cheap router?

[pezkore]

I dont have a router and it looks like i am going to need to it install my t-molding and controls. where can i find a cheap router that will suffice for my need?

[SNAAAKE]

I dont have a router and it looks like i am going to need to it install my t-molding and controls. where can i find a cheap router that will suffice for my need?

Is $60 cheap  
Home depot got that ruby router for $60.I got mine couple of days ago..its worth the money..I tried buying a router for less then $60 but NEVER found any less then $60 .

[AX]

if your spending 60 spend $100 and buy the ryobi plunge router.  It has way more capabilities and is less prone to break.  I broke 2 of the cheaper ones.

[shmokes]

Look on Ebay.  At any given time there are a bunch of no-name $30 routers.  I'm sure they are comparative crap compared with a nice router, but if you have no intention of becoming an amature wood worker beyond building this cabinet I'm sure these would work just fine for you.  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2324751221&category=20781

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2323904447&category=20780

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2324774819&category=20781

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2323960211&category=20781

[JesterDEV]

Check yard sales! I just picked up a sears robuck one for $10. Works like a dream.  

[rampy]

what the others said... or you could rent one, although at about 20 beans a day, and buying bits you'll never use except to do t-molding ... you might as well buy one (or borrow one from a wood working savvy buddy)

*shrug*
rampy

[Homebrew]

I second AX's suggestion.  I bought the ryobi plunge router and its a good router for the price.  FYI, sears was(maybe still is) rebadging ryobi routers for their craftsman line.  Thats why i decided to buy my ryobi.  Sears was out of stock of the one i wanted so i idid some research and found out that it was just a rebadge ryobi, so i bought the ryobi branded version.  I've been quite happy with it so far.  The plunge action comes in handy even though its not a necessity.

-Kevin

[MameFan]

3 words:  Harbor Freight Tools

They have CHEAP tools.  The general concensus is that unless you use it daily as a contractor and are only the occassional wood worker, most of their stuff will last as long as you need it, and if it should break, even buying a replacement you're ahead of paying the big $ for the "name brand" stuff.

Yes you have to look carefully and make good choices.  Some of their stuff is as good as any name brand, some not as good.

If you're not lucky enough to have them in your city, you can at least order online: http://www.harborfreighttools.com

Some examples of their awesome pricing recently:
- 10" Compound SLIDING miter saw (12" rip cuts!) with 60 tooth blade, 15 amp/5000 RPM.. $99.99 !
- 4" square orbital palm sander.. $7.99 !
- Fixed router: $19.99
- Plunge Router: $39.99
- 9.6 Volt cordless screwdriver with batt pack and charger: $7.99 keyed chuck, $9.99 keyless !
- Bicycle foot pump. $2.50
- Random orbital polisher (10")-- $13.99
- 25 hex allen wrench key set, us/metric.. $2.50
- 8 piece furniture mover rubber/plastic pieces.. $2.50

And the list goes on and on... Glad I have them in my town..Can't be beat to stock up on the stuff that costs more at Menards/Lowes/Home Depot

[skirge66]

got a black & decker with a 4" plunge...works like a champ for $70 at home depot, been very happy with it so far

[Amra]

Purchased at a Pawn Shop for 29.99, still in the Box.  For ANY tool, a Pawn Shop is almost always the cheapest solution, some times you will find them still New in the Box (example, above).  I purchase all my /expensive/ tools at Pawn Shops.

[u_rebelscum]

3 words:  Harbor Freight Tools

Corrected link: http://www.harborfreight.com/

My granddad used to buy everything from them when he still "tinkered around the house".  IIRC, once he bought a 4 ton jack weighing ~50 pounds shipped for $5!  It worked so well for so low a price, he got another one to work twice as fast.  (FWIW, he was bending pipe for handrailings on circular staircases in his house.)

The online site is pretty bad, but he passes the mail catalogs he still gets on to me.  Some of the prices have to be too low to make any money on them.

[pezkore]

Ok, i think i now know where to look for a cheap router, but there is one problem. I have no idea how to use one to install T-molding. anyone want to lay that out for me?

[rampy]

Ok, i think i now know where to look for a cheap router, but there is one problem. I have no idea how to use one to install T-molding. anyone want to lay that out for me?

Someone posted some excellent DIY links a while back with great pictures/diagrams....

here's what I remember (you're on your own though - i.e. i am not responsible for your actions)

Always cut from left to right... try it out on a practice piece first.

Make sure your slot cutting bit is assembled correctly, securely, and put in probperly into the "chuck".
'
If I get a wild hair I'll look up that old thread (or you could) and post the thread/link here.

rampy