Which Router?

[Dae]

1st let me say I know nothing about routers, but want one.

I was window shopping yesterday and noticed that the Dewalt and Ridgid were the same price.

I like the lifetime warranty of the Ridgid, but I'm hoping I'll never need to use it. The Dewalt routers been around longer so I'm guessing any attachment I might want will be readily available. But then again, I hear most many of the PC parts work. Dangit, I wish I know more about these things. Maybe the Dewalt better, maybe better adjustments or is the Ridgid have more features or something just better built??

Like I said, I know nothing about routers so someone please tell me which is the better buy and why.

Thanks,

- Dae

[hewood]

Some routers are better suited for mounting in a table, and some are better for hand use. There are also lots and lots of opinions about which is best.

The combo kits that include a fixed and plunge base offer the most versatility, but if it's going to be strictly a table router, that might not be necessary. If I were looking for a combo kit I'd give a long serious look at the Milwaukee set. In the end, it's important that whatever you get is comfortable and intuitive to you...especially for hand use. You really can't go wrong with PC, DW, MW, Bosch, Freud, Triton, Makita, etc., and I don't know much about the Ridgid.

[Pez]

I was in a similiar situation - knew nothing about routers other than I wanted one. Since the rest of my hand tools are Dewalt thats what I got (the combo kit). I have nothing to compare it to but it seems to work well and I like it. Had I had to buy another one I would go with the Bosch, slightly cheaper and the reviews I found tend to favor it over the competitors.

[Wagon Man]

Similar boat here, know little about it.. just "wanted one". After spending ~ 1 hour in Lowes playing the 618 and the Bosch, I ordered the DeWalt 618PK (in Nov) for $180 shipped. Received the $40 rebate just a few weeks ago... total out of pocket $140, makes it cheaper than Bosch.

I chose the 618 over Bosch coz, to me, I find it is much easier to adjust height with the fixed base AND changing base (some have argued with me on this, but this is just personal preference).

Note that there is no above the height adjustment for 618, but it is so easy with the 618 that this is not an issue to me whatsoever.

The only grief I have on DeWalt is relatively poor packaging inside the box.... but I can;t complain for $140 a set.

But if it did NOT have the $40 rebate, I would have bought the Milwaukee 5616-24 combo .. reviews suggest that it is a sweet set. I believe International Tools still have it for <$200 shipped.

Happy shopping


I was in a similiar situation - knew nothing about routers other than I wanted one. Since the rest of my hand tools are Dewalt thats what I got (the combo kit). I have nothing to compare it to but it seems to work well and I like it. Had I had to buy another one I would go with the Bosch, slightly cheaper and the reviews I found tend to favor it over the competitors.

[CWSmith]

I have a 3-base Ryobi set (cheap), but it works okay. Still I wanted something better and purchased the Ridgid when it was on sale a year ago. I like, runs smooth, not as loud as many others, and it works well in my router table with the T-handle that allows height adjustment from above the table.

However, it's a bit on the tall side and doesn't feel as comfortable (to me) as my shorter Ryobi, although the build quality is far superior on the Ridgid.

I like the LED lights in the Ridgid, and the speed adjustment is great. It also takes a few of the Porter-Cable type accessories, like the edge guide, guide bushings, base-plates, etc.

I think if you do a lot of checking, you'll find Porter-Cable routers to be one of the top brands and certainly almost a standard. That's saying nothing against the DeWalt or other brands... the P-C routers just seem to be over-whelmingly popular.

CWS

[Velosapien]

The Ridgid set is very good. The led lights and clear bases are very practical. You can use Porter Cable accessories on it since Ridgid doesn't make any for it. The only drawbacks are limited base options. Only the two you get. Fine adjustment is a little on the poor side due to flimsy plastic adjuster parts. The dust collection is really its weakest point. Poorly thought out, fragile and largely innefective. The over the top hookup like on some of the PC bases seems a lot more logical. The ridgid set has the vac ports sticking sraight out the back and really low on the base so the hose tends to interfere with guides or clamps. I've gotten used to the fact that I will get completely showered in sawdust whenever I fire up the router. Unless those little bugs are worked out it would not be my first choice the next time around prices being equal or similar to something like a PC or Dewalt kit.

