jj

28/01/2008 5:45 AM

Routers

Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
look for, or what I should stay away from?


This topic has 29 replies

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 5:31 PM

On Jan 28, 3:03=A0pm, "J. Clarke" <[email protected]> wrote:
> NoOne N Particular wrote:
> > J. Clarke wrote:
> >> pooteo wrote:
> >>> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I
> >>>> should
> >>>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
> >>> i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i
> >>> also
> >>> hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple
> >>> computers
> >>> into it
>
> >> Oh, do it right and get a Cisco.
>
> > Linksys IS Cisco.
>
> Well, in the same sense that the KR201 is a Messerschmitt.
>
Messerschmidt maybe?

BB

"Bonehenge (B A R R Y)"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

30/01/2008 8:05 PM

On Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:55:23 -0600, dgadams <[email protected]>
wrote:

>> We have a
>> pair of nice Cisco 6500 layer 3 core switches that both switch and route
>> between VLANs. With the redundant supervisor modules, you could buy a
>> really nice workshop and tools for what those babies cost (OBWW).

Two years from now, the woodworking tools would still have value. <G>

KN

"Kevin"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 10:21 AM

depends a bit on use..

for handheld.. < 3hp mostly to keep down the size and weight

for a table.. hard to beat the Triton 3.25hp..

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:9d965a47-cde7-4e2b-aafd-608e9e88baf5@v29g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

kb

kup

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 9:02 AM

On Jan 28, 7:57=A0am, pooteo <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> > Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> > look for, or what I should stay away from?
>
> i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i also
> hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple computers
> into it

I also like the porter cable router with the two extra bases, I have
it mounted on a homemade table that works just fine.
I also bought a 3.5 hp variable speed router on ebay for about $70.00
which I plan to mount to the other end of my table for heavier
cutting.
Good Luch Johnny!

p

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

31/01/2008 4:46 PM

Some ideas on your first one:
********************************* =3D http://patwarner.com/selecting_router.=
html
****************************************************************************=
***********************

On Jan 28, 5:45=A0am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

29/01/2008 6:55 PM

On Jan 29, 4:23=A0am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> On Jan 28, 9:16=A0am, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > One helluva deal is the Hitachi M12V and there are still some older
> > models available for a song.
>
> > It will give you 3.25 HP, 1/2" collet and plunge. I have 4 of those
> > puppies now and love them.
>
> Somone told me that these routers are now made in China from the
> Japanese tooling. =A0Yes? =A0No?
>
> I know they moved a lot of their manufacturing over there, but this
> particular router has been an industry standard workhorse even before
> Bob and Rick (good day, eh? =A0We're here to talk about yoosing your
> router.)
>
> Just wondernig. =A0I used to see them on sale every once in a while and
> always wondered if I >>needed<< one.
>
> Robert

Try to keep this quiet, Robert, but here's a deal that's almost
incredible.
http://www.specialtytools.com/product_info.php?products_id=3D12537

jj

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

29/01/2008 4:41 AM

Thank you all for the advice, it sure helps hearing from people with
experience.

Jj

Jeff

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 6:36 PM

On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

I have this one that I use mostly for dados, mortises and tenons:

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=5601

I love it. I have an older 3 HP Ryobi router on my table. Honestly,
the DeWalt is 2.5 HP but it seems more powerful. Maybe it's just my
flawed perception.

Jeff

Pp

Puckdropper

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 9:51 PM

pooteo <[email protected]> wrote in news:e03bf240-9d7f-4457-8c98-
[email protected]:

> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
>
> i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i also
> hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple computers
> into it

I like the Linksys WRT54GL router myself.

Puckdropper
--
Marching to the beat of a different drum is great... unless you're in
marching band.

