BelairPlayer
Tele-Afflicted
For decades, the Porter-Cable 690 was “the” router. I don’t even think I’m aware of a close second. I’m wondering which router, if any, is the heir apparent following the sad demise of the Porter-Cable brand.
What is “the” router these days
- Thread starter BelairPlayer
- Start date
telepraise
Friend of Leo's
It's pretty hard to beat Bosch for build quality and longevity. For what we do, I'd go with a medium duty dual base kit. Plunge base for cavity work, fixed base for everything else.
For quite a while I used a Dewalt router - I liked it quite a bit and I've used a Bosch 1617EVSPK for about the last 10 years - never had a problem. Since I use so many jigs, I plan on just sticking with the router I designed them for and I'll stick with the Bosch. I like the 690 because it's a bit lighter and smaller though.
old wrench
Friend of Leo's
For me - Porter-Cable was always synonymous with quality, although their last few years of designs and production might be a little questionable.
I didn't know that P-C folded - they were an American tool institution
But, I do have enough P-C routers (3) to see me out the final door
For other current production routers - I have a Bosch Colt (original 1hp version) that I like pretty well - it's very smooth-running, although it is a little difficult to dial-in really fine height adjustments.
A router is a pretty simple power tool - as long as it has a decent motor, a good collet system and a reliable way of making height adjustments, it has good potential
Plunge routers are a bit different - I've seen that there is quite a bit of difference between how smoothly that plunge mechanisms work on different models
.
I didn't know that P-C folded - they were an American tool institution
But, I do have enough P-C routers (3) to see me out the final door
For other current production routers - I have a Bosch Colt (original 1hp version) that I like pretty well - it's very smooth-running, although it is a little difficult to dial-in really fine height adjustments.
A router is a pretty simple power tool - as long as it has a decent motor, a good collet system and a reliable way of making height adjustments, it has good potential
Plunge routers are a bit different - I've seen that there is quite a bit of difference between how smoothly that plunge mechanisms work on different models
.
Jim_in_PA
Friend of Leo's
Pick your color preference. DeWalt (yellow) Bosch (blue) Makita (Teal), etc. They and other have decent offerings with the most versatile for general woodworking being the midsize (12 amp) kits with multiple bases. For guitar work, many people do like the smaller trim routers for the lighter tasks.
My primary hand-held routers are Festool and my table has a big, old PC 7518, but I have a DW618 Kit from DeWalt that covers all those things were a low center of gravity fixed base router is optimal. The DeWalt has been an excellent tool for me.
My primary hand-held routers are Festool and my table has a big, old PC 7518, but I have a DW618 Kit from DeWalt that covers all those things were a low center of gravity fixed base router is optimal. The DeWalt has been an excellent tool for me.
howardlo
Tele-Afflicted
I like my DeWalt. Has served me well.
Hags
Tele-Meister
If you need precision and reliability
this cheap no name trimmer with a larger base has paid for itself many times over....still gong strong after a decade of guitar building..
double bearings on a pattern bit does most of the cutting...
double bearings on a pattern bit does most of the cutting...
Freeman Keller
Doctor of Teleocity
Many lutherie gizmos are drilled to fit the Bosch Colt laminate trimmer base. I also just read an interesting article in American Lutherie magazine where they author advocated buying a 25 dollar Harbor Freight laminate trimmer for each task that you do and setting it up to perform just that task.
crazydave911
Doctor of Teleocity
For a laminate trimmer (small router) I've had good service from my Ridgid trimmer. Variable speed and the base fits my attachments I made for my old Ryobi. Only issue is you need to 3 in 1 oil the collet quite often as it tends to seize
RickyRicardo
Friend of Leo's
I bought 2 refurbished Bosch 1617's that looked like they were never used at all. One is for the table and the other as my plunge. I've had them for 9 years and they've been flawless.
Timbresmith1
Friend of Leo's
Bosch has the clunkiest plunge mech, imo. The dewalt 1 1/2 hp is excellent, and the Makita plunge, also.
Chuckster
Tele-Afflicted
I have Porter Cable in my table, and a Bosch Colt for trim and pickguard work.
I need a good plunge setup, and I'll probably grab an M18 Milwaukee for things around the house.
I need a good plunge setup, and I'll probably grab an M18 Milwaukee for things around the house.
hopdybob
Friend of Leo's
for me the one that my hands feel comfortable with.
you want control while working with it
you want control while working with it
bullfrogblues
Poster Extraordinaire
I have this Triton 3 1/4hp in the router table.
A PC 690 with a D-handle base that I've had for 30 years.
And a Bosch Colt for some light cavity work.
A PC 690 with a D-handle base that I've had for 30 years.
And a Bosch Colt for some light cavity work.
DrASATele
Poster Extraordinaire
I bought the small PC plunger about 11 years ago nd it's still going strong. My first full sized router was an Ace Hardware True Master plunge router I bought at a thrift shop for $10. I still use it too.
radtz
Friend of Leo's
this must have been the 10th time I've seen this thread title and thought "network router". I am responding to remind myself we're talking woodworking tools.....Damn I'm dense sometimes...
Yep, I’ve been using my Rigid laminate trimmer for a lot more of the steps in making guitars - it’s the perfect tool for using with smaller jigs. Most of the early jigs I made were huge and kind of clunky just because my normal router was twice the size and 3 times the weight. That’s what makes the 690 a great jig router, it’s smaller/lighter when power is not needed for guitar making most of the time. The laminate trimmer is a great tool I use more with each project.
scubadoo
Tele-Afflicted
I used to use the Bosch twin base one but it failed after a year or two, got repaired and failed again as did the Bosch Jigsaw.
So now I have the Triton TRA001 in the router table. I don't love the build but it has the built in router lift for above table adjustment and plenty of power. And to be honest, taking the router motor out of the table all the time was a pain. I if was doing it again i'd look at a more precise lift and a motor for the table but the Triton works just fine.
For handheld I use the Festool OF1400 and a Makita trim router. When i started I could only afford one router but it's worth thinking about 2 in the long run. You even go one in the table and a trim router for body roundovers and cavities. Especially if you make a base with handles.
So now I have the Triton TRA001 in the router table. I don't love the build but it has the built in router lift for above table adjustment and plenty of power. And to be honest, taking the router motor out of the table all the time was a pain. I if was doing it again i'd look at a more precise lift and a motor for the table but the Triton works just fine.
For handheld I use the Festool OF1400 and a Makita trim router. When i started I could only afford one router but it's worth thinking about 2 in the long run. You even go one in the table and a trim router for body roundovers and cavities. Especially if you make a base with handles.
