OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table and
just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2 hp
is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about, overall)
for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the title-mentioned
models offer...a lot. Was a little pissed that while Milwaukee gives you the
height-setting tool you should have with every router, P-C was only giving
it to you in one of their combo units (with a plunge base), but I learned
yesterday that they have a promotion going where you get the "$38" tool by
mail with all 890 series router purchases through March when you send in
your receipt and a coupon. Nice going guys, thing should be in EVERY box
with each router.
Looked over the PC 892 (version of 891 w/o the dust collection option) and
and Milwaukee 5615 (smaller brother of 5616) at Lowes and Tool Haus
woodworkers store this weekend. Nobody around here sells the 8529, but it is
mostly the 7529 with router table top-access added and some minor changes.
Have read the several on-line usenet discussions about the 890 series and
the handful of short discussions about the 5616 and 8529 looking for info,
especially comparison. Have seen no magazine reviews of the 890 series and
5616.
Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
PC 890 series
Pluses
Top-side router table height adjustment with (hurray) tool now supplied by
mail
Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should have
this feature).
Servo-feedback variable speed.
Slow start feature.
Minuses
Clear plastic sub-base supplied looks likely to crack easy and has
extrusions likely to trap sawdust.
Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would not
be a big deal.
Chintsy 1 year warranty.
Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height adjustment
means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in router
table.
Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the end. I
wonder if it will eventually crack off.
Milwaukee 5616
Pluses
Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
Lifetime warranty!
Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
Height adjust tool with each router.
Servo-feedback variable speed.
Slow start feature.
Minuses
Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old $60
Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
Do dust collection capability for free-hand use. How'd they blow that one in
anew design?
As far as the PC 8529 goes, I know there is a $40 kit to retrofit my 7529 as
far as the router table top side height adjustment feature goes. I know what
the kit looks like (PN 907320, a threaded rod, two offset-wrenches, and the
height adjust knob, template for drilling) and know you are supposed to
drill the base in the 7529 to accept the new threaded rod at a point where
there are re-inforcments in the Al casting of the base -- looks to be
tricky. Also, It appears that the new rod is supposed to replace the height
range set knob that is originally on the 7529, but it sure does not look
like that is going to be a very good way to raise/lower this heavy router
and expect it to stay perpendicular to the table top. Would love t see an
8529 to see how ell this really works.
Anyway, anybody have any suggestions on which way to go.
Amazon sells the Milwaukee 5616 for $170, the PC 8529 for $200, the PC 892
(basic unit, no dust collection) for $190, and the PC 891 (dust collection
plus one-hand use features) for $210 and you get $25 off if you spend $199.
Sure wish the Milwaukee had dust collection and one-wrench bit changing.
Sigh.
- GRL
"It's good to want things."
Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
I agree that both the routers you've listed are underpowered for a table.
However, the 7518 is NOT the only table router in town. In fact having used
the 7518, and the Milwaukee 5625-20, I far prefer the Milwaukee: 3.5 HP and
much easier to a adjust than the PC 7518.
Brian.
"Mike in Mystic" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> -SNIP-
>
> Get a PC 7518 3 HP fixed based router and be done with it. Table routing
=
> PC 7518. End of story.
>
> Mike
>
>
Thanks for the excellent tip.
--
- GRL
"It's good to want things."
Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"David Hall" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
> >
> >Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table
and
> >just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2
hp
> >is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about,
overall)
> >for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
> >
> >Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the
title-mentioned
> >models offer...a lot. Was a little pissed that while Milwaukee gives you
the
> >height-setting tool you should have with every router, P-C was only
giving
> >it to you in one of their combo units (with a plunge base), but I learned
> >yesterday that they have a promotion going where you get the "$38" tool
by
> >mail with all 890 series router purchases through March when you send in
> >your receipt and a coupon. Nice going guys, thing should be in EVERY box
> >with each router.
> >
> >Looked over the PC 892 (version of 891 w/o the dust collection option)
and
> >and Milwaukee 5615 (smaller brother of 5616) at Lowes and Tool Haus
> >woodworkers store this weekend. Nobody around here sells the 8529, but it
is
> >mostly the 7529 with router table top-access added and some minor
changes.
> >Have read the several on-line usenet discussions about the 890 series and
> >the handful of short discussions about the 5616 and 8529 looking for
info,
> >especially comparison. Have seen no magazine reviews of the 890 series
and
> >5616.