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

Pp

Puckdropper

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

31/01/2008 6:32 AM

dgadams <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:39:34 -0600, todd wrote:
>
>> "Doug Winterburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Puckdropper wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I like the Linksys WRT54GL router myself.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Especially with the DD-WRT firmware.
>>
>> Please. I don't think this is the question the OP is asking. I
>> mean, we don't even know if they need switching functionality too.
>> We have a pair of nice Cisco 6500 layer 3 core switches that both
>> switch and route between VLANs. With the redundant supervisor
>> modules, you could buy a really nice workshop and tools for what
>> those babies cost (OBWW).
>>
>> todd
>
> Yeah, but the 208 Volt 30 amp service is gonna be tough to get in a
> home workshop. Not to mention the umpty umpty BTU's of cooling he'll
> need.
>
> D.G. Adams

What do you mean "tough?" Just unplug the table saw. You don't need to
be using it when you're using the router.

Puckdropper
--
Marching to the beat of a different drum is great... unless you're in
marching band.

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

Dg

Davej

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

30/01/2008 7:51 AM

On Jan 29, 8:55 pm, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Jan 29, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:
> > On Jan 28, 9:16 am, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > One helluva deal is the Hitachi M12V and there are still some older
> > > models available for a song.
>
> > > It will give you 3.25 HP, 1/2" collet and plunge. I have 4 of those
> > > puppies now and love them.
>
> > Somone told me that these routers are now made in China from the
> > Japanese tooling. Yes? No?
>
> > I know they moved a lot of their manufacturing over there, but this
> > particular router has been an industry standard workhorse even before
> > Bob and Rick (good day, eh? We're here to talk about yoosing your
> > router.)
>
> > Just wondernig. I used to see them on sale every once in a while and
> > always wondered if I >>needed<< one.
>
> > Robert
>
> Try to keep this quiet, Robert, but here's a deal that's almost
> incredible. http://www.specialtytools.com/product_info.php?products_id=12537

Just don't buy one of these for table use unless you are also going to
invest in a lift kit. The Triton is an easier solution for a table.

RC

Robatoy

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 7:16 AM

On Jan 28, 8:45=A0am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

If you need just one router, buy one with some balls. You will need
them at some point.

One helluva deal is the Hitachi M12V and there are still some older
models available for a song.

It will give you 3.25 HP, 1/2" collet and plunge. I have 4 of those
puppies now and love them.

r

NN

NoOne N Particular

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 7:52 PM

J. Clarke wrote:
> pooteo wrote:
>> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I
>>> should
>>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
>> i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i
>> also
>> hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple
>> computers
>> into it
>
> Oh, do it right and get a Cisco.
>
Linksys IS Cisco.

tt

"todd"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 9:39 PM

"Doug Winterburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Puckdropper wrote:
>>
>> I like the Linksys WRT54GL router myself.
>>
>
> Especially with the DD-WRT firmware.

Please. I don't think this is the question the OP is asking. I mean, we
don't even know if they need switching functionality too. We have a pair of
nice Cisco 6500 layer 3 core switches that both switch and route between
VLANs. With the redundant supervisor modules, you could buy a really nice
workshop and tools for what those babies cost (OBWW).

todd

DW

Doug Winterburn

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 7:37 PM

Puckdropper wrote:
>
> I like the Linksys WRT54GL router myself.
>

Especially with the DD-WRT firmware.

dd

dgadams

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

30/01/2008 7:00 PM

On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:45:42 -0800, [email protected] wrote:

> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

I have a Craftsman, Porter Cable 690, Skill, and just recently a Triton.
While any of the first three will work, the 690 is my machine of choice
almost every time. The 1/2 collet is a really good feature. I haven't
had a chance to play with the Triton yet. I'm going to mount it in a
table that is still in the planning stages. Maybe in the next month or
two.

My Porter Cable has been a good unit, and I would recommend it.

D. G. Adams

dd

dgadams

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

30/01/2008 6:55 PM

On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:39:34 -0600, todd wrote:

> "Doug Winterburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Puckdropper wrote:
>>>
>>> I like the Linksys WRT54GL router myself.
>>>
>>>
>> Especially with the DD-WRT firmware.
>
> Please. I don't think this is the question the OP is asking. I mean,
> we don't even know if they need switching functionality too. We have a
> pair of nice Cisco 6500 layer 3 core switches that both switch and route
> between VLANs. With the redundant supervisor modules, you could buy a
> really nice workshop and tools for what those babies cost (OBWW).
>
> todd

Yeah, but the 208 Volt 30 amp service is gonna be tough to get in a home
workshop. Not to mention the umpty umpty BTU's of cooling he'll need.

