Tool brag time

[rofl]

I'm firmly of the opinion that you can't own too many routers, so I am always keeping my eyes out. I had an old Rockwell which was also the Porter Cable 100 router. I loved that thing and some dude burned it up. He took it to get it repaired and they said they couldn't repair it so he just gave me money. I wish I had insisted on getting the old tool back because I have always wondered if someone else might have been able to repair it.

So anyway I have a soft spot for that model but I haven't found another one at a price I was interested in. I did find a Dewalt DW610 though. I grew up using the B&D version and it has almost the same nostalgia factor for me as the PC(except for that ugly yellow).

This guy had bought it and only used it to cut a hole in a counter top for a kitchen sink. There aren't any scratches on the paint and the base plate almost looks brand new. Still with original box and all accessories. Talked him down to $70. I know there are more powerful routers available, but I always loved using the B&D version. The only difference being the ugly color and the newer version has a 1/2" and 1/4" collet.

This brings the total up to 5 now. About the only thing missing from the arsenal is a 3 1/4 hp. I'm not in a hurry on that, but you never know when you'll run across a deal.

[BHD]

sounds like you did good,

[wbrooks]

Post some pics. Nice deal

[rofl]

My kids are getting back from visiting relatives tonight......and my digital camera with them.

I'll post some pics then.

[Woussko]

Maybe you would like one of these for your collection sometime. The Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Route

Catalog: Note it is a big file to download
http://www.media-office-gmbh.de/eMag_FEIN/USA_A20/player/files/pdf/publication.pdf

[FINER9998]

what page is the featured router on?

[rofl]

You can see there is almost no wear on the tool.

I'm watching a few on ebay just to see what they go for, but I feel pretty good about the price. I even called the guy and was able to meet him on the way home from a job so I only went a few blocks out of the way to get it.

[wathman]

Since I'm still shopping around for my first router purchase, I've been getting very familiar with spec sheets and product reviews. Not as good as first-hand experience by using the tools, but I've found a number of things to consider. I found one product review on routers by popular mechanics written about 2 years ago, they looked at the 2 1/4 kit version of the dewalt, and tested it against the other common 2 1/4 routers. I was surprised they only gave it 3 stars out of 5, the most significant complaint was that the fixed base plate could not physically fit some common larger bits through the hole.

Granted this is a different model, (though supposedly better), and the review is old... if there was an issue with the base plate hole size, there's been plenty of time for product revision. Still, at $70 that is a really good deal, and it sounds like this isn't the only router you are relying on so the possible issue with the base plate may not matter at all.

[rofl]

Well the base plate is made to accept guide bushings so it wont use large bits without changing plates, but it boils down to what you want to do with it. It's nice to have one you can throw bushings in real quickly without having to align a bunch of crap.

And.....as I said before.......I grew up using the B&D version and have a soft spot for it. No soft start. No variable speed. No interchanging bases. But if feels good in the hand, has a lot of power and never let me down.

I have an old ryobi(when they were worth a crap) that is dedicated to a butt hinge template.
I have the ridgid 2400 for laminate and small bits.
I have a PC 7529 plunge router.(got on close out for $69 years ago)
I have the Hitachi KM12VC (bought a display model at Lowes for $70)
And now the DW610. I didn't NEED it. The Hitachi will do anything the DeWalt will do, but I didn't buy it because of it's spec sheet. I bought it because it reminds me of my teenage days working in the shop for my uncle. AND it's a heck of a router for certain uses.

Personal use trumps any review as far as I'm concerned.

Now I've got two small routers. A mid-sized plunge. A mid-sized fixed base. And a mid sized Combo. All I eventually need is a big boy for the router table. The Hitachi is pulling duty there for now.

BTW..........I'd highly recommend the Hitachi KM12VC combo if you are looking at 2 1/4 hp routers.

[wathman]

BTW..........I'd highly recommend the Hitachi KM12VC combo if you are looking at 2 1/4 hp routers.

Yeah, currently the Hitachi KM12VC is the best deal I can find on amazon.com, Many sources say that the Hitachi kit is an excellent value. I tried to find one locally but no such luck, Lowes stopped carrying them for some reason. I found a local tool distributor who used to carry them also, but he said that the contractors in my area prefer Porter Cable and Bosch routers, so it wasn't worth it for him to keep Hitachi routers in stock.