> >
> >Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
> >
> >PC 890 series
> >Pluses
> >Top-side router table height adjustment with (hurray) tool now supplied
by
> >mail
> >Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should
have
> >this feature).
> >Servo-feedback variable speed.
> >Slow start feature.
> >
> >Minuses
> >Clear plastic sub-base supplied looks likely to crack easy and has
> >extrusions likely to trap sawdust.
> >Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
> >switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would
not
> >be a big deal.
> >Chintsy 1 year warranty.
> >Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height
adjustment
> >means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in
router
> >table.
> >Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the
end. I
> >wonder if it will eventually crack off.
> >
> >
> >Milwaukee 5616
> >Pluses
> >Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
> >Lifetime warranty!
> >Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
> >Height adjust tool with each router.
> >Servo-feedback variable speed.
> >Slow start feature.
> >
> >Minuses
> >Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
> >You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old
$60
> >Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
> >Do dust collection capability for free-hand use. How'd they blow that one
in
> >anew design?
> >
> >
> >
> >As far as the PC 8529 goes, I know there is a $40 kit to retrofit my 7529
as
> >far as the router table top side height adjustment feature goes. I know
what
> >the kit looks like (PN 907320, a threaded rod, two offset-wrenches, and
the
> >height adjust knob, template for drilling) and know you are supposed to
> >drill the base in the 7529 to accept the new threaded rod at a point
where
> >there are re-inforcments in the Al casting of the base -- looks to be
> >tricky. Also, It appears that the new rod is supposed to replace the
height
> >range set knob that is originally on the 7529, but it sure does not look
> >like that is going to be a very good way to raise/lower this heavy router
> >and expect it to stay perpendicular to the table top. Would love t see an
> >8529 to see how ell this really works.
> >
> >
> >Anyway, anybody have any suggestions on which way to go.
> >
> >Amazon sells the Milwaukee 5616 for $170, the PC 8529 for $200, the PC
892
> >(basic unit, no dust collection) for $190, and the PC 891 (dust
collection
> >plus one-hand use features) for $210 and you get $25 off if you spend
$199.
> >Sure wish the Milwaukee had dust collection and one-wrench bit changing.
> >
> >Sigh.
> >
> >- GRL
>
> While having nothing to do with your question, it is easy to modify your
7529
> for above the table adjustment just like the 8529. Do a google search on
dave
> hall 7529 to get a more detailed description of this, but it is basically
just
> drilling a hole in the end of one of the plunge shafts and JB Welding in a
> piece of 3/16ths allen wrench. Then drill the appropriate holes in the
base and
> your table insert and it works just like the 8529. Use this for a while to
see
> if you want/need a larger table unit or if you want a different unit for
the
> table or handheld use. It's a no lose as it is very easy to do and in no
way
> impacts the functionality of the router.
>
> Dave Hall
You two guys make me think the smart move is to just buy the adapter kit and
bag the new router purchase...for now.
--
- GRL
"It's good to want things."
Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Bill @theeverettes.com>" <bill<spam> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My kit came with the above table adjusting rod for use with the fixed base
> when table mounted.
>
>
> "GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
> >
> > Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table
and
> > just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2
> hp
> > is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about,
> overall)
> > for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
> >
> > Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the
> title-mentioned
> > models offer...a lot. Was a little pissed that while Milwaukee gives you
> the
> > height-setting tool you should have with every router, P-C was only
giving
> > it to you in one of their combo units (with a plunge base), but I
learned
> > yesterday that they have a promotion going where you get the "$38" tool
by
> > mail with all 890 series router purchases through March when you send in
> > your receipt and a coupon. Nice going guys, thing should be in EVERY box
> > with each router.
> >
> > Looked over the PC 892 (version of 891 w/o the dust collection option)
and
> > and Milwaukee 5615 (smaller brother of 5616) at Lowes and Tool Haus
> > woodworkers store this weekend. Nobody around here sells the 8529, but
it
> is
> > mostly the 7529 with router table top-access added and some minor
changes.
> > Have read the several on-line usenet discussions about the 890 series
and
> > the handful of short discussions about the 5616 and 8529 looking for
info,
> > especially comparison. Have seen no magazine reviews of the 890 series
and
> > 5616.
> >
> > Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
> >
> > PC 890 series
> > Pluses
> > Top-side router table height adjustment with (hurray) tool now supplied
by
> > mail
> > Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should
> have
> > this feature).
