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Anyone Recommend a good router
vader:
Drew,
do u think this would be a good one to pick up
http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=77344-546-9690LR\
Thanks
Tim
RobopedeII:
Just my 2 cents: I just finished the routering on my control panel. I used a Porter Cable similar to the one you're asking about, but with the variable speed feature. It was only a few dollars more, but it's a handy feature. I ordered it from Amazon and saved about $15 over Lowe's. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006411B/qid=1102667592/sr=1-42/ref=sr_1_42/104-2726895-5951938?v=glance&s=hi
DrewKaree:
The model Robo is speaking of is one of the two I used - I picked that one up after my original 690 took a crap on me after being run over by a truck ::) ;)
The variable speed is nice, but unless you know how to match the bit to the speed, you won't really "utilize" the feature (knowingly, anyway)
The model you link to is a STELLAR price for that model, and if I'm correct, it's the updated model of the standard 690.
IF (and that's a BIG if) you are able to find a PC 690 somewhere near you, buy THAT - it just "feels" more solid than the newer version.
If you can't, or don't want to look for a 690, the one you link to should be bought before they up the price again - I'm guessing that's on sale for a limited time, or internet sale only. That thing usually sells for ~30 more at the HD by me (129.99), so snatch that up.
You'll LOVE the ability to use 1/2" shank bits if all you could use was 1/4" before - big timesaver depending on the bit and now you can make all those raised panel doors you could never find to fit your small collet!
DrewKaree:
My bad, the 890 is the replacement for the 690 - everything else applies
Also, and I'm not positive on this, so don't quote me, the motor is removable, allowing it to be used with other bases (D-handle or plunge). I know for certain the motor is removable, it's the other bases I'm not positive on. :-[
If you want to give variable speed control a try, but don't want to drop the dough right now, go ahead and get that one you're looking at. Later on you can add a separate speed control for it
Link to speed control for router and why you might want to have variable speed control
Grauwulf:
I have the Skill set that Mameotron linked to, I've only used it twice since