[Dae]

Based on the current posts, it seems unwise to go with Ridgid.

I guess, I'm going to pass on the Ridgid, but look at some of the others. Maybe the trick will be to get my hands on them to just see how they feel.

Thanks all for the info.

[djfunk]

Maybe the trick will be to get my hands on them to just see how they feel.

I've been shopping for a router for a few months now. Still trying to decide how much I'll use it after my upcoming project... I've been reading and reading. As was stated above, PC is the standard. There are almost as many people who like the Bosch and DeWalt, combined. But it really seems like it widdles down to 2 things: feel and accessories.

Of course, the PC has the most accessories. But when I finally went to a brick-n-mortar store and put some in my hand, I'd have to say that IMO the PC was the least comfortable. I liked how the Ridgid felt, but didn't like the height adjustment. The Ryobi was pretty comfortable too, but while I happily own many a Ryobi, I don't think I'd buy the router. I'm currently looking into the Hitachi KMC12 kit. I've read many positive reviews, and you can get it reconditioned for $110. Most of the negatives people have with the Hitachi is how you adjust the height w/ the fixed base, two wrench system for changing bits, and the lack of accessories... But I plan on making my own table, and after that can make my own accessories (offset base, etc.).

[Nature_Photog]

I've been shopping for a router for a few months now. Still trying to decide how much I'll use it after my upcoming project... I've been reading and reading. As was stated above, PC is the standard. There are almost as many people who like the Bosch and DeWalt, combined. But it really seems like it widdles down to 2 things: feel and accessories.

Of course, the PC has the most accessories. But when I finally went to a brick-n-mortar store and put some in my hand, I'd have to say that IMO the PC was the least comfortable. I liked how the Ridgid felt, but didn't like the height adjustment. The Ryobi was pretty comfortable too, but while I happily own many a Ryobi, I don't think I'd buy the router. I'm currently looking into the Hitachi KMC12 kit. I've read many positive reviews, and you can get it reconditioned for $110. Most of the negatives people have with the Hitachi is how you adjust the height w/ the fixed base, two wrench system for changing bits, and the lack of accessories... But I plan on making my own table, and after that can make my own accessories (offset base, etc.).

I have the Hitachi router, along with 3 other brands. It works great with an 'intuitive feel' and is my favorite. It's also very quiet. My only gripe is the 2 wrench arrangement for changing bits. Got mine on the Hitachi rebate program after buying a sliding CMS.

---Mike

[KenM]

I haven't used the Ridgid.
I have the Bosch 1617 kit and the Dewalt DW618 3 base kit. Both are excellent routers. The DW accepts PC bushings but the Bosch needs an optional base or adaptor to do this. I find the DC much better on the Dewalt and for me it is more comfortable for hand use.
The Bosch stays in the router table and does an excellent job there.
With either of these 2 you won't go wrong.

[Wood_Junkie]

I have the DeWalt 3 base kit, and love it. I'm just a hobbyist, but use most of my woodshop for our ongoing house renovations.

With that said, I have used all three bases for different things, and I'm glad I had the flexibility.
The fixed base stays attached to my router table. It's solid, easy to get the router in and out, easy to adjust, etc. If you spend a little bit of money to get a separate power switch unit, this is a great setup.

I use the D-handle base for almost all of my freehand routing, and dovetail jig work. It's phenomenally comfortable, very stable and, again, very easy to adjust accurrately.

I use the plunge base on occasion, mostly for hobby/project oriented woodworking... juice groove on cutting boards... dados on awkward sized things, etc.

I've yet to bog the motor down, even doing large profiles in oak and walnut, or 1/2" rabbets in red oak. As long as you manage your feed rate, you'll find this motor can do just about anything.

Now, as a comparison, I had a Ryobi router and their mini-table kit (well I still have it...) The DeWalt is like a Lexus compared to a Honda Civic.

[Wagon Man]

I bought the 2 pc .. now I'm looking for the D-Handle ... hope to come across some good deal ...