D.G. Adams

SS

Sean S

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 9:08 PM

Jeff <[email protected]> laid this on me:

> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
>
> I have this one that I use mostly for dados, mortises and tenons:
>
> http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=5601
>
> I love it. I have an older 3 HP Ryobi router on my table. Honestly,
> the DeWalt is 2.5 HP but it seems more powerful. Maybe it's just my
> flawed perception.
>
> Jeff

Naw, you're probably right. Just because I paint "7 HP" on the side
of a motor doesn't mean it pulls a REAL 7 HP when being used in the real
world. It's kinda like gas mileage in that regard. Within motors of the
same make, maybe it's a good barometer of which ones are more powerful than
others. As a hard and fast rule of how powerful a motor REALLY is, well,
numbers are a powerful marketing tool. But there's a lot more to a tool's
operating power than the number they paint on the side of the case.

Sean
--
There is an old saying that if a million monkeys
typed on a million keyboards for a million years,
eventually all the works of Shakespeare would be produced.
Now, thanks to Usenet, we know this is not true.

Mm

"Mikeh"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 3:03 PM

I'd get at least a 1.5 HP or more if you can, If you are going to use this
router hand held then I'd also suggest getting a Plunge Router, it's much
better for a varity of jobs. A very good mid priced router id the Porter
Cable 690 series, you can get it in a kit with both a fixed and plunge
bases.

Cheers Mike H

http://www.novascotiawoodworkers.ca


<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:9d965a47-cde7-4e2b-aafd-608e9e88baf5@v29g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

Ds

DonkeyHody

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 7:17 AM

On Jan 28, 7:45=A0am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

Assuming you are interested in pursuing woodworking as a hobby and
this is not just a one-shot project, spend the dollars up front and
get a Porter Cable, Dewalt or Bosch kit with both a plunge base and a
fixed base, 1/2" and 1/4" collets (accepts bits with both 1/2" and
1/4" shank). Stay away from Craftsman, Black & Decker, Skil, Ryobi
and Harbor Freight or anything else that is substantially cheaper than
the name brands in the first group. You will soon have more invested
in bits than you do in your router. Buy only Carbide tipped bits and
stay away from the ones that seem too good a deal to pass up. If you
are just buying a router for one project and don't see any further
need for it, still buy a good one and sell it on Ebay when you are
finished. The good ones bring good prices, but you can't give the
cheap ones away.

DonkeyHody
"Every man is my superior in that I can learn from him."

Pn

Phisherman

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 11:55 AM

On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:45:42 -0800 (PST), "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
>look for, or what I should stay away from?


There are many kinds, brands, size, weights and features. You may
want to check out a library book about routers. I'd stay away from
off-brands or "bargain" routers. A 1/2" collet is better than a 1/4"
if you plan on larger projects.

pp

pooteo

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 5:57 AM

On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i also
hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple computers
into it

Pg

PaperPusher

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

31/01/2008 4:12 PM

On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
> look for, or what I should stay away from?

My first post to this group so be gentle...

I have a 3hp Milwaukee for the router table (mod 5645).

For handheld routing I use a Dewalt kit with plunge and fixed base mod
(618PK). Most of my handheld powertools are Dewalt and I like them a
lot (planer, biscuit jointer and 5" orbital sander)

Both work great for me (beginner hobbyist), and I have no regrets, but
if I had to do it again, I'd get the Dewalt kit that includes the D-
handle base. For the router table I'd look at the 3 hp Porter-
Cable.

nn

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

29/01/2008 1:23 AM

On Jan 28, 9:16=A0am, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:

> One helluva deal is the Hitachi M12V and there are still some older
> models available for a song.
>
> It will give you 3.25 HP, 1/2" collet and plunge. I have 4 of those
> puppies now and love them.

