Need Router Opinion Fast !!

[vader]

Someone wants to purchase me a router for xmas and I'm a dewalt fan.  Is this a
good router, the only thing missing is varible speed, how much would I need that.  BTW, their at sears now...um the person and the router 

Tim

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926822000&tab=spe#tab

[TMS]

Get a cisco they are the best 

[RetroACTIVE]

How much do you plan on using it... you don't need to worry about variable speed if you aren't going to be cutting many different kinds of material...

For basic use (ie. building an arcade cabinet) 1 speed is good enough...

Get the variable speed if you think your are going to be doing all kinds of woodworking.

Dewalt = good, Craftsman=bad, PorterCable=good

I'm not a big Craftsman power tool fan... hand tools you bet..

[vader]

Honestly.....I may use this 5-10 hours a month.  Heck...I won't even upack it for 7 months till I move, but  I will be setting up a shop and want to start collecting the tools now...already have the table saw, nailer, and mitre saw....

Tim

[ahofle]

What's wrong with Craftsman power tools out of curiosity?  I've been nothing but happy with my 19.2 volt cordless set.

[javeryh]

I have that exact router and I love it.  It is perfect for building an arcade cabinet - it was able to make some precise cuts in cabinet grade birch plywood (with the right bit, of course).  I'm not too sure about it as an all-purpose router though as I am just getting into woodworking...

[RetroACTIVE]

I've found Craftsman tools to be a bit clunky and rough around the edges so to speak.

[vader]

What's wrong with Craftsman power tools out of curiosity?  I've been nothing but happy with my 19.2 volt cordless set.

I can say I  have 14.4 v cordless Drill and it has been fine since I've had it.  I've had two Craftsman Routers in the past 3 yrs.  One has burned up and they both do not keep their depth settings.  Really nice to try to cut a t molding slot when it's changing dept.  That is my only problem with them, their other power tools may be ok, but I'm going to change brands, I unfortunately don't have deep pockets to keep trying things out to find out what I like.  On the other other hand, I love their hand tools.

Tim

[SirPoonga]

Dewalt = good, Craftsman=bad, PorterCable=good

I'm not a big Craftsman power tool fan... hand tools you bet..

Dewalt is good.  I think craftsman is good too.  My dad has a bunch of craftsman stuff.  He has a 25 year old router that is still working.

I do not like their battery powered tools.  Between me and my dad we had three cordless craftsman tools die, just out of warranty.  Their corded stuff is good but we will not get their battery powered tools again.
But the way it sounds maybe they are lacking in quality in their current lineup.

I've noticed craftmans doesn't really make tools anymore.  They buy other's and put their name on it and mark the price up.  I noticed this with a roller stand.  Sear's ball bearing roller stand is $30.  I took a picture of it from an ad and went to Menards (midwest hardware/home repair store) and what Menards carried looked exactly the same.  Same shape feet and handles.  But only $15.
Same witht he sears rotory tool, just a dremel with the sears name on it.

[vader]

SirPoonga,

My sentiments exactly, my grandfather has 25 + yr old power tools that work great, just seem anything make the past 10 yrs don't have that quality control.

Tim

[nostrebor]

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00926620000

This one is produced by Bosch. Bosch seems to rank #1, PC #2, Dewalt #3 in any typical tool comparison by the big magazines. I hve read quite favorable reviews on the Craftsman one linked above as well. It's just a re-boxed red colored Bosch from what I've read.

2 cents...

[AceTKK]

Can't go wrong with DeWalt or Porter Cable, Sears carries both.  They also carry a Craftsman rebranded Bosch router kit that's excellent too (you'll recognize it by the maple wood handles on the base).

-Ace-

[MikeQ]

Porter Cable.  A lot of add-ons are made for Porter Cable Routers.  You can also get a plunge base for the Porter Cable.  There is a dovetail machine made for use with the Porter Cable also.  I just made a dovetailed keyboard drawer for my arcade cabinet.

[RetroACTIVE]

I actually own a Bosch vs router...  everything else I pretty much stick with Dewalt and Porter Cable. 

They also carry a Craftsman rebranded Bosch router kit that's excellent too (you'll recognize it by the maple wood handles on the base)

I did not know that Sears was rebranding Bosch.. it has been a while since I actually looked @ Sears power tools.

[AC.]

Whu? What are you guys talking about?  Get a netgear router with at least 8 ports. Netgear has worked well for me. 

Huh? --oh THAT kind of router.    Dewalt.

[javeryh]

Whu? What are you guys talking about?

[DrewKaree]

Prolly too late, but for what it's worth, Milwaukee also makes some nice routers.  My list

Routers
1  Porter Cable
2  Milwaukee
3  Bosch
4  DeWalt

Jigsaws
1  DeWalt (used to be #2)
2  Bosch (used to be #1)
3  Anyone else

Tablesaw
1  What you can afford
2  Ryobi BT3100
3  Delta
3  Rigid (for a portable only)
4  DeWalt

Circ Saw
1  Bosch
2  Milwaukee
3  DeWalt

The only thing that's ever changed my opinion is mark's DeWalt jigsaw.  My wallet occasionally screams at me if I have to replace a tool immediately as well.

[SithMaster]

you beat me me to the router joke but i have another

if you need help configuring it let me know i can set it up quick.

[grumble]

I bought a Porter Cable 690 kit with both a plunge and a fixed base at Sears last year and I've been really happy with it. That sucker can handle almost anything! Another nice thing about the P.C. is that it is almost the standard in router designs. That makes it very easy to find jigs or make your own based on plans as they are often aimed at the P.C. 690. And as others have stated there are a lot of accessories! It's also very nice to be able change collets to accept either 1/4" or 1/2" bits.

[AC.]

Use carbon fiber stucco lathe. First, slave the lathe.