> > Servo-feedback variable speed.
> > Slow start feature.
> >
> > Minuses
> > Clear plastic sub-base supplied looks likely to crack easy and has
> > extrusions likely to trap sawdust.
> > Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
> > switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would
not
> > be a big deal.
> > Chintsy 1 year warranty.
> > Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height
adjustment
> > means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in
> router
> > table.
> > Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the
end.
> I
> > wonder if it will eventually crack off.
> >
> >
> > Milwaukee 5616
> > Pluses
> > Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
> > Lifetime warranty!
> > Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
> > Height adjust tool with each router.
> > Servo-feedback variable speed.
> > Slow start feature.
> >
> > Minuses
> > Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
> > You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old
> $60
> > Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
> > Do dust collection capability for free-hand use. How'd they blow that
one
> in
> > anew design?
> >
> >
> >
> > As far as the PC 8529 goes, I know there is a $40 kit to retrofit my
7529
> as
> > far as the router table top side height adjustment feature goes. I know
> what
> > the kit looks like (PN 907320, a threaded rod, two offset-wrenches, and
> the
> > height adjust knob, template for drilling) and know you are supposed to
> > drill the base in the 7529 to accept the new threaded rod at a point
where
> > there are re-inforcments in the Al casting of the base -- looks to be
> > tricky. Also, It appears that the new rod is supposed to replace the
> height
> > range set knob that is originally on the 7529, but it sure does not look
> > like that is going to be a very good way to raise/lower this heavy
router
> > and expect it to stay perpendicular to the table top. Would love t see
an
> > 8529 to see how ell this really works.
> >
> >
> > Anyway, anybody have any suggestions on which way to go.
> >
> > Amazon sells the Milwaukee 5616 for $170, the PC 8529 for $200, the PC
892
> > (basic unit, no dust collection) for $190, and the PC 891 (dust
collection
> > plus one-hand use features) for $210 and you get $25 off if you spend
> $199.
> > Sure wish the Milwaukee had dust collection and one-wrench bit changing.
> >
> > Sigh.
> >
> > - GRL
> >
> > "It's good to want things."
> >
> > Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
> > Visual Basic programmer)
> >
> >
>
>
>OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
>
>Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table and
>just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2 hp
>is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about, overall)
>for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
>
>Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the title-mentioned
>models offer...a lot. Was a little pissed that while Milwaukee gives you the
>height-setting tool you should have with every router, P-C was only giving
>it to you in one of their combo units (with a plunge base), but I learned
>yesterday that they have a promotion going where you get the "$38" tool by
>mail with all 890 series router purchases through March when you send in
>your receipt and a coupon. Nice going guys, thing should be in EVERY box
>with each router.
>
>Looked over the PC 892 (version of 891 w/o the dust collection option) and
>and Milwaukee 5615 (smaller brother of 5616) at Lowes and Tool Haus
>woodworkers store this weekend. Nobody around here sells the 8529, but it is
>mostly the 7529 with router table top-access added and some minor changes.
>Have read the several on-line usenet discussions about the 890 series and
>the handful of short discussions about the 5616 and 8529 looking for info,
>especially comparison. Have seen no magazine reviews of the 890 series and
>5616.
>
>Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
>
>PC 890 series
>Pluses
>Top-side router table height adjustment with (hurray) tool now supplied by
>mail
>Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should have
>this feature).
>Servo-feedback variable speed.
>Slow start feature.
>
>Minuses
>Clear plastic sub-base supplied looks likely to crack easy and has
>extrusions likely to trap sawdust.
>Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
>switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would not
>be a big deal.
>Chintsy 1 year warranty.
>Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height adjustment
>means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in router
>table.
>Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the end. I
>wonder if it will eventually crack off.
>
>
>Milwaukee 5616
>Pluses
>Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
>Lifetime warranty!
>Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
>Height adjust tool with each router.
>Servo-feedback variable speed.
>Slow start feature.
>
>Minuses
>Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
>You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old $60
>Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
>Do dust collection capability for free-hand use. How'd they blow that one in
>anew design?
