Holy Crap - My Router Rocks!

[hedge]

Sorry - this isn't really a topic for discussion.  I just tested out my brand new router and 1/16" slotter bit for the first time and couldn't believe how great it works!

I tested in on a scrap piece of mdf and cut the 1/16" slot perfectly.  Straight, smooth and dead center!  It's one powerful tool - I can see me losing a finger at some point though.

Now I just need to find another use for my $250 toy...

[Sasquatch!]

Er, thanks for the product endorsement!

(Dude, which router did you get?)

[OSCAR]

Sorry - this isn't really a topic for discussion.  I just tested out my brand new router and 1/16" slotter bit for the first time and couldn't believe how great it works!

I tested in on a scrap piece of mdf and cut the 1/16" slot perfectly.  Straight, smooth and dead center!  It's one powerful tool - I can see me losing a finger at some point though.

Now I just need to find another use for my $250 toy...

Actually, a router is one of those tools that the more you use it, the more uses you find for it.  When you acquire a few accessories and various bits, you will find that you can do nearly anything you want with it.  On my latest cabinet, I never used a saw once.  I did everything with my drill and router.  It was more of a "just to see if I could do it" kind of thing, but I would do it again.  I even made all my pushbutton holes with the router and a circle jig...  

In the future if you need to pick up some more bits or accessories for your router, I recommend www.leevalley.com.  I have purchased more router bits than I care to admit, and I can say that the router bits from Lee Valley are the best I've used and very reasonably priced.

[Cue-Ball]

After using a router to make my cabinet i now wonder how anyone ever built anything without one.  They are just SO useful.

[Sasquatch!]

So hey, this seems like a good thread to ask: Any recommendations for a good not-too-expensive router?  I'm leaning toward Ryobi unless someone can convince me otherwise.

Also, what are good bits to get?  I know about the slot-cutting one, but what others are essential?  OSCAR, which bit did you use to cut your wood?  (Oh yeah, and for cutting plexi/lexan - straight cuts and hole cuts?)

[OSCAR]

Other than a slot cutting bit, the other most important bits I find are a regular straight bit (item # 16J04.58 on www.leevalley.com) and a straight template bit (item # 16J10.08).  The template bit is very handy because you can just set up a fence or guide and buzz around it because the bearing follows the profile of the guide.  I also use these same straight bits for cutting plexi.

For the holes I use a single flute 1/4" bit (item # 16J04.04) because that is what the circle jig (46J91.03 ) is designed for.

[Sasquatch!]

I don't even own a router - muchless know how to use one - so this is all news to me.  Thanks, OSCAR!

[AceTKK]

Porter Cable is the #1 name in consumer-level routers.  You can get a nice used on off of e-bay for $100-$150.  You can count on passing it down to your kids.  

-Ace-

[SirPeale]

I've got a Sears brand rotary tool that came with a router attachment.  Never used it, but would love to.  Anyone have any experience with it?

[hedge]

Er, thanks for the product endorsement!

(Dude, which router did you get?)

I picked up a Porter Cable with a 1/2" collet.  Forget the exact model - but got a good deal at HD.  Very sturdy tool.  A friend at work recommended it.