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View Full Version : Router recommendation...


rockdogz
07-23-2006, 08:44 PM
I'm looking for a 1/2" collet router with plunge base. I picked up a Porter Cable 893 PK http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4856

Is this a decent one? I've never used one before... the local store has this one and some Bosch ones too. Is it ok to use 1/4" bits for most work? I got a big set of Craftsman bits for not too much $$... those 1/2" bits are big $$...

It's just going to be occasional work for now, but I want to get a decent one until I get more experience with it.
Mkelcy
07-23-2006, 09:24 PM
I'm looking for a 1/2" collet router with plunge base. I picked up a Porter Cable 893 PK http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4856

Is this a decent one? I've never used one before... the local store has this one and some Bosch ones too. Is it ok to use 1/4" bits for most work? I got a big set of Craftsman bits for not too much $$... those 1/2" bits are big $$...

It's just going to be occasional work for now, but I want to get a decent one until I get more experience with it.

That may be a bit light if you're really going to be removing material - e.g., big dados, fancy cuts for doors, etc. in hard wood. Depending on what you're doing with it, you may simply want to go to a good router table. I just did my kitchen and worked the router table (and cabinet saw, planer, etc.) pretty hard.
rockdogz
07-23-2006, 10:20 PM
That may be a bit light if you're really going to be removing material - e.g., big dados, fancy cuts for doors, etc. in hard wood. Depending on what you're doing with it, you may simply want to go to a good router table. I just did my kitchen and worked the router table (and cabinet saw, planer, etc.) pretty hard.

Hmm really? It's 2.25HP, kind of middle of the road I thought... their more powerful ones are what, 3.25HP?
I got a table too... my first job will be building a box in my trunk, cutting 1/2" and 3/4" MDF (and 1" if I can find any too).

Thanks,
LSRS7
07-23-2006, 11:04 PM
That router is plenty for want you want to do with it. I recomend using the 1/2" carbide bits, their more stable and cut alot cleaner.


Jason
Mkelcy
07-24-2006, 05:28 AM
Hmm really? It's 2.25HP, kind of middle of the road I thought... their more powerful ones are what, 3.25HP?
I got a table too... my first job will be building a box in my trunk, cutting 1/2" and 3/4" MDF (and 1" if I can find any too).

Thanks,

I agree, for 1/2" and 3/4" MDF, that's plenty.