[djfunk]

I have the Hitachi router, along with 3 other brands. It works great with an 'intuitive feel' and is my favorite. It's also very quiet. My only gripe is the 2 wrench arrangement for changing bits. Got mine on the Hitachi rebate program after buying a sliding CMS.

---Mike

Just got back from Lowes...the nail has been put in the coffin. That router feels great, not as "plastic-y" as the pictures make it seem, and it's pretty light too. I'm pulling up the website to buy my Hitachi router kit right now. I can't see why anyone would complain about adjusting the height on this router either. Moves like melted butter. Maybe different after it gets some sawdust in it, but that's why you keep your tools clean.

For those who are interested, here's the website: http://www.reconditionedsales.com/

Dae, if you haven't checked this router out, I recommend you do. Like you, this is my first router. Through all my research, I've kept hearing people (especially the awesome guys here at ridgidforum) say not to skimp on this purchase. Hard to find a deal like this.

[Nature_Photog]

Just got back from Lowes...the nail has been put in the coffin. That router feels great, not as "plastic-y" as the pictures make it seem, and it's pretty light too. I'm pulling up the website to buy my Hitachi router kit right now. I can't see why anyone would complain about adjusting the height on this router either. Moves like melted butter. Maybe different after it gets some sawdust in it, but that's why you keep your tools clean.

For those who are interested, here's the website: http://www.reconditionedsales.com/

Dae, if you haven't checked this router out, I recommend you do. Like you, this is my first router. Through all my research, I've kept hearing people (especially the awesome guys here at ridgidforum) say not to skimp on this purchase. Hard to find a deal like this.

Good deal on the Hitachi router dj. I think you'll like it even more after hearing how quiet is runs.
The locking lever has a ball bearing in the mechanism and is pretty sawdust resistant. Great price too.

---Mike

[steveKane]

I also opted for the Dewalt DW618 three-base base kit last year. Similarly to Wood_Junkie, I wanted one base to keep in the router table, the d-handle for hand routing, and the plunge base. It was the best bang for the buck at the time of purchase.

[Larry86]

Wheres the love for the Ridgid router???

I have one and use it almost exclusively in a Rockler router table, it works great, quiet, lots of power, the light is handy, and its very easy to change bit height while in the table, just drill a hole in the insert to match up with the "T" handle that came with the router, it couldn't be easier! And you don't have to take the handles off to use it in a table.

[blackiem1]

look at the triton 2 1/4 . works great and you can change

bit from on top of the table (if you table mount) about 200.00

comes with a lot of accsesories you can also get a table plate from

woodpeckers.com
if you table mount you have to remove the safety pc

which is a small plastic piece which prevents start up when using hand held

[CWSmith]

Larry86,

I too have the Ridgid, and while I really like it, there's some shortcomings. First I think it's a bit on the tall side, so it doesn't feel as comfortable to me as a shorter router does. The depth setting on the plunge base (except for the adjustable pad) isn't really any better than my cheap Ryobi, and I hate the locking lever, it's just not in a good position unless you've got big hands and a long thumb. Also, the knob/handles are so big that it won't fit into a standard-sized plate in the router table. Trying to get the handles off is almost a major piece of surgery and I don't want to damage the tool even making the attempt.

Probably the biggest complaint though is the lack of support for this tool. When I went to buy a table for use with it, the first thing I did was write Tech Support and ask if there was a "standard" that the baseplate was designed for (had to match those mounting holes with another router already on the market). The reply that I got back was a rather short, "the R2900 isn't designed to work in a router table". So, NO help at all. Only because of this forum did I get the answer I needed. (Thankyou!)

When the R2900 was introduced, it was given little fanfare, and no accessories. The manual offers only the most basic of information. Only through personal research by forum members did we discover that certain Porter-Cable accessories would fit. Since then, no D-handle base, no guide bushings, no edge guide, or anything else.

Personally I think it's a nice tool and I got it at a great price. But, I think TTI/Ridgid has a bit to learn in the marketing of thier tools. You just can't drop it in a place like Home Depot and then ignore it. Some tools, like routers, need accessories and a task-knowledgeable support staff to ensure the tool's value.

