newbie woodworking guy needs help choosing a router?
hi all,
I’m getting into woodworking..thought it would be cool to get a router…not sure about some things..
1. what is a good brand?..what is pure junk?
2. how much house power do I need for the average guy doing weekend projects..does more HP equate being able to do harder woods or does it mean that job will go that much faster?
3.I seen routers range from 69 to 199 dollars at the home depot…not sure if I want to invest tons of $$$ right now..could I get by with the 69 $ one or would I just be throwing my money away in the future?
4. finally my friend suggested that I look at pawn shops..might be a deal..most sell tools etc..just curious if you’d purchase one from a pawn shop..or do you think by that time someone really used and abused the router..not worth my time looking..
sorta like buying someone’s used truck..one has no idea that they’ve been hauling or how they abused it etc..
thanks for your opinion
Leo
Question posted courtesy of: Marjorie
You Ask, We Answer
March 10th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Good brands are Porter Cable, DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita. These are all meant 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 good 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 only going to get one router, I’d suggest the kits with a fixed base and a plunge base. Again, this will give you a lot of flexibility. You may decide to leave the fixed base 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 need to be replaced in a few years.
I would not buy from a pawn shop. Routers there are likely to have been thrown in a bucket or back of a pickup, dropped off a roof, full of dirt or drywall powder, and generally been abused.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Unless I’m buying a tool that I know I will have a very limited use for, I subscribe to the “buy once, cry once” theory of tool buying. That means you spend the money once to buy a good tool rather than buying something cheap that you will hate every time you use it and will fail prematurely.
I agree with Keith regarding the good brands, and buying a model with both fixed and plunge bases. My specific recommendation would be for the Porter-Cable 690 Combo Kit. You can see it at.
It has both a fixed and a plunge base and the router is soft-start variable speed. Porter-Cable is nice because there are lots of available accessories. It comes with both 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets. If down the road you need to do template routing, you can get template guides to fit it with no problem.
The 690 is a 1 3/4 HP router, which is all you need for handheld routing. If you ever set yourself up with a serious router table, you’d probably want something in the 3+ HP range.
March 14th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I have a Porter Cable 691. It is about 12 years old and has been a very good tool. I am a fairly serious woodworker and I use my router all the time. The only repair has been to replace the brushes last year.
The 690 combo is a good buy. I personally like the D-handle base. I feel like it gives me more control.
March 16th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I do a lot of woodworking but don’t use my power tools in a “everyday” situation. I have the Skil router from HD. It’s 2-1/4 HP, has a fixed and plunge base and works really well. The main thing, with any power tool is the cutting accessories. 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 with getting a router with 1/4 and 1/2″ collets. Since you are new 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 with the lower priced unit to see if it is something you like doing. It is also a chance to see what you really need for your projects. Buying from a pawn shop is not a good idea. You may be buying someone elses junk and will soon be looking for a parts and operating manual that is out of date. Good luck in your new endeavor and work safe.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Lots of good wisdom.
Have a sears which is over 30 years old ( what I could afford at the time).
The only thing I can say is it has’nt died yet.
If cash is an issue, might try them & others for factory refurb for a starter that might not break the bank.
Lots of great toys out there & as mentioned the Porter Cable
set w/ plunge base is an excellent value for the money (that’s next)
Good bits are worth it & if you can resist buying a cased assortment, buying “good” ones as you need them is a way to save a buck initially.
In practical terms , have to figure how much router work you will be doing.
Middle of the road might do it for you.
$69 …..naaa.
Best regards
March 17th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I’m a cabinet maker, and own all the major brand tools. Each of the brands seem to make 1 tool that’s the best. Buy yourself a Porter Cable router, and get at least a 3/4 horse.