is this router any good?

[MReynolds]

a pawn shop has a router just like this ome for $49 bucks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Handy-Tought...item2c6358be1f

is that a good buy? never heard of it. or should i wait for a Porte Cable?

Thanks guys for helping a begginer.

[Dunkerhook]

From another beginner...ask yourself what you want outta the deal. If you're certain that the router is something you'll use a lot whether you make one guitar or one hundred, save for the better one. If not, this looks like as good a place to start.

I got a Ryobi router on eBay for $35 incl. shipping. Not a plunge, but I don't think I suffer because of it. My goal was to spend as little as possible until I proved to myself that this guitar building thing wasn't a flash-in-the-pan interest. I got a great value; I'm still using it almost a year later with lots of sawdust made. Cheap as it was, it's done a good job for me. Truth is, I am looking forward to upgrading to a PC or Bosch (or better) sometime -- I'd rather have a 1/2" collet and some more power. But I'm not so frustrated yet.

[guitarbuilder]

I personally wouldn't pay money for a router that is not at least a brand name I'd recognize. Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi, Porter Cable, Craftsman, Black and Decker, and even Skil would most likely have service centers where you could buy replacement parts. You get what you pay for with routers. If you want to take a chance on one, get a harbor freight one and get the replacement guarantee.
http://www.harborfreight.com/power-t...ter-68341.html

For another 50 dollars you can get a porter cable.:-)

[MReynolds]

Originally Posted by guitarbuilder

I personally wouldn't pay money for a router that is not at least a brand name I'd recognize. Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi, Porter Cable, Craftsman, Black and Decker, and even Skil would most likely have service centers where you could buy replacement parts. You get what you pay for with routers. If you want to take a chance on one, get a harbor freight one and get the replacement guarantee.
http://www.harborfreight.com/power-t...ter-68341.html

For another 50 dollars you can get a porter cable.:-)

thats all i needed to hear....thanks so much !! will stand by for brand name.

[torodurham]

I have a Milwaulkee that I love. It's a fixed base ...but, I use it like a plunge type when making holes for string ferrel's. Set it up in a jig, idea I got from Ron Kirn, same as the one he use's...but I don't use the plunge like he does...mine has a depth adjustment I lower as I'm routing...works great....just go slow.

[MReynolds]

thanks Chris

[Ronkirn]

NO… get a Porter Cable 690…. I have 12 of 'em…. there's a reason.,.

Ron Kirn

[czook]

No. I have a similar one that is plunge that I would give away. Very hard to adjust, the plunge is stiff and it is oversized for the power rating.

I have dewalt and ryobi laminate routers, and a couple craftsman. I want a PC 690.

[oldteleguy]

Ron Kirn is right-buy the Porter Cable 690-it's a bear. use 1/2"bits for hogging-out material
(neck pocket etc.) and for flush trimming guitar bodies on the router table -this size bit
has more mass,and will "chatter"far less than those that are 1/4". Best of luck!
Oldteleguy

[SacDAve]

I think it's a great buy if you want to help employ children in China. Now if your interested in buying a tool that will last add another $45 to that $125 plus maybe $20 for shipping and there you go http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-6.../dp/B00005QEVQ

[MReynolds]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

NO… get a Porter Cable 690…. I have 12 of 'em…. there's a reason.,.

Ron Kirn

THAT'S IT !! my guitar building idol has spoken, and I will heed the masters advice. A Porter Cable 690 it will be, the hunt continues ;)

[allen082]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

NO… get a Porter Cable 690…. I have 12 of 'em…. there's a reason.,.

Ron Kirn

Found my first one on craigslist for $15. Still runs like a champ.

[MReynolds]

Originally Posted by allen082

Found my first one on craigslist for $15. Still runs like a champ.

WOW Allen, that gives me hope....see another deal like that, shoot me a message.

[Barncaster]

I picked up a beautiful old 60's Craftsman router at an estate sale for $35. Pristine, huge ball bearings and made in the USA! Estate sales are a great source for general tools as well. My next will however be a PC 690.

Rob

[emoney]

I bought a great DeWalt at a pawn shop for $45.00 and it's been a great router.

[paratus]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

NO… get a Porter Cable 690…. I have 12 of 'em…. there's a reason.,.

Ron Kirn

I am jealous, I only have 2...they are lil beasts!

To the OP, save your money and get something good. You will be happier in the long run.

[Che_Guitarra]

I just bought an Ozito 850w plunge router. Yeah I know, it's apparently the worst brand going... but a decent feature set and a three year warranty will see my hobby building through.

Horses for courses though, if you're a professional and use the tool on a daily basis, maybe a more powerful and expensive router can be justified. But seeing i'm likely to pick up the router once a year tops, the best is overkill for my needs. I'm happy to chug along at 1/2 speed, as long as I get my 1x12 cabinets built.