CWS

[kenwho]

hello, here's my thoughts . I have sears 1 1/2 and 2 hp , Bosch 1613evs plunge , pc 690 , PC 894 set , Freud 1700 , Milwaukee 1 3/4 . my wife is sending me to a router detox center :eek:, she seen me bidding on a dewalt 618 on ebay . I say , you can never have enough routers so get them all :thumbup2: . jest kidding . out of all of them i would rate them by their hp/amp and the way they feel . what i like , you may not . when you hold them you can feel the force . p.s. ridgid is next :D

[LONGHAIR]

I have several too, including a RIGID. I bought it mostly for the plunge base. My go-to router is the 1 3/4 HP Milwaukee. I just like the feel of the body-grip base. I do most of my edge work with it. The hand strap makes the thing feel like a glove.

[Dae]

I haven't seen the Hitachi KM12VC in person, but I did look at it online. I also read a review of it; that turned me off.

http://woodworking.about.com/od/recommendations/gr/HitachiKM12VC.htm

"The fixed base seemed a bit narrow and the motor looks like it was positioned somewhat higher than comparable models. This gave the feeling that the unit was somewhat unbalanced. Also, keep in mind that when the router is in its lowest position on the fixed base, the collet is too far from the base, meaning that some router bits cannot be seated properly in the collet when mounting the router with the fixed base in a router table. While using this router in a router table, I broke the shank of a straight-cutting bit simply because I couldn't seat the bit deeply enough in the collet."

See that exert from the review?? It says the collet is too far from the base and can cause problems. But the cost still makes this router very attractive as a 1st router.

So the question for those that have this router is...... Is the collet too far from the base at it's lowest position? Also does the fixed base seem unstable?

Thanks,

- Dae

[NHMaster3015]

At last count I think I have 12 routers on the shelve. Most are Porter Cable, because they have a real good line of accessories. I also have a couple Makita D handle's that I like very much and a Bosch that I don't like so much. I stay away from anything yellow just because I've had way too many of them crap out.

[djfunk]

I haven't seen the Hitachi KM12VC in person, but I did look at it online. I also read a review of it; that turned me off.

http://woodworking.about.com/od/recommendations/gr/HitachiKM12VC.htm

"The fixed base seemed a bit narrow and the motor looks like it was positioned somewhat higher than comparable models. This gave the feeling that the unit was somewhat unbalanced. Also, keep in mind that when the router is in its lowest position on the fixed base, the collet is too far from the base, meaning that some router bits cannot be seated properly in the collet when mounting the router with the fixed base in a router table. While using this router in a router table, I broke the shank of a straight-cutting bit simply because I couldn't seat the bit deeply enough in the collet."

See that exert from the review?? It says the collet is too far from the base and can cause problems. But the cost still makes this router very attractive as a 1st router.

So the question for those that have this router is...... Is the collet too far from the base at it's lowest position? Also does the fixed base seem unstable?

Thanks,

- Dae

Dae,

I never read that review. That's the first time I read anyone say that about the collet. As for the base, I didn't feel that it was unstable when I had it in my hand the other day, unless compared to the short DeWalt. Planned on making an offset base anyway. Hmm...guess we'll see early this week when I get mine in. I'll post some measurements and pics (wonder why the guy in that review didn't...).

Nature_Photog, have you run into this problem?

[Dae]

Hmm...guess we'll see early this week when I get mine in. I'll post some measurements and pics (wonder why the guy in that review didn't...).

I found another review stating there was a problem.

http://wood.jclement.ca/files/698b48923ec71b7e40e15a8ccfae6d14-11.html

"Unfortunately, mine did not come perfectly centered and the use of flat head screws prevents fine-tuning of the positioning. Also I notice in about 1/3 of the way through it's travel there is a small bump that shifts the bit laterally (not good) although the bit returns to the center right after that point so as long as that isn't the height you need... "

Please let me know if yours has this problem. Also who did you order from?? I found a site that said they had it for $99 but I can't tell if it's new or reconditioned. They don't state it's reconditioned, but the warranty is only 1 year, which is the same as the reconditioned units.

