Fixed base vs. Plunge Router

[Robert Canfield]

I've only ever used a fixed base router. I currently need to purchase a router but can only buy one. When would I need a plunge router and can they be used as a fixed router? Please enlighten me.

 

[scottyd]

I don't use plunge routers anymore, even when I had them I found I only used them fixed. Working with hardwoods and plunging is a recipe for disaster in my opinion, which I learned the hard way years ago. Also I noticed that as they wear and age, when the tool is running it can loosen the locking mech and cause the router to move from the desired setting.. My main hand router now is a Hitachi fixed and it only takes a couple of seconds to adjust the depth, so no need for anything else in my opinion. Variable speed and HP is much more desirable for what I do.

 

[FBB Custom]

I use a plunge base about 80% of the time. Any time you are doing a cavity, the plunge base can come in handy. The depth-lock for a plunge base is generally not as solid as a fixed base router's so the fixed base router might be more accurate for some applications but you can really use either for any job. I'm not sure why a plunge base plus hardwoods would be a recipe for disaster.

I bought the Porter Cable 69x set which has the tool plus both bases. I ended up getting a second body so now I have one in the fixed base and one in the plunge at all times. I use the fixed base for roundovers and the final pass of a neck pocket, plus the odd job here and there. Everything else, plunge.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Plunge routers are great in a production environment where you have to do the same thing over and over.
Like the Makita pictured below... It's a 14A workhorse with an adjustable, 3 position depth stop. Like if you have to route a bunch of deep cavities that need to be cut in steps.
It will also accept 1/4" AND 1/2" shank bits....which is good because 1/2" shank bits are way more stable when doing major routing.
I love this thing....and there are ALWAYS reasons why tools should be bought.... better w/more features
Oh... & yes you can use it fixed (and it will stay fixed ) Scotty, you must have had a POS router if you couldn't get it to stay put.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I have about 20 routers in my shop, mostly Porter-Cables. Out of those, two are plunge routers. I prefer the fixed base routers for most jobs. I find that I can change depths quickly on them, and I really like the solid locking. The plunge routers tend to slide down and lock slightly crooked sometimes. With a long router bit, that can kick the tip of the bit sideways enough to make steps in the walls of deep routs. Too sloppy for me.

I also prefer the way the handles on fixed base routers are down lower to the base. The handles on most plunge routers are up too high for my comfort.

My conclusion: Plunge routers look like a good idea, but in practice, I don't find that they have any real advantage. And they have several disadvantages. If you are only buying one, I recommend a good fixed base router.

And yes, get a router that's made to handle 1/2" shank bits. It makes a big difference in the stability, smoothness, and ability to cut deeper and faster.

My favorite router is the Porter-Cable 691; That's the 1 1/2 HP model with the side D-handle and trigger switch. Those are the ones I use most often.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

I use a plunge router for routing slots for wooden bridge saddles. That's the only thing I use it for.

(My favorite router is the Porter-Cable 892, 12A/2.25hp fixed-base jobber with 1/2" and 1/4" collets. I only wish it had LEDs to illuminate the work area.)

 

[Robert Canfield]

Thanks all! I knew I would get useful direction here.

 

[MrArose13]

I use my plunge router a lot and the fixed base usually gets attached to a jig of some sort. you can never have too many routers

this is my favorite

Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

mostly because the plunge trigger is automatic. you have to push the trigger, (conveniently located by your thumb) to make it plunge, let go and it stays. variable speed rocks too, for those big bits.

 

[scottyd]

Plunge routers are great in a production environment where you have to do the same thing over and over.
Like the Makita pictured below... It's a 14A workhorse with an adjustable, 3 position depth stop. Like if you have to route a bunch of deep cavities that need to be cut in steps.
It will also accept 1/4" AND 1/2" shank bits....which is good because 1/2" shank bits are way more stable when doing major routing.
I love this thing....and there are ALWAYS reasons why tools should be bought.... better w/more features
Oh... & yes you can use it fixed (and it will stay fixed ) Scotty, you must have had a POS router if you couldn't get it to stay put. View attachment 632503

Yep it was junk. The movement wasn't much but it was noticeable especially when doing final clean up passes and also the flexing and bit alignment issues like what Bruce pointed out were a bit frustrating. I don't doubt that there's better ones that work well. Early into all this I had a tendency to purchase cheaper tools simply because I didn't have much money.

What got that one put under the bench and left there was I was plunging a laminated body going from soft wood to hard and while plunging and trying to lock it in tight the bit dug in when it hit the hardwood. The lock was cumbersome for me and required more effort than it most likely should have to lock, the handles always felt awkward. So it dug in, all at once nothing i could do about it. I didn't have a full grip on it dealing with the lock mech, which in turn took the thing out of my hands, damaged the guitar and template and bent an expensive bit when it hit the floor still running. It had the decency to unplug itself. I've never hurt myself working with power tools and have always been careful. That mess scared me. Part operator error, part junky tool.. As a personal decision I don't plunge no more

 

[Robert Canfield]

This is why I need a new router. This is the second time it's caused damage from slipping.

