the next day

Yes the fence on the PC is excellent I can't recall what the measurements are in but it doesn't matter, all you do is turn the fine adjuster and it moves the router in/out.

Rutland’s aren’t the only supplier of PC tools. Check out Corroy Products : www.porter-cable.uk.com. They also do spare parts/repairs: http://www.porter-cable.uk.com/shopping ... eparts.asp

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi NeilCFD

don't suppose you want to swap it for the one on the Makita?

I think it was GWW who said that the Makita RP1110C was the best mid-range router by far, after you'd thrown away the fence. :roll:

It seems amazing to me that Makita provide such poor fences with their routers. Every product of theirs that I have bought has been really well made.

Cheers
Newbie_Neil

 

[Neil]

Hi Neil,

It seems amazing to me that Makita provide such poor fences with their routers.

I know - it is bizarre isn't it? I knew about the fence when I bought the 3612C - decided to go ahead anyway as the router itself was so good and was bought mostly for table use anyway.

I'm now thinking about getting a good 1/4" model for hand held use, and the RP1110C is top of the list, but starts to look expensive once you've added £30 for a Trend T5 fence - into Maffell territory price-wise, and edging closer to Festool...

So, Square, any decisions on what you're going for, or have we managed to muddy the waters even more?

NeilCFD

 

[cambournepete]

Makita 3612 is £220 on Axminster - http://www.axminster.co.uk/default.asp?part=MAK3612C (with free carry case)

 

[Anonymous]

Well Neil, regarding Porter Cable, I'm still a bit worried about these few people supporting them being abducted by aliens...or something; you have to think of these things you know.

I did try to buy the DW625 yesterday, but D&M were closed for the afternoon. They've now got back to me by email and, like Lawsons, they actually no longer have the '100 year-old' version, only the new-fangled 2000W, 80 mm plunge depth one. They both point out it's only an upgraded motor, but I'm thinking there could be undiscovered issues - it's happened before to me with new versions of things. And I don't think I need any more power, captain; I've gotta hold the thing! Btw, Lawsons have a premium 0870 telephone number. Suppose it's only 12 - 15 p/m, but an unfortunate practice, imv.

The last I remember, last night, I'd decided to get the Makita 3612C. (£223 -Lawsons) I've not heard any bad things said about it - apart from the usual (as was the case with the Freud) people who had difficulty getting the bit out through not understanding the procedure; you have to loosen it, and then loosed it again(?). I've no idea whether the dodgy fence is important. If it can be replaced for £30 it might still be worth it if the machines more reliable.

Cambournepete: thanks for the link. I'd seen that, but was confused about the spec - where it says: "specification...

Collets Supplied 1/4" plus 3/8" & 1/2" Adaptors". Shouldn't it have an actual 1/2" collet?

May take the plunge at any moment...now where's that coin...

Square

 

[sawdustalley]

Square, mine came with a 1/2 inch collet built in and also adaptors for 1/4 and the other to save confusion.

 

[Neil]

Hi Square,

I got mine from Axminster and like SDA's, it came with a 1/2" collet and adaptors for the two smaller sizes.

The replacement fence I was talking about was for the small 1/4" Makita - for the 3612C I guess you could get a Trend T9 fence if it uses the same rod spacings, but to be honest this doesn't look that much better than the Makita fence anyway.

The Makita fence isn't really that bad - it is very, very solid, but is just let down by the fine adjuster being a bit awkward, and the rods being a bit short.

It is easy to get the bit out - just like you say, loosen it, and then loosen it again.

Are you sure you don't want the DM-tools deal? The laminate trimmer is worth about £100, and would be very useful for trimming on your worktops :twisted:

If you want any other info about it, don't hesitate to ask...

NeilCFD

 

[Anonymous]

Neil, I wasn't really sure what I'd do with the trimmer - tidy up the end pieces of laminate that are glued to the cut ends of the worktop? ...I'm guessing. Does seem a good deal, though.

Procrastination seems to have won the day. I Went to the local tool shop for other stuff -their routers are too expensive- but still managed to spend £153 on a Trend worktop jig, Unibase, cutter and numerous other things that I didn't know I wanted until I saw them.Those places are dangerous.

