(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best routers

Unless you are working on hard maple or similar woods, you can likely get away with a little less power. Something in the 1.5 hp, or 1000 Watt power range will do most jobs, and is lighter and easier to handle as a beginner. It will do lot of bigger jobs, but it will do them a little more slowly.

Things to look for:

1. Plunge. If your options is one or the other, and not both, get the plunge router as it will do more
   
   
2. Variable rpm. I like a dial that has actual rpm values on it, but a 1-10 scale is ok too.
   
   
3. Power compensation. This feature has many names, but it maintains tool rpm even if the depth of cut varies. Helps prevent cutter burn and promotes and even finish. Also makes the tool easier to use, especially when starting cuts.
   
   
4. Depth lock. All plunge routers have this, but some locks are garbage.
   
   
5. Depth stops. These are height setting that allow you to set up multiple cutting depths.
   
   
6. Dual collet sizes. Cutters come in 1/4 and 1/2 inch shank. Handy to have a router that takes both.
   
   
7. A sturdy base and stable feel. The base should be wide, and when lowered into cut the router should be well balanced when you hold by the grips. It should not be top-heavy.
   
   Lots of good brands out there. Ridgid, dewalt, milwaulkee, makita, bosch, porter cable, ryobi, and hitachi all make good tools at various price levels.
   
   I love my Triton. I like the balance, the feel, the electonics, and the very cool plunge mechanisms. It also runs very true. <0.0005" runout with 1/2" drill rod in the collet Triton MOF001

I have recently purchased my first home with my fiancée, and like all of you, have an enormous list of projects we'd like to do. I am fairly handy and am prepared to tackle any project (with supervision on electrical). All that being said, I have always used other people's tools when working on projects, so I don't have many of my own. I have a budget and would like to purchase all of my tools on Black Friday/Cyber Monday to get the best bang for my buck. I'd like your advice on which tools are the best for my budget.

We are planning on renovating the master bed, bath, and closet, kitchen, mudroom, and the laundry room. I also plan on making a kitchen table, coffee table, cabinets, dresser, etc. The first project is the laundry room and mudroom, which will require tile, built-ins, cabinets, and replacing washer/dryer. I have a tool budget of $5k-7.5k (ideally staying on the lower end) and would like your thoughts on my equipment list.

If you've used any of this below, what did you think? Are there any cheaper or better alternatives I should consider?

• Table Saw w/ fence JET ProShop II 725004K $1,500 http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/the-jps-10-1-75-hp-115v-30-proshop-tablesaw-with-steel-wings/725004K
  
• Mitre Saw Dewalt 15 Amp 12" $500 https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-15-Amp-12-in-Double-Bevel-Sliding-Compound-Miter-Saw-DWS780/202922350
  
• Drill Press Dad's old press $0
  
• Router Bosch MRF23EVS $220 https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-MRF23EVS-Electronic-Fixed-Base-Trigger/dp/B002LASDGK
  
• Plung Router Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP (Is this a good Plunge router?) $280https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Combination-Fixed-Base-Variable-MRC23EVSK/dp/B002LASDGA
  
• Router Table Bosch RA1181 $200 https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Benchtop-Router-Table-RA1181/dp/B000H12DQ6
  
• Modular Table base Should I build this? $200
  
• 8 large clamps Jet Parallel Clamps (Does Jet make quality clamps?) $600https://www.amazon.com/Jet-70411-Parallel-Clamp-Cabinet/dp/B000F79022
  
• Planer Dewalt DW735 $500 https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW735-13-Inch-Thickness-Planer/dp/B0000CCXU8
  
• Joiner Delta Power Tools 37-071 6 Inch MIDI-Bench Jointer $450 https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Power-37-071-MIDI-Bench-Jointer/dp/B00IYJCFIY
  
• Vacuum Jet 1HP $400 https://www.woodcraft.com/products/jet-650-cfm-dust-collector-with-bag-filters-1-hp-model-dc-650?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIupH4jIn83QIVReDICh2P9QS4EAQYASABEgIgYPD_BwE
  
• Band saw Model Jet JWB-10 $450 https://www.woodcraft.com/products/jet-10-open-stand-bandsaw-model-jwb-10
  
