Routers

[Rogue Wave]

I bought a cheapish router a year or so ago with the intention of using it until I became proficient and then upgrading to a better one. To be honest it's done OK but I want to replace it with a more industrial model.

Anybody got any advice (based on actual ownership and experience) of which makes are reliable and ergonomic.

cheers Stuart

[Mark Halliday]

Stu

Is it a router for distributing the interweb or a router for carving up wood?

[Scary Des]

I had a small Bosch which was handy but gutless. When I blew it up I went for a bigger Bosch (1700w) with a speed controller which was much better but unwieldy
I recently borrowed a Makita of a friend which was lovely, more compact than the Bosch, smoother plunge and some how better weighted, my Bosch always seems to want to fall over
But more Important than this is the cutters, buy good ones and keep them really sharp Des

[Rogue Wave]

I was wondering if some Nobber would recoment a Cisco 2412-5000-xl/32 but this is a Hands on Router an it's for making sawdust

[Mark Halliday]

OK
Its the woodworking thingy then.
I have a Hitachi M12V. Its a big heavy brute, but lovely to use. Smooooth plunge to a good depth, nice adjustable handles. Big stable base, 1/2", 1/4" and 8mm collets etc. Cracking tool in a router table. I recommend it highly.
The down side is there are not many guide bushes around for it, so a Trend Uni-base is a good addition.

This is a good deal at the mo from an excelent supplier.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/3/p...uter-22308.htm

Beware, at 2.5hp it is more powerful than some aux outboards.

Re. sharp cutters, get a diamond hone to touch up the blades. 1200 grit (green) is best. A couple of swipes on each flute is all you need.

[Rogue Wave]

Thanks Des /Mark. re Axminster tools excellent company I've got to the stage in life now where the axminster tool catalogue is damn close to pornograpy for me.

Where the chinscratcher Icon when you need it.

[Mark Halliday]

My Axminster book lives in the library (aka downstairs loo).

I have heard good things about the Trend T5EK, which I think is an old De Walt.
The Axminster AW127R has got to be worth a think. I have a few "White" tools and have had no trouble with any of them, and they are 2 for 1 pricewise against the known brands.
Carry on scratchin' (your head).

Keep the old chep router, my baby 650w Black and Decker still gets used for small or awkward jobs, where a light machine comes into its own.

[Chris Murray]

Have a look at De Walt. I have one of their 1/2" routers (2kw motor, I think).

It is fantastically made and is probably one of the best power tools I have ever owned.

It also has a slow ("soft") start, which prevents it being too aggressive immediately it is turned on.

I love it!

Chris.

[SOLENTER]

ELU when you have tried the rest try the best had one for 20 years we use
it 2or3 days per week

[Rogue Wave]

strangely enough the router as we know it was invented by Eli Lutz guess what his tool company was called? Elu and Dewalt are owned by the same conglomerate (you wouldn't credit what the main brand is) and are essentially the same tools. I have Dewalt, Elu and Hitachi power tools and I reckon all three ( or is it two) Brands. the Elu/Dewalt interests me cos I can get a bracket to fit on my Radial Arm saw to hold the router which I feel is kinda nifty.

I guess I'll be taking a Couple of catalogues to the North sea with me next time