I wanted a jig saw blade to cut the laminated worktop to length, and yer man suggested one that cuts on the downstroke. I asked if it wouldn't be more difficult to use (as it's pushing the blade and trying to lift the Jsaw), and why not just turn the worktop over? He said that's what they usually sell, and then we decided it's probably because worktops are being cut insitue. So I got the ordinary upward cutting blades. Then I wasn't sure whether I'd need the unibase with a DeWalt. First he said no, then we decided yes to ensure concentricity for use with the Trend jig, and also to allow access to all the Trend cutters. Oh poo! I've just remembered I meant to get the cutter with replaceable blades instead.

<Sorrry Boss. This thread is degenerating into "diary of an *****">

They didn't have the original DW625 either, btw. He said DeWalt out-sell their other routers 10 to 1, and they haven't had any problems with the new ones. But I'm thinking it's only a few months.

Does anyone reckon the 2000W DW would be noticeably trickier to handle than the old 1850W?

You know, now that I've come back from the shop with two, 24" quick clamps, I feel like I might be turning into a proper woodworker. I could start looking for a tablesaw next. Be afraid...very afraid!

Square

 

[Neil]

I wasn't really sure what I'd do with the trimmer - tidy up the end pieces of laminate that are glued to the cut ends of the worktop?

Yeah, thats it. Maybe Aragorn or JohnElliot can tell you more about it - I haven't used one. Apparently they are quite useful for general edging jobs as well as laminate trimming. I guess you could say they are quite specialised, and you could easily manage without it - it just looks a bargain for £30!

NeilCFD

 

[The Wizard]

Btw, Lawsons have a premium 0870 telephone number. Suppose it's only 12 - 15 p/m, but an unfortunate practice, imv.

0870 numbers apply to national call rates in the UK, 0845 for local call rates. From a business phone, you should not really be paying more than 2.7ppm during the day to either of these number types.

Wiz

 

[Anonymous]

Not sure what you mean about business numbers - I'm not calling from a business number.
But anyway, these "non-geographical" 0870 and 0845 numbers are in effect disguised premium numbers, yes? There are campaigns about all this...yes??

Square

 

[The Wizard]

No, these numbers are not disguised premium rate numbers. The use of 0845, 0870 is regulated and controlled in the UK by Ofcom (formerly Oftel). Numbers such as this are often used to offer consistent costs to all callers and provide huge flexibility for businesses that want to move about. Being non geographic, you can have them delivered almost anywhere.

Premium rate services are numbers that provide a financial return to the owner. For example, technical support numbers for PC's and dial in numbers to TV shows to name but two. Whilst the telephone operator will still take a cut of the call revenue, a percentage is passed back to the owner, hence providing them with a revenue stream. Some operators provide a small kick back on 0870,0845 services but rest assured, no one will be making a living at it. Dont be put off companies using these types of numbers, you will not be paying anymore than you would normally pay for a long distance call. The only time you are at a disadvantage is if the company you are calling is local. I am sure if you asked them, they would give you their local number.

If you are dialling from a home phone as opposed to a business line, the cost of calls to 0870, 0845 will be dependent on which supplier you use.

Regards

Wiz

 

[ProShop]

[/quote]
0870 numbers apply to national call rates in the UK, 0845 for local call rates. From a business phone, you should not really be paying more than 2.7ppm during the day to either of these number types.

Wiz[/quote]0870 numbers may not be premium rate numbers, but firms which have these numbers get a share of the profit generated, which really means a lower cost premium phone number. (a rip off) :twisted:
John

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Wiz

0870 numbers apply to national call rates in the UK, 0845 for local call rates. From a business phone, you should not really be paying more than 2.7ppm during the day to either of these number types. Wiz

You're obviously not with ntl. :roll:

IIRC the rate was about 15ppm. That's five times more than a national call. The 0845 rate is less but is still higher than a local rate call.

Cheers
Neil

 

[Anonymous]

I'm afraid not everyone shares your confidence in OFCOM, wiz.

I came across this issue via Martin Lewis' web site : http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

He is generally on the ball in these matters. You might have seen him on TV.

A couple of other links fwiw:

http://www.saynoto0870.com/

http://0870abuse.tripod.com/index.htm

Oh, and I've decided on a DeWalt 625 btw. Not ordered it yet.

Square