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What is your "go to" router?

tjclem

tjclem

Supporting Member
Commercial User
Jun 6, 2004
6,351
543
66
Central Florida
www.clementbass.com
Disclosures
Owner and builder Clementbass
#1
My inherited Porter cable 90th anniversary model 90690 is worn out. I need a main router for neck pockets, pup routes, control cavities etc.etc. Plunge would be a + this is for a full time shop. What would you suggest? And where would you get it? Thanks .Tom
 
#2
I love my 690! But my main one is actually a Craftsman plunge router. About 15ish years old and from back when Emerson made Craftman's electric tools. This one gets well over half of all routing tasks.

MattsWarlock005.jpg
 
#6
A couple years ago I got a nice set from Hitachi and it came with a plunge base too.
Hitachi KM12VC 2-1/4 HP Fixed Base Router Kit - Variable Speed
I think I paid maybe $150 or so for the whole set, great power and very smooth operator.
Dirk
 
#7
I'm a big fan of the Bosch 1617EVSPK combo setup.
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Also, Tom, if you've never been to Utter Guys in Sanford then you should definitely check them out. Great deals and no waiting for shipping.

Utterguys.com
 
#11
been a Porter Cable fan for years, but I'm possibly in the market for a new hand-held router myself as I plan to relegate my current PC to the router table since the pin that stops shaft rotation when tightening/loosening the collet finally gave ways to years of use and sheared

lots of options to consider ... and I may just be swayed towards a new brand

all the best,

R
 
#15
Ruckus_Instrmts said:
I'm a big fan of the Bosch 1617EVSPK combo setup.
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Also, Tom, if you've never been to Utter Guys in Sanford then you should definitely check them out. Great deals and no waiting for shipping.

Utterguys.com
Click to expand...

Thanks I guess I am headed there this morning it looks like I will have a lot of choices.

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#17
Hi.

tjclem said:
Sorry for asking what to some of you would be a stupid question but when would you use a lower than maximum speed on your router?
Click to expand...

Since the woods are pretty similar to each-other in instrument making, and the bits used are rather limited, that's not a stupid question.

In general woodworking, one wants to match the cutting speed and the cross sectional area of the cut to suit the material, and it's properties.

In order to keep the cutting speed reasonable, the spindle speed has to be reduced. Also If you use oddly shaped bits with large diameter changes, the spindle speed may have to be adjusted.

Routing any wood that splinters easily, may benefit from a lower spindle speed as well.

When routing for deep pockets, reduced speed can aid in the control and chip removal.

Too high speed on a hard material can lead to premature dulling of the blades.

Too high speed on synthetics (plastics mainly), will melt the material.

etc.

I'm sure the more experienced woodworkers will present other needs for spindle speed control.

Edit: Oh, almost forgot, Festo OF 900E is my choice for a router. Then again, I have a milling machine for really rough or precision stuff if the need arises, so a small plunge-base one like that is enough.


Regards
Sam
 

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