• Finish Nailer Dewalt DCN650D1 (Already have 20V Dewalt Drill) $300https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-16-Gauge-Cordless-Angled-Finish-Nailer-Kit-DCN660D1/206528533
  
• Framing Nailer Dewalt DCN692B (Already have 20V Dewalt Drill) $400https://www.nailgundepot.com/dewalt-dcn692b-lithium-ion-battery-cordless-framing-nailer-details.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo6Ddtor83QIVw4CfCh1EIg2zEAQYASABEgK-pvD_BwE
  
• Paint Sprayer Graco Magnum 257025 $240 https://www.amazon.com/Graco-257025-Project-Painter-Sprayer/dp/B004Z2090U
  
  Last question: does anyone know where I can find plastic sawhorses that allow me to put a 2x4 across the top, but also allow the legs rotate for easy storage? My dad had these growing up and I cant find them anywhere. I have found all plastic ones, but I'd like to have the wood so I can saw through it and replace it as needed.
  
  Thank you for your help! I look forward to keeping you updated with our projects.

I've got this and use it with these.

It's okay but has play in it if you don't adjust it when you get it (the first user post on the Amazon tells you how) and it is a little more plastic than I would like, but if you can adjust to it, it's definitely useable. I've used mine mostly on red oak which is really easy to chip and burn when going across the end grain. I can use my thumb to turn the speed dial down as I go without having to remove my hand, then turn it up to go across edge grain, all without stopping or removing the router from the work.

Hey OP depending on how much cash you got/What you want to make I can recommend you get this router here.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484624879&sr=1-1&keywords=bosch+router

It has sufficient power to handle most bits and has a super convenient height adjustment that can be used over the table with a hex key. It also comes with two bases (plunge and fixed) so you can just yank it out whenever you need it and not have to unscrew it.

Now if you want something that will handle anything you throw at it you can get one of those 3 1/4 HP monsters which will handle every massive 3 1/2 inch raised panel bits with ease.

Some good routers are:

https://www.amazon.com/Triton-TRA001-Precision-Plunge-Router/dp/B00779ND0Q/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625229&sr=1-4&keywords=triton+router

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7518-Speedmatic-5-Speed-Router/dp/B0000222V3/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625371&sr=1-1&keywords=porter+cable+3+hp

OR if you got the cash you can buy Festools best router:

https://www.amazon.com/Festool-574354-EB-Router-2200-Watts/dp/B0079XHISS/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625654&sr=1-2&keywords=festool+router

As far as insert plates are concerned Kreg makes the for several routers our you can get them from the manufactures of the router themselves.

For just a bit more, consider the Makita 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit. The standard PC style template guides fit the fixed base, and an adapter is required for them to fit the plunge base. I've never found it lacking power in the near two years I've had it. It was recommended by a cabinet maker friend who has 3 of them, and currently prefers them over the larger routers.

The Bosch 1617 is also a very good router but you need to acquire the Bosch template guide lock ring if you use the Bosch template guides (it's a fairly good deal for the set), or get an adapter for the base to use the PC style guides. The offering is lacking the edge guide, but running it along a straight edge is a good work around. I've had this router 8+ years and but it won't start. I'll be replacing it in kind.

It should work for that, but honestly, since it only has a 1/4" collet, you might be better off getting something like this. EDIT: although the trim router I linked would not be appropriate in a table. But, I don't think that Makita would do too well in a table either.

bump. same question. i did find this router kit . looks pretty good. plus if you use a router table it has the router adjust on the bottom as well as top. so you dont have to reach under the table.

Well I got my plunge router on Craigslist for 50 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005S7TD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AnVqxbCEC3DG8

That was too good to pass up. For one of those little trim routers that retail for ~100, id call something in the $30 range a deal. I don't buy used power tools for less than 50% of retail. If your patient you can almost always fond one on food condition at that markdown. And its not worth the risk and lack of warranty for me unless I save that much.

The Bosch 1617 with the fixed base is great: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617-Fixed-Base-Router/dp/B0000223GG

It is compatible with Router Plate A, and the fixed base actually has the router lift built into it, so you can just mount that, rather than buying a separate lift.

