Newbie woodworking guy requirements assist choosing a router?
I'm getting into woodworking..thought it would be cool to take a router...not sure about some things..
1. what is a devout brand?..what is pure junk?
2. how much house power do I want for the average guy doing weekend projects..does more HP equate being competent to do harder woods or does it mean that duty will go that much faster?
3.I see routers range from 69 to 199 dollars at the home depot...not sure if I want to invest tons of $$$ right very soon..could I get by near the 69 $ one or would I just be throwing my money away contained by the future?
4. finally my friend suggested that I look at puppet shops..might be a deal..most deal in tools etc..just curious if you'd purchase one from a wager shop..or do you think by that time someone really used and abused the router..not worth my time looking..
sorta approaching buying someone's used truck..one has no concept that they've been hauling or how they abused it etc..
thankfulness for your opinion
Leo
Answers: Unless I'm buying a tool that I know I will enjoy a very controlled use for, I subscribe to the "buy once, cry once" theory of tool buying. That way you spend the money once to buy a good tool to some extent than buying something cheap that you will hate every time you use it and will come to nothing prematurely.
I agree with Keith in connection with the good brands, and buying a model beside both fixed and plunge bases. My specific counsel would be for the Porter-Cable 690 Combo Kit. You can see it at http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=...
It has both a fixed and a plunge stub and the router is soft-start variable speed. Porter-Cable is nice because here are lots of available accessories. It comes beside both 1/4" and 1/2" collets. If down the road you need to do template routing, you can carry template guides to fit it with no problem.
The 690 is a 1 3/4 HP router, which is adjectives you need for handheld routing. If you ever set yourself up beside a serious router table, you'd probably want something in the 3+ HP continuum.
Good brands are Porter Cable, DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita. These are all expected for serious use. Brands such as Black & Decker, Skil, Ryobi, and (most) Craftsman are meant for the once a year user. Premium brands, such as Festool, will be 2-4 times as much as a pious professional model.
For the average guy the 10-14 amp models will see most things you will do. Ignore the HP ratings, as (especially Sears) are exaggerated. Get one with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets to allow the maximum flexibility for bits.
If you are simply going to get one router, I'd suggest the kit with a fixed basis and a plunge base. Again, this will contribute you a lot of flexibility. You may want to leave the fixed underneath mostly resident in a router table.
I can pretty much guarantee that if you use the tool freqently (monthly or more), your $69 router will obligation to be replaced in a few years.
I would not buy from a pledge shop. Routers there are expected to have be thrown in a bucket or spinal column of a pickup, dropped off a roof, full of dirt or drywall powder, and commonly been abused.
I own a Porter Cable 691. It is about 12 years behind the times and has be a very upright tool. I am a fairly serious woodworker and I use my router adjectives the time. The only repair have been to replace the brushes finishing year.
The 690 combo is a good buy. I one-sidedly like the D-handle remains. I feel close to it gives me more control.
I do closely of woodworking but don't use my power tools in a "everyday" situation. I enjoy the Skil router from HD. It's 2-1/4 HP, has a fixed and plunge remnant and works really well. The most important thing, beside any power tool is the cutting trimmings. You can buy a $400 router, but if you use $2 bits, the workpiece will show it. Put your money into good bits. I agree near getting a router with 1/4 and 1/2" collets. Since you are unsullied to woodworking, spending a bundle on a tool that may sit on the shelf 3/4 of the time is not good. I would suggest going near the lower priced unit to see if it is something you close to doing. It is also a chance to see what you really inevitability for your projects. Buying from a pawn shop is not a pious idea. You may be buying someone elses second-hand goods and will soon be looking for a parts and operating manual specifically out of date. Good luck within your new endeavor and work risk-free.
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