- Dae

[Nature_Photog]

Dae,

I never read that review. That's the first time I read anyone say that about the collet. As for the base, I didn't feel that it was unstable when I had it in my hand the other day, unless compared to the short DeWalt. Planned on making an offset base anyway. Hmm...guess we'll see early this week when I get mine in. I'll post some measurements and pics (wonder why the guy in that review didn't...).

Nature_Photog, have you run into this problem?
I've not had any of the problems mentioned in the magazine review posted.

When not being hand-held, the Hitachi is used in a Bosch router table with both 1/2" and 1/4" shank bits. They fit just fine at the prescribed depth in the collet.

As mentioned in a prior post I have other routers (Dewalt, PC, and a really old Stanley, and the Hitachi is my favorite.

---Mike

[djfunk]

Please let me know if yours has this problem. Also who did you order from?? I found a site that said they had it for $99 but I can't tell if it's new or reconditioned. They don't state it's reconditioned, but the warranty is only 1 year, which is the same as the reconditioned units.

- Dae

I ordered mine from http://www.reconditionedsales.com/ . They are the only "authorized" reconditioned Hitachi dealer. They have a 1 year warranty, so if you found one stating that, I too would assume that it is reconditioned.

And wouldn't you know it. I just went to the site and they're now selling the kit for $7 less. ARGHH! :banghead: Oh, and standard shipping is free (2-day/next day is xtra) from reconditioned sales. Of course, it's probably just wrapped in the sale price, but take that into consideration. More to come...

[Dae]

And wouldn't you know it. I just went to the site and they're now selling the kit for $7 less. ARGHH! :banghead: Oh, and standard shipping is free (2-day/next day is xtra) from reconditioned sales. Of course, it's probably just wrapped in the sale price, but take that into consideration. More to come...

I don't know what your talking about. The price I see there is $102, which is what I saw yesterday and I can't find anything that says free standard shipping.

Where are you seeing this??

- Dae

[djfunk]

I don't know what your talking about. The price I see there is $102, which is what I saw yesterday and I can't find anything that says free standard shipping.

Where are you seeing this??

- Dae

Sorry, $7 less than what I paid. If you pull up an item, look to the right side of the page. There is a Calculate Shipping box. FedEx Ground will come up free (for me it does), and the rest are xtra.

[Dae]

I made it to a different Lowes today and was able to see the Hitachi and the Dewalt, side by side. The Hitachi felt better in my hands. I had a friend with me so I asked her which felt better to her too; she agreed... Hitachi.

Back to my office... I call Hitachi to make sure the online seller is an authorized seller and they confirm. Ordering I did and now can't wait to get it in my hands. I also order a set of Woodline bits. Order the 30 piece starter set for under $90 shipped.

- Dae

[djfunk]

Dae,

Get your router in yet? Mine's on the delivery truck for today, so I get to play with it over the weekend.

Oh, and to revisit one of the reviews you posted about the collet being too far when the router is at it's lowest position. Watching some of the episodes on thewoodwisperer.com (thanks CWS for posting in a diff thread), I was reminded of collet extenders. It's an extra expense, and I haven't found a cheap one yet (just a quick search on Rockler and Woodcraft), but an option none the less.

[joe f]

Larry86,

I too have the Ridgid, and while I really like it, there's some shortcomings. First I think it's a bit on the tall side, so it doesn't feel as comfortable to me as a shorter router does. The depth setting on the plunge base (except for the adjustable pad) isn't really any better than my cheap Ryobi, and I hate the locking lever, it's just not in a good position unless you've got big hands and a long thumb. Also, the knob/handles are so big that it won't fit into a standard-sized plate in the router table. Trying to get the handles off is almost a major piece of surgery and I don't want to damage the tool even making the attempt.

