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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Aceldamor on November 03, 2015, 08:55:47 pm

Title: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: Aceldamor on November 03, 2015, 08:55:47 pm
Hey guys,

I'm getting close to starting to actually cut wood and had a question or two on routers. I see regular and plunge. I've seen people use both regular and plunge.

I'm assuming the strength of plunge is that you can do just as advertised and "plunge" down into the wood for things like designs, speaker grills, etc. If you don't need to plunge and just want to run an edge for template copy or t-molding, can you lock the plunge into position? Again, on assumption, I would think you could, but this may be the difference on the purchase for me if you can't.

Thanks,
Ace
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: wp34 on November 03, 2015, 10:18:03 pm
Yes you can lock the plunge. You can also get a kit that has both plunge and fixed bases.
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: Aceldamor on November 03, 2015, 10:47:59 pm
Thanks mate!!
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: vfecde on November 04, 2015, 09:09:03 am
If you invision using a router more than just for the single build and dont mind spending the money, many people will probably recommend the Bosch 1617EVSPK. Can be found around 100-150$ and will last you a long time. I have been using this router set for a while and it is very nice.
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: wcndave on November 04, 2015, 11:40:06 am
Plunge routers are more flexible. Fixed base have a lower centre of gravity and so are easier to work with. Unless you're going to get into woodworking and have a few, go for plunge.

Read up on how to use them, most important thing is to go the right direction, otherwise you can really mess stuff up.

Sent from my GT-I9301I using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: vwalbridge on November 04, 2015, 11:50:45 am
Yes you can lock the plunge. You can also get a kit that has both plunge and fixed bases.

+1

Both the DeWalt Combo Kit (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JKXE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UXLK6YBV7P2U&coliid=I3MHHD8RQSOOA1) and the Bosch Combo Kit (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=pd_sim_469_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41uJ-MY--oL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0XWTS8Z10J1Z57TSV3EQ) come highly rated.

And if you really want to get fancy, you can get the Bosch Router Table (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1171-Cabinet-Style-Router/dp/B000H14DLY/ref=pd_sim_469_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=515DKDyDkJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=165VN6AN0WF21TKTMSR0) attachment. 

(I've got an old fixed-based Sears router that is getting a little long in the teeth so I've been eyeballin' that DeWalt kit for a long time)

Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: wp34 on November 04, 2015, 11:55:36 am
Yes you can lock the plunge. You can also get a kit that has both plunge and fixed bases.

+1

Both the DeWalt Combo Kit (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JKXE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UXLK6YBV7P2U&coliid=I3MHHD8RQSOOA1) and the Bosch Combo Kit (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=pd_sim_469_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41uJ-MY--oL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0XWTS8Z10J1Z57TSV3EQ) come highly rated.

And if you really want to get fancy, you can get the Bosch Router Table (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1171-Cabinet-Style-Router/dp/B000H14DLY/ref=pd_sim_469_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=515DKDyDkJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=165VN6AN0WF21TKTMSR0) attachment. 

(I've got an old fixed-based Sears router that is getting a little long in the teeth so I've been eyeballin' that DeWalt kit for a long time)

I've got both of those router kits because I have a tool problem.   ;D
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: vwalbridge on November 04, 2015, 11:57:24 am
Yes you can lock the plunge. You can also get a kit that has both plunge and fixed bases.

+1

Both the DeWalt Combo Kit (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006JKXE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UXLK6YBV7P2U&coliid=I3MHHD8RQSOOA1) and the Bosch Combo Kit (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=pd_sim_469_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41uJ-MY--oL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0XWTS8Z10J1Z57TSV3EQ) come highly rated.

And if you really want to get fancy, you can get the Bosch Router Table (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-RA1171-Cabinet-Style-Router/dp/B000H14DLY/ref=pd_sim_469_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=515DKDyDkJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=165VN6AN0WF21TKTMSR0) attachment. 

(I've got an old fixed-based Sears router that is getting a little long in the teeth so I've been eyeballin' that DeWalt kit for a long time)

I've got both of those router kits because I have a tool problem.   ;D

NICE! lucky!

...and one can never own too many tools.  ;)
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: wp34 on November 04, 2015, 03:50:18 pm
...and one can never own too many tools.  ;)

Quoted for truth.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: vwalbridge on November 04, 2015, 03:54:29 pm
I've got both of those router kits because I have a tool problem.   ;D

May I ask which one you prefer over the other?

(I'm normally a DeWalt guy myself but I'd love to know your thoughts)
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: wp34 on November 04, 2015, 04:15:26 pm
I much prefer the Dewalt although the Bosch has worked great for me.  I just checked though and my model is slightly different.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611PK-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0049ZFUK2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1446671234&sr=1-2&keywords=dewalt+router (http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611PK-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0049ZFUK2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1446671234&sr=1-2&keywords=dewalt+router)

The reason prefer this one over the Bosch is mainly size.  My Dewalt will only take a 1/4 collet though which is sometimes limiting.  The one you linked two handles both 1/4 and 1/2 bits.
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: vwalbridge on November 04, 2015, 04:18:28 pm
I much prefer the Dewalt although the Bosch has worked great for me.  I just checked though and my model is slightly different.

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611PK-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0049ZFUK2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1446671234&sr=1-2&keywords=dewalt+router (http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWP611PK-Torque-Variable-Compact/dp/B0049ZFUK2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1446671234&sr=1-2&keywords=dewalt+router)

The reason prefer this one over the Bosch is mainly size.  My Dewalt will only take a 1/4 collet though which is sometimes limiting.  The one you linked two handles both 1/4 and 1/2 bits.

Thank You. DeWalt it is then. Appreciate it!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: BorgDog on November 04, 2015, 09:27:05 pm
I have 2 of the Porter Cable 1 3/4 HP, got the kit with fixed and plunge base, then another with just a fixed base.  One is permanently mounted in the router table, the other for whatever.  Been very happy with them.  When i bought the first set 15 or so years ago it was between that and the DeWalt, would have been happy with either, someone had a great sale on the PC so I ended up with them.

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00006411C/ (http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00006411C/)
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: Aceldamor on November 05, 2015, 04:36:48 pm
Wow..thanks for all the info fellas! Lots of good info and product links..

You guys are the shiz!  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: lordjackenstein on December 21, 2015, 04:56:32 pm
You are going to want a regular router, usually these come with plunge attachments.
Title: Re: Router N00b has some questions
Post by: RetroArcadePro on December 26, 2015, 03:49:32 am
I have the Bosch router with fixed and plunge bases. The fixed stays attached in the router table. I also have a rigid laminate trimmer. The smaller size of a laminate trimmer makes it very useful for doing edge work so as cutting a t molding slot.