How is the plunge mechanism on the plunge base for that router? Some critics were saying it wasn't as comfortable and smooth to use as the other major brands.

[rofl]

Well, the plunge appears to work well to me. I don't have anymore combo kits to compare it to though. If I'm in a serious mood to plunge I'll probably use my PC which is what it was made for in the first place.

I actually have two plunge bases for my hitachi. I bought a display combo when lowes closed them out. All I got was the motor, fixed and plunge bases. I ordered the two sizes of collets and then got lucky enough to find the leftovers of a kit at a pawn shop. I got wrenches, bushings, extra base, and another plunge base for $15.

I like this kit. It says it's less HP than the Hitachi, but they are both 11 amp.
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-5615-24-1-75-Horsepower-Multi-Base-BodyGrip/dp/B000QV35AK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1248202806&sr=8-1

The hitachi is a little more
http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-KM12VC-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B0002ZZWX8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1248202871&sr=8-1

If I was starting from scratch I think I'd go with the milwaukee with the eventual plan of getting a 3hp router down the road. I think the milwaukee will handle better for free hand routing, and will allow above the table adjustments so it's better in a table. The only reason I don't jump on the deal is because it would duplicate what I've already got.

[wathman]

That Milwaukee router has really been tempting me lately since I own Milwaukee 18v cordless tools and really enjoy working with those. The price is at least $80 less than the other router kits I've been watching, and there aren't any glaring problems with quality in the reviews.

My only reservations are that it appears to be a fixed speed at 24,000 RPM. Most of the 2 1/4 HP kits, including the next model up from Milwaukee have variable speed. Will I be wishing for variable speed once I get the hang of using a router?

The other minor issue was that it doesn't have a spindle lock. I'm not sure how often I'll need to switch bits in and out, though it seems like a good feature to have. Also, I don't think it has a soft start. This also isn't a deal breaker for me, but useful if it's there.

[srkandel]

I believe this was called "brag time", I didn't start it...
My routers

Ryobi R30 3/4 HP
Ryobi TR45 (laminate trimmer)
Porter Cable 90690
Dewalt DW670 (laminate trimmer)
Makita 3612BR 3HP
Craftsman 315.275120 (laminate trimmer)
Porter Cable 7301 (laminate trimmer)
Bosch Colt 1HP
Craftsman 315.25070
Craftsman 315.17492 1 1/2HP
Craftsman 315.17491 1 1/2 HP
Craftsman 315.174720
Bosch 1619EVS 3 1/2HP
and the ultimate... Carvewright CNC Router

The one I most frequently reach for... the Bosch Colt 1HP, 1 hand operation, variable speed, a great tool!

[rofl]

I believe this was called "brag time", I didn't start it...


You brag when you get a good deal.

[srkandel]

Okay, I'm new and didn't mean to violate the rules, I never pay MSRP

Ryobi R30 3/4 HP (don't remember)
Ryobi TR45 (laminate trimmer) (don't remember)
Porter Cable 90690 ($189/$129)
Dewalt DW670 (laminate trimmer) eBay($67)
Makita 3612BR 3HP ($189/$129)
Craftsman 315.275120 (laminate trimmer) (Recon $29)
Porter Cable 7301 (laminate trimmer) (eBay $49)
Bosch Colt 1HP ($129/$49 Sears)
Craftsman 315.25070 (Included w/router table $59)
Craftsman 315.17492 1 1/2HP (clearance $39)
Craftsman 315.17491 1 1/2 HP (clearance $42)
Craftsman 315.174720 (don''t remember)
Bosch 1619EVS 3 1/2HP (Free, won in drawing)
and the ultimate... Carvewright CNC Router ($1999/$1199 Sears)


Sorry, didn't know the rules! I don't buy it if it's not a good deal, I just bought a $429 jointer at Home Depot for $107.01. If any HD stores in your area still have he 6 1/8" jointers, the current clearance price is $107.01. Sorry, I didn't understand this was a cost based bragging session!