Somone told me that these routers are now made in China from the
Japanese tooling. Yes? No?

I know they moved a lot of their manufacturing over there, but this
particular router has been an industry standard workhorse even before
Bob and Rick (good day, eh? We're here to talk about yoosing your
router.)

Just wondernig. I used to see them on sale every once in a while and
always wondered if I >>needed<< one.

Robert



JC

"J. Clarke"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 10:20 AM

pooteo wrote:
> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I
>> should
>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
>
> i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i
> also
> hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple
> computers
> into it

Oh, do it right and get a Cisco.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

JC

"J. Clarke"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 3:03 PM

NoOne N Particular wrote:
> J. Clarke wrote:
>> pooteo wrote:
>>> On Jan 28, 8:45 am, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I
>>>> should
>>>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
>>> i like the linksys i got but i hear netgear is good also., But i
>>> also
>>> hear motorola makes a good router and you can plug multiple
>>> computers
>>> into it
>>
>> Oh, do it right and get a Cisco.
>>
> Linksys IS Cisco.

Well, in the same sense that the KR201 is a Messerschmitt.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

TT

Tanus

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 6:48 PM

Phisherman wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:45:42 -0800 (PST), "[email protected]"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Thinking about buying my 1st router, any suggestions on what I should
>> look for, or what I should stay away from?
>
>
> There are many kinds, brands, size, weights and features. You may
> want to check out a library book about routers. I'd stay away from
> off-brands or "bargain" routers. A 1/2" collet is better than a 1/4"
> if you plan on larger projects.

I'll second that on the 1/2" collet. I
bought a B&D a few years ago and didn't
do the research you're doing now -
asking around. In my ignorance I ended
up with a 1/4" collet.

In contrast to what others have said
about cheaper brands, I'm pretty happy
with the B&D, except for the collet size.

I also think that getting a decent
router book will give you a solid
grounding on what to look for. Plus
it'll give you some hints 'n tips

--
Tanus

This is not really a sig.

http://www.home.mycybernet.net/~waugh/shop/

JC

"J. Clarke"

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

30/01/2008 11:04 AM

Davej wrote:
> On Jan 29, 8:55 pm, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
>> On Jan 29, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> On Jan 28, 9:16 am, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>> One helluva deal is the Hitachi M12V and there are still some
>>>> older
>>>> models available for a song.
>>
>>>> It will give you 3.25 HP, 1/2" collet and plunge. I have 4 of
>>>> those
>>>> puppies now and love them.
>>
>>> Somone told me that these routers are now made in China from the
>>> Japanese tooling. Yes? No?
>>
>>> I know they moved a lot of their manufacturing over there, but
>>> this
>>> particular router has been an industry standard workhorse even
>>> before Bob and Rick (good day, eh? We're here to talk about
>>> yoosing your router.)
>>
>>> Just wondernig. I used to see them on sale every once in a while
>>> and always wondered if I >>needed<< one.
>>
>>> Robert
>>
>> Try to keep this quiet, Robert, but here's a deal that's almost
>> incredible.
>> http://www.specialtytools.com/product_info.php?products_id=12537
>
> Just don't buy one of these for table use unless you are also going
> to
> invest in a lift kit. The Triton is an easier solution for a table.

If there's a local Woodcraft I'd advise walking in and looking
around--the local ones had that model router on closeout for under a
hundred bucks just before Christmas.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

LB

Larry Blanchard

in reply to "[email protected]" on 28/01/2008 5:45 AM

28/01/2008 9:45 AM

DonkeyHody wrote:

>
> Assuming you are interested in pursuing woodworking as a hobby and
> this is not just a one-shot project, spend the dollars up front and
> get a Porter Cable, Dewalt or Bosch kit with both a plunge base and a
> fixed base, 1/2" and 1/4" collets (accepts bits with both 1/2" and
> 1/4" shank).

I recently got the DeWalt kit and it had a couple of things going for
it. The base is attached with panhead screws with oversize recesses and
a centering cone is provided. If mounted in a table, the body doesn't
rotate as the ring is turned, so the controls and cord remain in the
same place.


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