You're pretty much correct about all your impressions of routers. The plunge cut would ideally be done with a plunge router, but can easily be accomplisted with a fixed-base router. If you are going to put a recess in the bottom of your control panel to mount a joystick in for example you can just drill a hole into the spot where you're going to recess that is big enough in diameter to slip the router bit into and deep enough that the base of the router comes into contact with the surface of the wood. Then you can begin routing as though it were not a plunge cut, since I guess it is no longer a plung cut...

Also, if I am not mistaken (and I very well could be as I have only just used a router for the first time last night) you would generally want a fluted bit rather than one that was flat on the bottom for a plunge cut.
I hope that made sense.
Edit (this next part is kind of long, no need to read it if you aren't new to routers):
By the way, since I just used a router for the first time last night I am in a unique position to give you my first impressions. It was far easier to use than I expected. Simple to control and gave EXTREMELY nice results. I wasn't using a real big router (1 3/4 HP). The only thing I would tell you (as I had read so I was prepared for this) is that when you first turn it on the motor instantly wants to spin that little bit 20,000 - 30,000 RPM's. In actuality, though, the motor would just as soon spin the unit and have the bit stay where it is, which it tries to do (a combination of both really). So for about a tenth of a second when you first turn the router on it will give a pretty good jerk counter-clockwise, but then it becomes smooth and you could easily hold the router with only one hand while it's running as it no longer requires any force to keep it steady (not recommended -- always keep both hands and both eyes on such a powerful tool if it's on). The jerk is really not too bad, but would startle you pretty bad if you weren't expecting it. The power switch on mine is placed within reach of the handle so I have the luxury of having both hands on the machine when it does this, but it shouldn't be too bad even with only one hand -- just be aware of it. Also, DO NOT use a router without a dust mask (and goggles obviously). You don't need anything fancy, just a cheap $2 thing from ACE or Home Depot. You have to see how much ultra-fine saw dust these things make on even the smallest cuts to believe it. You don't want to breath that stuff in. For the same reason don't even think about just laying down newspaper or something and making cuts somewhere like a living room or kitchen. You will never, EVER, be able to clean up all the dust.
So....anybody possibly have the answers to my original post???