>
>
>
>As far as the PC 8529 goes, I know there is a $40 kit to retrofit my 7529 as
>far as the router table top side height adjustment feature goes. I know what
>the kit looks like (PN 907320, a threaded rod, two offset-wrenches, and the
>height adjust knob, template for drilling) and know you are supposed to
>drill the base in the 7529 to accept the new threaded rod at a point where
>there are re-inforcments in the Al casting of the base -- looks to be
>tricky. Also, It appears that the new rod is supposed to replace the height
>range set knob that is originally on the 7529, but it sure does not look
>like that is going to be a very good way to raise/lower this heavy router
>and expect it to stay perpendicular to the table top. Would love t see an
>8529 to see how ell this really works.
>
>
>Anyway, anybody have any suggestions on which way to go.
>
>Amazon sells the Milwaukee 5616 for $170, the PC 8529 for $200, the PC 892
>(basic unit, no dust collection) for $190, and the PC 891 (dust collection
>plus one-hand use features) for $210 and you get $25 off if you spend $199.
>Sure wish the Milwaukee had dust collection and one-wrench bit changing.
>
>Sigh.
>
>- GRL
While having nothing to do with your question, it is easy to modify your 7529
for above the table adjustment just like the 8529. Do a google search on dave
hall 7529 to get a more detailed description of this, but it is basically just
drilling a hole in the end of one of the plunge shafts and JB Welding in a
piece of 3/16ths allen wrench. Then drill the appropriate holes in the base and
your table insert and it works just like the 8529. Use this for a while to see
if you want/need a larger table unit or if you want a different unit for the
table or handheld use. It's a no lose as it is very easy to do and in no way
impacts the functionality of the router.
Dave Hall
Well, if you get a precision router lift, adjusting get's a lot easier for
the 7518 ;-)
Mike
"Brian" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I agree that both the routers you've listed are underpowered for a table.
> However, the 7518 is NOT the only table router in town. In fact having
used
> the 7518, and the Milwaukee 5625-20, I far prefer the Milwaukee: 3.5 HP
and
> much easier to a adjust than the PC 7518.
>
> Brian.
>
> "Mike in Mystic" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >
> > -SNIP-
> >
> > Get a PC 7518 3 HP fixed based router and be done with it. Table
routing
> =
> > PC 7518. End of story.
> >
> > Mike
> >
> >
>
>
After getting the PC895 kit, I'll never use anything else! It handles with
ease a CMT panel raiser with back cutter that is over 3" wide. It's a great
machine! For both table mounted and freehand I've been very happy with it.
More so than my past Hitachi, PC and Bosch.
GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
>
> Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table and
> just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2
hp
> is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about,
overall)
> for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
>
> Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the
title-mentioned
> models offer...a lot. Was a little pissed that while Milwaukee gives you
the
> height-setting tool you should have with every router, P-C was only giving
> it to you in one of their combo units (with a plunge base), but I learned
> yesterday that they have a promotion going where you get the "$38" tool by
> mail with all 890 series router purchases through March when you send in
> your receipt and a coupon. Nice going guys, thing should be in EVERY box
> with each router.
>
> Looked over the PC 892 (version of 891 w/o the dust collection option) and
> and Milwaukee 5615 (smaller brother of 5616) at Lowes and Tool Haus
> woodworkers store this weekend. Nobody around here sells the 8529, but it
is
> mostly the 7529 with router table top-access added and some minor changes.
> Have read the several on-line usenet discussions about the 890 series and
> the handful of short discussions about the 5616 and 8529 looking for info,
> especially comparison. Have seen no magazine reviews of the 890 series and
> 5616.
>
> Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
>
> PC 890 series
> Pluses
> Top-side router table height adjustment with (hurray) tool now supplied by
> mail
> Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should
have
> this feature).
> Servo-feedback variable speed.
> Slow start feature.
>
> Minuses
> Clear plastic sub-base supplied looks likely to crack easy and has
> extrusions likely to trap sawdust.
> Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
> switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would not
> be a big deal.
> Chintsy 1 year warranty.
> Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height adjustment
> means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in
router
> table.
> Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the end.
I
> wonder if it will eventually crack off.
>
>
> Milwaukee 5616
> Pluses
> Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
> Lifetime warranty!
> Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
> Height adjust tool with each router.
> Servo-feedback variable speed.
> Slow start feature.
>
> Minuses
> Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
> You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old
$60
> Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
> Do dust collection capability for free-hand use. How'd they blow that one
in
> anew design?