I got the Bosch here: http://www.cpotools.com/factory-reconditioned-bosch-1617evs-46-2-25-hp-fixed-base-electronic-router/bshr1617evs-46,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=724&zmap=bshr1617evs-46&gclid=Cj0KEQjwhtO7BRCtwuO9gfTH-fQBEiQAdJ8FY-Xd4SWgiF1-h6G6svCHGOnr40zIQOuc4E25rf8ZB-EaAo428P8HAQ

$129 for a factory refurb.

I also hear good things about the Triton TRA001.

Here's a video of it actually cutting (Same music, mute for sanity).

There are very few "DIY thing for very few dollars!" videos that are actually honest, like from the ground up with no existing or salvaged materials (one counter-example I saw is an FPV drone setup for $300, thanks China!).

He said he salvaged the motors from an industrial printer, which cuts down on the cost dramatically. In the comments he says "Only thing i ordered online is the arduino and the stepper motor drive". So he probably sourced all the metal and bearings locally for cheap.

Looks like the Makita trim router he's using is coming up as ~$117 for me. I doubt that's included in the cost.

Is it really worth it to get a 3 1/4hp model for twice the cost of a 2-1/4 hp fixed model?

Would a 2-1/4 with plunge and fixed base model be good enough for entry level routing?

Hot Wire Foam Factory has some decent ones. Just make sure you get the "pro" power supply.

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wire-Foam-Factory-Sculpting/dp/B0043G5M8C/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1492472606&sr=8-11&keywords=hot+wire+foam+factory

Terrain Tutor reviews it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGKlPPvYVpg

They also have a scroll table that ought to be really good for hex making:

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wire-Foam-Factory-Crafters/dp/B0042TRRG0/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1492472606&sr=8-13&keywords=hot+wire+foam+factory

For a dedicated router table I'd consider springing for a full size router motor like the PC 75182 or the jessem

Actually, some of the so-called "trim routers" can handle the cove bit and much bigger bits as well. I use this Porter Cable laminate/trim router for all kinds of stuff that most people would use a bigger model for, and the machine does it just fine. The big danger is that some tasks are safer and easier with the handles of a bigger router, but with a little practice and patience, a quality trim router will handle a lot more cutting than they get credit for....just hold it carefully!

You can get a ]two-handled plunge base](https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PR011-Router-PR20EVS-Routers/dp/B009ZQUB5O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1464842679&sr=8-5&keywords=bosch+colt+router) for the Colt routers. There are also two-handled fixed bases available too, like this one (although I've seen others that aren't nearly as ugly.) A two-handed fixed base like that would actually be a simple DIY project if someone was so inclined.

Bosch actually sells the Colt in a kit with the plunge base, but at that price (almost $200) I feel like a buyer should just step up to a full size router instead.

There are not a lot of safety features on routers. I generally hate cheap tools, and would advise looking at the used market, but this looks like a viable option It takes 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits which is nice.

I'm about to buy a router myself and I'm leaning towards this one Makita RF1101 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router. I have plenty of Makita tools and I love them over any of my Dewalt tools.

New to routers/woodworking and looking to buy a one and done router. I’m looking into buying this plunge router: https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-120-Volt-Electronic-Plunge-MRP23EVS/dp/B002LASDGU

Total noob question, but can I use this router to make trim molding for dressers and furniture? That’s what I mostly plan to use it for. Thanks in advance!

I would skip all the ones he has shown you (unless you can afford Felstool)
And get this Makita RP2301FC 3-1/4 HP Plunge Router (Variable Speed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MUAMF4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WBBFybXAQFQKM

After hours of scouring online forms this is the best for the money.

You know instead of just down voting me does anyone have any reason that the ones he showed are better? I have read many reviews on the Bosch, the Milwaukee, the Mikita, and the porter cable. All of my reader has brought me back to the Mikita.

Also The down vote button isint the "I disagree with your opinion" button it's to remove bad content it's usually better here.

the bosch 16171 is only 150 without any sort of base and the under-table mount can be added for $70. or, you can build your own mount for it for a few dollars. that's an excellent router for a table IMO.

I don't know what luthier's recommend, perhaps ask /r/luthier, but I would think that one of the the Makita RTO700 combo kits with several included bases ought to service well. E.g. This kit

Please don't buy that router, instead buy a DW 618PK or a DW 621.

Also consider a bit from Eagle

This thing is worth every penny, it's extremely versatile and I use mine for about everything.