 

[Big Hoss]

Hitachi KM12VC, comes with both fixed, and plunge bases, super smooth operation, no start up jump, super adjustable, best router I have ever owned, or used, and I have used a LOT from a close to the bottom of the barrel Black and Decker, to a Festool which was a great router but I didn't want to have to take out another mortgage to afford it. The Hitachi is absolutely pro grade, and the price tag doesn't hurt too much... I have 2 of them.

Porter Cable isn't what they once were, or even close, I wouldn't consider their stuff any more. If I were having to buy a router these days, I would be looking at Hitachi, Bosch, or if I won the Mega Millions, Festool...

The Bosch that is shown above is nice, but there is something that just felt smoother in operation to me on the Hitachi...

 

[MrArose13]

for that application (flush trimming a neck) I"d use a palm router/ trim router.

the smaller base makes it more stable on the finger board. still a tricky operation though. these are a round a $100 bucks, I got lucky and got the old style porter cable (top left in pic) for $70. yeah routers!

 

[Big Hoss]

for that application (flush trimming a neck) I"d use a palm router/ trim router.

the smaller base makes it more stable on the finger board. still a tricky operation though. these are a round a $100 bucks, I got lucky and got the old style porter cable (top left in pic) for $70. yeah routers!

If you can find NOS (Pre I think it would be 2010 production) Porter Cable stuff, yeah, for trim work on a narrow piece like a neck, then absolutely go with the Porter Cable, if not, the Bosch is a great one... As much as I like my Hitachi KM12VC, I have yet to see a Hitachi palm router that I liked...

 

[MrArose13]

I would have gone with the bosch colt, had I not been able to get the P.C. so cheep.

 

[scottyd]

Hitachi KM12VC, comes with both fixed, and plunge bases, super smooth operation, no start up jump, super adjustable, best router I have ever owned, or used, and I have used a LOT from a close to the bottom of the barrel Black and Decker, to a Festool which was a great router but I didn't want to have to take out another mortgage to afford it. The Hitachi is absolutely pro grade, and the price tag doesn't hurt too much... I have 2 of them.

Porter Cable isn't what they once were, or even close, I wouldn't consider their stuff any more. If I were having to buy a router these days, I would be looking at Hitachi, Bosch, or if I won the Mega Millions, Festool...

The Bosch that is shown above is nice, but there is something that just felt smoother in operation to me on the Hitachi...

I agree, I use the m12vc fixed base for cavitys its super smooth and is a beast. Love the soft start.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I'd get a package deal with both the fixed and plunge bases, probably get both for less than one or the other bases purchased separately later. I used mostly fixed, but the plunge comes in handy for some jobs. Hard to beat the Porter Cable combo package deal.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

for that application (flush trimming a neck) I"d use a palm router/ trim router.

{snip}

the smaller base makes it more stable on the finger board. still a tricky operation though. these are a round a $100 bucks, I got lucky and got the old style porter cable (top left in pic) for $70. yeah routers!

I use a router table for that job. You don't have to worry about the stability of the router, so you can concentrate on grain and feed rate and such.

 

[ReneB]

I agree Porter Cable isn't what it once was (as is the case with many manufacturers).

I also agree Hitachi and Bosch pro-grade power tools are very good values. Some of the Bosch models at the big box stores aren't as good as very similar models sold elsewhere.

 

[Means2nEnd]

Well I have Dewalts, Porter, Ridgid, Triton routers 6 in all and the 3 1/4 horse Triton in my router table with a built in lift system is outstanding and of all the other mini hand routers and big hand held I love my Ridgid the most. It is a weird they have an extra fitting to use 1/4" shaft bits that goes in the 1/2" but it is secure and it is a fixed base but is easily adjustable and there is a micro adjuster too very accurate. Also it has a clear plastic base and powerful LED lighting it is by far and away my favorite hand held can see everything and it is crazy powerful. I could throw the Dewalts and Porter in the trash and not look back. The Ridgid mini hand held for laminates is great and has LED lighting as well FWIW. Oh and the Ridgid routers like many of their other power tools have a free lifetime warranty pretty cool stuff.

 

[Hopkins]

I agree Porter Cable isn't what it once was (as is the case with many manufacturers).

I also agree Hitachi and Bosch pro-grade power tools are very good values. Some of the Bosch models at the big box stores aren't as good as very similar models sold elsewhere.

I would have to strongly disagree here. Porter Cable routers are still among the very best, with the exception of extremely high priced brands like Festool.