>
>
>
> As far as the PC 8529 goes, I know there is a $40 kit to retrofit my 7529
as
> far as the router table top side height adjustment feature goes. I know
what
> the kit looks like (PN 907320, a threaded rod, two offset-wrenches, and
the
> height adjust knob, template for drilling) and know you are supposed to
> drill the base in the 7529 to accept the new threaded rod at a point where
> there are re-inforcments in the Al casting of the base -- looks to be
> tricky. Also, It appears that the new rod is supposed to replace the
height
> range set knob that is originally on the 7529, but it sure does not look
> like that is going to be a very good way to raise/lower this heavy router
> and expect it to stay perpendicular to the table top. Would love t see an
> 8529 to see how ell this really works.
>
>
> Anyway, anybody have any suggestions on which way to go.
>
> Amazon sells the Milwaukee 5616 for $170, the PC 8529 for $200, the PC 892
> (basic unit, no dust collection) for $190, and the PC 891 (dust collection
> plus one-hand use features) for $210 and you get $25 off if you spend
$199.
> Sure wish the Milwaukee had dust collection and one-wrench bit changing.
>
> Sigh.
>
> - GRL
>
> "It's good to want things."
>
> Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
> Visual Basic programmer)
>
>
"GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
-SNIP-
Get a PC 7518 3 HP fixed based router and be done with it. Table routing =
PC 7518. End of story.
Mike
I have my 890 table mounted so the adjustment holes are at about 7 and 8
o'clock. This puts them free of the fence, puts the locking lever to the
left side, the speed adjustment to the right and the switch in the back
which did not turn out to be the hassle I thought it would be since the
switch is easily turned of with a smack of the hand against the top of the
router motor. However, my table is bench top mounted and open, and this may
be a hassle on a closed cabinet. If you use an external power switch, the
mechanism that locks the switch on the motor in the off position when the
motor is fully raised for changing bits above the table will come into play
since the motor switch always has to be on for the external switch to work.
You could probably circumvent this. The arbor locking mechanism seems to be
a little finicky on mine, but I have learned it's eccentricities and can
make it behave now.
I am happy with the router now that we have "gotten acquainted". It's plenty
powerful and it is QUIET compared to others I have seen. The one thing I am
wondering about now is the EVS. I normally can tell if I am overloading a
tool by sound, but there never seems to be any distinct change in sound for
this router, no matter if I am taking a light cut or really hogging a cut.
Could you burn out the motor without even realizing it?
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> snip
> Keep in mind that some of these routers have the adjustment hole located
in
> line with where your fence might be. Having to move the fence to adjust
the
> height fromt the top would not be desirable. This is something to watch
for
> and be aware of.
>
> Snip
"GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
>
> Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table and
> just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2
hp
> is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about,
overall)
> for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
If you are not spinning big bits either router shoud work fine. You may
want to also consider the Bosch 1617evs.
> Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the
title-mentioned
> models offer...a lot.
Keep in mind that some of these routers have the adjustment hole located in
line with where your fence might be. Having to move the fence to adjust the
height fromt the top would not be desirable. This is something to watch for
and be aware of.
Snip
> Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
> Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should
have
> this feature).
I once thought a 1 wrench set up was the way to go also. Not any more. I
would much rather be able to use the wrenches against each other with 1 hand
to loosen a collet than to have to grab the router, push a button or lever,
and work a wrench with the other hand. 2 wrenches can loosen the collet
twice as fast as a single wrench. The trick to making the 2 wrench set up
work easily is to always work the wrenches towards each other whether you
are loosening or tightening. Put both wrenches in 1 hand and squeese them
together. Just reverse each wrenches starting position to reverse the
desired effect. The result is a router that does not have to be held while
the collet is being loosened or tightened.
> Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
> switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would not
> be a big deal.
Another good reason to rely on a simple 2 wrench set up. If the deciding
factor is 2 or 1 wrench, the 2 wrench will always with me.
> Chintsy 1 year warranty.
> Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height adjustment
> means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in
router
> table.
Did I mention the 2 wrench set up? ;~) This is 2 gripes you already have
about the 1 wrench set up. Something to think about again... I have been
down the same road.. LOL.
> Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the end.
I
> wonder if it will eventually crack off.
>
Is this the same as your first complaint with the 1 wrench set up or is this
the 3rd?
> Milwaukee 5616
> Pluses
> Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
> Lifetime warranty!
Remember that the waranty will probably not cover wear out.
> Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
> Height adjust tool with each router.
> Servo-feedback variable speed.
> Slow start feature.