Probably the biggest complaint though is the lack of support for this tool. When I went to buy a table for use with it, the first thing I did was write Tech Support and ask if there was a "standard" that the baseplate was designed for (had to match those mounting holes with another router already on the market). The reply that I got back was a rather short, "the R2900 isn't designed to work in a router table". So, NO help at all. Only because of this forum did I get the answer I needed. (Thankyou!)

When the R2900 was introduced, it was given little fanfare, and no accessories. The manual offers only the most basic of information. Only through personal research by forum members did we discover that certain Porter-Cable accessories would fit. Since then, no D-handle base, no guide bushings, no edge guide, or anything else.

Personally I think it's a nice tool and I got it at a great price. But, I think TTI/Ridgid has a bit to learn in the marketing of thier tools. You just can't drop it in a place like Home Depot and then ignore it. Some tools, like routers, need accessories and a task-knowledgeable support staff to ensure the tool's value.

CWS
I've been eyeing the Ridgid router kit myself. I had read a pretty decent review of the kit over at http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/rgdr2900rvu.html which seemed to indicate that the router would work with any table or plate that the Porter Cable 690 & 890 series would work with.

And I was also under the impression that the router supported both the ¼” and ½” collets which would allow it to work with just about any accessory out there.

Am I mistaken here? If so it could definately effect my decision on this purchase. I'm a bit of a router newbie here so any help would be appriciated, I have no desire to drop 200 bones on an item I'll find out is unable to do the jobs I bought it for.

[Larry86]

I've been eyeing the Ridgid router kit myself. I had read a pretty decent review of the kit over at http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/rgdr2900rvu.html which seemed to indicate that the router would work with any table or plate that the Porter Cable 690 & 890 series would work with.

And I was also under the impression that the router supported both the ¼” and ½” collets which would allow it to work with just about any accessory out there.

Am I mistaken here? If so it could definately effect my decision on this purchase. I'm a bit of a router newbie here so any help would be appriciated, I have no desire to drop 200 bones on an item I'll find out is unable to do the jobs I bought it for.

Yes, the Ridgid has both a 1/4 and half collet.
As far as a table goes, I bought a Rockler router table with a blank insert, and just matched up the router to the plate and drilled the holes, it was easy.
Someone else probably knows if the porter-cable stuff works though.

[Nature_Photog]

For djfunk, Dae, and and other Hitachi router fans here on the forum.

I just finished running some Red Oak raised panels using a Bosch bit set and the Hitachi router.
The end product turned out great.
Hitachi speed control set about "4", with nary a hint of not enough router power, and the cuts are very smooth.
Hope you guys enjoy your new routers as much as I enjoy mine.

--- Mike

[RSAW]

Accessories that fit the PC690 will fit the R2900 router. I have my R2900 mounted in a Rockler table on a PC690 insert. I also use the PC edge guide that fits the 690.

[Stevan Sweeney]

My local HD has the Milwaukee 1&3/4 router for $96.50. Great tool.
The combo kit runs around $210.00, but not at HD.
Steve.

[CWSmith]

JoeF,

See what I mean about this forum... lots of great advice on the Ridgid R2900 router!!

Like the previous posts, I too am using the Rockler router table, with the PC 690 compatible plate. Perfect match for the mounting holes. Likewise the edge guide that I use is the PC690 guide available at Home Depot.

With regard to the PC690-compatible router mounting plate, the only thing you may want to do is match up the plate and drill a single hole that will allow you to use the "T" handle, for above table adjustment.

If you purchase the Rockler table, I also suggest that purchase the 1-3/16 inch plastic insert for use with P-C style bushings. These are available at Lee-Valley and will safely provide clearance aroung whatever size router bit you are using. If you would like, I can post item numbers for both Rockler and Lee-Valley.

I hope this helps,

CWS

[joe f]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I really liked the LED lighting and clear base on the Ridgid router, but after reading a number of reviews noticed that it's depth adjustment wasn't terribly accurate. All of the fancy features don't mean a thing if you don't have accuracy. So I ended up picking up the Bosch 1617EVSPK kit when it was on sale for $20 cheaper than the Ridgid.

It was really a tough call but the sale price of $189.99, and the number of reviews I'd read which placed the router at the top in terms of performance & quality sold me on it.