Router / Bit Recommendations

moonchilddave

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Getting ready to put together an order at Harbor Freight for a few things (heat gun, nut driver set, security torx bit set, helping hands).

One of the things that's on my list of tools to have around that I don't yet have is a router with some common bits used for working on cabinets. Does anyone have a recommendation on either? Doesn't have to be from Harbor Freight - although I imagine a bit set might be cheaper through them than somewhere like Lowes or Home Depot.

I noticed this little guy on their site, and it's fairly cheap - but will it handle most things I'd be wanting to do on a cabinet? I don't expect it's something that I'm gonna use often or a lot, but something nice to have around when needed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html
 

I have that very same one and use these to cut the line for t-molding in bondo'd areas...

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-pc-c3-carbide-three-wing-slot-cutter-set-93371.html

That kit comes with the arbor, the 1/16th slot cutter... as well as other sizes. The single bit and arbor seperately cost more if you buy them individually from Lowes or tmolding.com

You may want to pick up a speed regulator for the router though, since it spins at two speeds... Off and 26,000 RPM.

http://www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html

That bit is rated at 16,000 rpm. Other bits are rated similarly.

Your bit will last longer and you will lessen the chance of a chunk of slot cutter flying through your brain.
 
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Couldn't I just as easily buy some protective head gear?! LOL

Not if you want to look like a wiener.

I'd be afraid to trust a trim router that only costs $25. I remember seeing a Bosch one on Amazon for about $80. Not too high and not too low. Just my $0.02

For $25 you cant go wrong. Worst case scenario... it stops working. You can get the extended warranty for cheap. $80 is too high for me. Well... too high for my wife.
 
I bought that $25 trim router, as I didn't really need a $160 Bosch for one laminate counter job. It's really as bad as you could imagine. The plastic housing has the gear tooths built in. On mine, the gear that rides up and down the teeth (to raise/lower/lock base) is split and the knob that turns it just spins freely. It's going back..

HF has a lot of great buys for not so frequent use tools, clamps, etc..and that slot cutter set is a great buy. Don't buy a router there.. You don't have to buy an expensive router kit, but you'll regret buying a crappy one. If you're really going to use it, you'll want something that adjusts worth a damn and can lock the height adjustment well. Something solid, etc..

Whatever Lowe's cheapest kit will probably do you just fine. Same with HD. I know Lowes used to sell a Freud kit that was great for the money. Buy 1/2" shaft bits, when possible, but most routers should come with 1/2" and 1/4" collets. 1/2" bits, when ordered, cost nearly the same, but feel more solid and less prone to vibration.

For bargain prices on bits and FREE shipping all the time -
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/

I've bought there many times. The quality is fine and their shipping/service is fast.

If you can find a router with dust collection attachment, that would be a plus, but not necessary.
 
I bought that router way back from harbor freight.
It caught on fire inside the casing and was dimming the lights in my garage during use.

I took it back, went to Sears, and got the Craftsman Professional router.
A router is such a versatile tool, it's a good idea to get a nice one.
 
I've spent a small fortune on my router, but I plan to use it for more than just arcades ;)
Have a bosch 1617EVSPK Combo fixed base/plunge router kit, RA1054 edge guide, RA1181 benchtop table (which the fixed base is installed in), and RA1190 table stand. On amazon right now, that comes to $514.33 with free shipping, but you can't really get a much better setup. It's fairly lightweight, every piece was made for each other, and it's made with pretty good quality. I've used it a few times so far with great results. Bits add up as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVS...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1277260748&sr=8-1

I've learned when it comes to power tools especially, you get what you pay for. I don't trust craftsman, black and decker, ryobi, off-brand, or post 2000 dremmel tools any more. Have had too many crap out on me.
 
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I've spent a small fortune on my router, but I plan to use it for more than just arcades ;)
Have a bosch 1617EVSPK Combo fixed base/plunge router kit, RA1054 edge guide, RA1181 benchtop table (which the fixed base is installed in), and RA1190 table stand. On amazon right now, that comes to $514.33 with free shipping, but you can't really get a much better setup. It's fairly lightweight, every piece was made for each other, and it's made with pretty good quality. I've used it a few times so far with great results. Bits add up as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVS...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1277260748&sr=8-1

I've learned when it comes to power tools especially, you get what you pay for. I don't trust craftsman, black and decker, ryobi, off-brand, or post 2000 dremmel tools any more. Have had too many crap out on me.
Add Portal Cable to that list. And Rotozip.
 
Add Portal Cable to that list. And Rotozip.

I have a porter cable belt sander, but that's about it for them. I like Makita, milwaukee, and bosch. Don't buy any brand that bosch bought though. They buy name brands and turn them into junk (ie: dremmel, skil, and apparently rotozip).
 
I bought the PC combo at Lowes a few years ago, with fixed base and plunge and it was their most expensive, though there was a good rebate going on or I wouldn't have got that.

Turns out, the plunge base leaves a lot to be desired. The Porter Cable industrial fixed base routers are king, but for a combo kit (fixed and plunge bases) - Hitachi, Dewalt, and Bosch make some good stuff.
 
Unless you are going to use the damn thing everyday on the job then you don't have to get the top brands.:rolleyes:
Just stay away from the really cheap shit.
I have had a Craftsman router for over 8 years and not one problem with it.
It does what I ask of it with great results.
 
I'd be afraid to trust a trim router that only costs $25. I remember seeing a Bosch one on Amazon for about $80. Not too high and not too low. Just my $0.02

EDIt: Sorry, it's a Porter Cable and it's down to $70 with good customer ratings: http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1277231209&sr=8-1

I actually used one of those cheapy trim router.. I haven't seen any issues with it other than one. the locking nut broke so I made my own along with guides :) Its been a dream for my Discs of Tron remaking alot of the missing pieces.


-Ron
 
I have a ryobi plunge router. It has variable speed and works great with the harbor freight slot cutters (you can't use the slot cutters at full speed). Sears has some good flush-trim/pattern bits as well. Unless you are making some really fancy cuts, you should be able to get by with just a few bits.
 
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