Reddit mentions of Triton MOF001C 2-1/4-Horsepower Precision Router Kit

1. Around the $200-250 mark is the sweet spot of good routers in my opinion. I haven't personally used it but this bosch gets very good reviews and costs $200. I personally have this Triton router. It really depends what features you need. The Bosch is a good general use router which will be able to tackle most tasks. The Triton is good if you intend to use in a router table because it has a built in lift system. Another nice thing about the triton is its basically a fixed based and plunge router in one so you dont have to change the bases. That's not really a big deal as changing bases isn't hard but it is nice.
   
   
2. Pretty much all routers will come with a fence for straight cuts. Others than that jigs depend on what tasks you want to use the router for, I don't think there's any must haves. Most router jigs can be built out of offcuts and scraps so you can just make them as you need them.
   
   
3. Yes, you can replace the functionality of a router with hand tools. It might not be practical though and will definitely cost you more money. A router basically replaces any joinery plane or moulding plane. You'd need a plough plane, rebate plane, router plane, and a half dozen moulding planes to replace the basic functions of a router, and more for specialty work. Before routers a wood worker would have around 50 to 60 different planes to do the jobs a router can do.
   
   
4. Companies like Ryobi don't necessarily make crap tools but they're geared towards people doing DIY type work. They aren't made to the same level of quality as better brands. In my opinion for something like a router its worth getting something a bit better.
   
   
5. Routers have a lot of functions, too many to list. You've covered the basic ones such as mouldings and joinery. Some others include inlay and template routing. They're a very versatile tool. I wouldn't worry too much about learning everything all at once. Once you start using it you'll learn how it works and what you can do with it.

I love routers. By far my most used power tool. With that said, I'd recommend the following:

Fixed and plunge bases are good, but if you only get one, get a plunge base. My fixed base is attached to my router table. I never take it out of there and never use it otherwise. A plunge base can do any freehand routing operation (better than a fixed base as well).

However don't overlook the usefulness of a router table. They are fairly easy to build, and about 50% of my routing is done in a table.

I'd stay in the 2hp to 2.5hp range. A 2.5hp router is capable of mostly anything you would ask a router to do. With the very large raised panel bits you really want 3 to 3.5hp, but unless you are making a ton of raised panel doors, that shouldn't be your deciding factor.

If you can swing 250.00, get this Triton. It's all the router you'll ever need. It's "dual mode" so it works hand held, or in a router table without buying a very expensive router lift.

I'd also strongly recommend this Bosch kit. Both fixed and plunge bases. Don't let the price fool you, this is probably a lifetime tool.

Going any cheaper than that, you'd have to ask someone else. I really don't have any experience with the more inexpensive routers. For what the tool is capable of, the 180.00 asking price for the Bosch 1617 is a steal