New Router Recommendations?

You can get the D-handle base or use a foot-switch (of appropriate rating) if you have concerns with the switch location, though I don't actually do either, as it does not concern me on the 690. Ye olde crapsman was a different story, as it was a lot less smooth and therefore harder to hang onto.

IMHO, any tool claiming 2+HP that plugs into a normal 15A 120VAC outlet is a clear sign that you are being lied to by the marketing department, barring some sort of miraculous efficiency breakthrough. When the tool in question is rated at 12 amps input there's pure magic (or is that organic fertilizer?) involved since the power available at rated input is 1440W, but the power claimed is 1678W (746 watt=1hp & power claimed 2.25 HP)

The PC690 uses less delusional math, though 1.75 HP would still have to be 99+% efficiency at their 11 amp motor rating. But at least it's not pure magic unicorn poop. But, evidently PC has sunk to Dewalts's level and will sell you an 893 with 2.25 Magic Unicorn Poop Power from it's 12 amp motor, if that's important to you. My PC690 is now entering it's 21st year of service here, for whatever that's worth to you.

If you need more power (or when) the 75XX series has it for real, though it's also claimed in MUPP. It's a 15 amp motor. I think emulating Bruce's router dust collection setup should remove any concerns with trying to do it via an inconvenient hose connected to the router itself.

 

Well, you got me thinking about my next router and I read some nasty reviews about the Dewalt... I think you'd be better to go with one of the Porter-Cables

 

I can heartily recommend using a foot-switch -- that's what I do with my router mounted in my router table.

 

Whatever it's actual rating is, the 893 is a fantastic router. Marketing BS doesn't mean the actual product suffers.

 

HaMMerHeD, I'll take your word on it. I've had so-so issues with some of the Dewalt I've purchased through the years and I'm sure your experience has been different. There is always reputation as well. I'm not in a position to buy a $200 router that could fail in a year or less though. Because of reputation and experiences of some of my friends I think my best choice is a Makita. Does anyone have experience with a Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit? This router looks like just the type I'd need for luthier specific uses.

 

I was talking about the porter cable 893.

 

My bad! How are Porter-Cables? I never used anything made by them.

 

It's a great router. It maintains speed under load very well and is smooth in operation. My only gripe is its lack of an LED work light.

 

The 893 is also a PC, actually; and probably is indeed good, I just find it "interesting" that the 11 amp 690 is "1.75 HP" (now that I've run the numbers, "only" 98.9% efficient) the 12 amp 893 is "2.25", and the 15 amp 75XX are "3.25", with the latter two numbers being completely magical at 116% and 134% efficient. Presumably marketing wars with other vendors, but still magical unicorn poop power. I know folks with makita planers and drills - I can't recall seeing many of their routers.

PC is like the Fender of routers, if you want to take it that direction. There are boutique ones that cost more, knock-offs that cost less, but they are solid performers and get the job done without fuss or regrets. My $199.95 (I guess that hasn't gone up much in 20 years, IIRC) is now down to less than $10/year for the fixed/plunge kit and still works fine.

As for the Makita you've posted, (and the 450 gilmorisgod asked about) I'd personally avoid it like the plague as having only a 1/4" collet. That makes it pretty much a "laminate trimmer" class object in my book. Most of the real work gets done with the 1/2" collet.

 

Most luthiers I know now swear by Bosch 1617s of various configurations.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, somehow I forgot about Bosch, Walmart online has it for $139 free shiiping!

 

Best tool investment I ever made. Porter Cable 8902 - variable speed, soft start, 1/2" and 1/4" collets. It's like a dream come true.

 

That's the one! I have one in my router table.

 

Nexy's picture also shows the dark side you may not have considered. Over the lifetime of the router, you will probably spend far more on bits than you did on the router.

 

Ain't that the truth!

 

Beat me to it.

 

Unless you receive a lemon, you'll never go wrong with the Bosch 1617 model -- I've had mine for 6-7 years of fairly steady use and it's tackled everything I put in its path.

Plus, I believe I've read that Bosch no longer nickel and dimes you to buy all the adapters/accessories needed for universal bushings. That was a PITA and my only gripe. Good luck.