[rofl]

Well, we don't all have the same resources and deals just happen for whoever.

Bragging about a great deal is just about getting an opportunity and capitalizing on it. We all get those chances from time to time.

It's not really a rule so much. It's just that there are guys out there that could buy the best of everything at full price and the brag really becomes about the size of their wallet. But deals can be had by anyone and it's nice to celebrate a good deal with "friends" and celebrate their good deals with them.

[wathman]

As for deals, I finally committed to a 2 1/4 HP router kit. Found a Bosch 1617EVSPK-XP going for $216 new. The -XP on the model name is for the bonus accessory pack which includes an edge guide, dust extraction hood, and 3 template guides. I think those cost about $60 purchased seperately, and I really wanted an edge guide. It was a tad more than the 1617EVSPK that Lowes currently has for $199, but with no tax and free shipping I think I came out well ahead of retail :)

http://www.toolup.com/bosch/1617evspk-xp.html

[masww1]

So, is nobody even trying to get a deal on a Triton? I thought those were the hottest thing going at the moment.

[wathman]

I've heard plenty of good things about Triton routers, but right now they're like the unicorn of routers. Nearly impossible to find. Woodcraft.com used to carry them, but now their product page says they either discontinued it, or it's no longer available. Amazon.com says something similar. I found a few tidbits about Triton on the internet, and it seems they did some business restructuring. Supposedly their main Australian company was having issues, but the their US counterpart should have been unaffected. Since they do have such a popular product, maybe they are just selling faster than they can make new ones. Either way, I think it's pretty tough to find a deal on a product that is so rare to find ;)

[masww1]

On occasional trips to the Nashville Woodcraft store I always saw them in stock and was not aware of any issues. It pays to be informed. It would be disappointing to buy a great product and not be able upgrade or adapt or service it in the not so distant future because the company went belly-up.

[wathman]

I think Triton has too good of a reputation and following to go completely belly up. Triton's US operations still has a web page up and there's no updates that suggest that their company is in financial trouble. If their manufacturing capacity can't meet current demand, perhaps stores like Woodcraft are dropping them now since they never have a product to keep in stock. Anyone else out there have inside knowledge on what's going on with Triton?

[masww1]

If anyone is still watching this thread, can I get some info on Global Machinery Company? I just bought a router table at a yard sale that is a perfect fit for my TS3650. It had a 7.5 amp router with it. I went to their website and couldn't find a manual for it. The product number, PRT85UL, was not listed on their website. Here's why I'm posting this here, I gave $40 for the whole thing, table, router, fence, wrench, 1/2" and 1/4" collets, and multiple face plate inserts. Was this a good deal or not?

Also got a Delta AP300 for $40. I know it's small with limited capacity, but that's kinda where I am right now. I've seen the mixed reviews on amazon. Anyone want to pitch the pros and cons of this dust collector here?

[rofl]

I just googled that model number and found quite a bit of stuff.

There are some threads over at router forums regarding that tool.

[masww1]

I think the bag with the AP300 is a 30 micron. Anybody know where I can get a 5 micron or a l micron bag that fits this unit? Is a bag that fine going to mess with the performance of this small unit?

[rofl]

I guess we needed to clarify what the purpose of the tool brag was for newbs. :)

[masww1]

I gather from the discrete lack of response the consensus is I paid what they're worth and not what they cost for the router table and the dust collector.

Information I found verified that GMC is not known for high quality woodworking tools, other than the Triton router. The mixed reviews on the AP300 may be a matter of expectations. I haven't used either yet, though I look forward trying something new (for me).

[rofl]

You certainly didn't get ripped off..........but I don't think that a lot of people know much about the GMC stuff. About all I know is that I used to see them in Lowes and that they were low end. That doesn't mean that they wont provide good service though.

[masww1]

Thanks for the feedback. The table is at least as good as an old Craftsman I had and it is a perfect fit for the TS, which the Craftsman wasn't. One serious drawback is insert plate is an odd size and is made to accept only the router that came with it. I think I can make a oversize frame from leftover plywood that will accommodate standard inserts and give more flexibility on routers and other upgrades.