>
> Minuses
> Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
>You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old $60
> Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
Dont compare anything to a Skil router...
Learn to use the 2 wrench set up correctly and then judge the 2 setups. I
wonder if Milwaukee can warrant their router longer because of the simpeler
more reliable collet loosening design. Probably not... ;~)
My kit came with the above table adjusting rod for use with the fixed base
when table mounted.
"GRL" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> OK, finally going to upgrade to a "nice" router table/router.
>
> Choice of router has me vexed. Application will be 90% in router table and
> just occasional free hand use. No real need to spin bit bits, so about 2
hp
> is ample. Also, already have a PC 7529 (which I am lukewarm about,
overall)
> for plunge duty, so no real desire for another plunge router.
>
> Do like the idea of top-side height-adjustment that all the
title-mentioned
> models offer...a lot. Was a little pissed that while Milwaukee gives you
the
> height-setting tool you should have with every router, P-C was only giving
> it to you in one of their combo units (with a plunge base), but I learned
> yesterday that they have a promotion going where you get the "$38" tool by
> mail with all 890 series router purchases through March when you send in
> your receipt and a coupon. Nice going guys, thing should be in EVERY box
> with each router.
>
> Looked over the PC 892 (version of 891 w/o the dust collection option) and
> and Milwaukee 5615 (smaller brother of 5616) at Lowes and Tool Haus
> woodworkers store this weekend. Nobody around here sells the 8529, but it
is
> mostly the 7529 with router table top-access added and some minor changes.
> Have read the several on-line usenet discussions about the 890 series and
> the handful of short discussions about the 5616 and 8529 looking for info,
> especially comparison. Have seen no magazine reviews of the 890 series and
> 5616.
>
> Looking over the 892 and 5616 I made a note of pluses and minuses:
>
> PC 890 series
> Pluses
> Top-side router table height adjustment with (hurray) tool now supplied by
> mail
> Lock-pin so you only need one wrench to change bits (all routers should
have
> this feature).
> Servo-feedback variable speed.
> Slow start feature.
>
> Minuses
> Clear plastic sub-base supplied looks likely to crack easy and has
> extrusions likely to trap sawdust.
> Think plastic gadget used to prevent engaging spindle lock while motor
> switch is in on position is REALLY flimsy, although it's failure would not
> be a big deal.
> Chintsy 1 year warranty.
> Location of lock-pin for bit changes, locking clamp, and height adjustment
> means you will be doing some reaching around when thing is mounted in
router
> table.
> Motor lock clamp is aluminum or magnesium and on the thin side at the end.
I
> wonder if it will eventually crack off.
>
>
> Milwaukee 5616
> Pluses
> Wrap-around handle is pretty nice.
> Lifetime warranty!
> Nice big steel motor lock clamp.
> Height adjust tool with each router.
> Servo-feedback variable speed.
> Slow start feature.
>
> Minuses
> Wrap around handle will probably eventually crack.
> You need two wrenches to change a bit. Utterly primitive design. My old
$60
> Skil router does it better! Sheesh!
> Do dust collection capability for free-hand use. How'd they blow that one
in
> anew design?
>
>
>
> As far as the PC 8529 goes, I know there is a $40 kit to retrofit my 7529
as
> far as the router table top side height adjustment feature goes. I know
what
> the kit looks like (PN 907320, a threaded rod, two offset-wrenches, and
the
> height adjust knob, template for drilling) and know you are supposed to
> drill the base in the 7529 to accept the new threaded rod at a point where
> there are re-inforcments in the Al casting of the base -- looks to be
> tricky. Also, It appears that the new rod is supposed to replace the
height
> range set knob that is originally on the 7529, but it sure does not look
> like that is going to be a very good way to raise/lower this heavy router
> and expect it to stay perpendicular to the table top. Would love t see an
> 8529 to see how ell this really works.
>
>
> Anyway, anybody have any suggestions on which way to go.
>
> Amazon sells the Milwaukee 5616 for $170, the PC 8529 for $200, the PC 892
> (basic unit, no dust collection) for $190, and the PC 891 (dust collection
> plus one-hand use features) for $210 and you get $25 off if you spend
$199.
> Sure wish the Milwaukee had dust collection and one-wrench bit changing.
>
> Sigh.
>
> - GRL
>
> "It's good to want things."
>
> Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
> Visual Basic programmer)
>
>