Router reccomendations

[emb]

I have been browsing through a couple hardware stores and came across this router at menards:

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/categories/page/shop.product_details/flypage/flypage.tpl/product_id/4726/category_id/651.html

I am not knowledgeable in knowing what is and isn't a good router. For the most part I will be using one for my next cabinet, and maybe for a couple projects on the side.

Would you recommend this router to a person like me? Most importantly, will it be adequate to build a cabinet?

[JRChristenson]

I wouldn't buy a Black & Decker, it won't work with any of the usual accessories, unless you modify them first. You'd be better off with a Porter Cable, or even a Dewalt, although Dewalt makes Black & Decker so I don't know why they don't just use the same type of base in the first place.

Jason

[JRChristenson]

Here's a Craftsman that LOOKS like it has a standard base on it.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927683000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

[jennifer]

  
        Routers are kind of funny things, If you get one soon you will have a few of them. mostly I use my laminate trimmer [even on the big jobs]
That one your looking at does have a desent price tag on it, [and plenty of power] for building cabs.

[restless1]

i liked this one because it has a digital depth reading so you can set your depth very accurate,,,

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00917517000P

[TopJimmyCooks]

Take it from someone who has and uses 7 different routers:

Dont worry about the base taking templates.  On cheap routers they are never reliably concentric to the bit and you will be better off with a bit with the bearing built in.
Don't buy anything with a digital depth gauge.  for the type of use you're considering, you need to test cut a scrap piece and measure to fine tune your depth.
Consider a laminate trimmer if you don't have to make any big rabbets or dados (i.e. 3/4" wide grooves in wood).  If you're just routing mdf and rounding over a laminate trimmer with a large base will do you just as well.

remember, ok to go cheap on the router but don't go below Bosch/amana/cmt quality level on the bits, it will not pay off.  be careful, routers are dangerous.  any questions, please reply or PM - happy to help.   

[Woodshop Flunky]

Unless you are planning on doing a lot of woodworking, just get a mid-priced router.  Save your money for the router bits.

I know most people use bits with bearings, but if I have a choice, I prefer bushings.  This set has pieces that center the base to the spindle and will allow the bushing and the bit to be concentric (that's important)   http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10671

[justinjstark]

Definitely spend the money to buy a decent router.  I'm wishing I would have spent more on my first router instead of buying such a cheap one.  If I could do it again, I would probably splurge on something like this.

As far as bits, MLCS makes some nice quality router bits for not a lot of money.  I have this set here.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Definitely spend the money to buy a decent router.

I agree, you need a "decent" router.

If you're wanting to build a router table consider a larger (more expensive) router.  Ideally, this router would stay mounted in the table.

For handheld work, look at something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-690LR-Amp-Fixed-Base-Router/dp/B00005QEVQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1303923391&sr=8-3  You don't want to get the cheapest thing Harbor Freight has to offer, but you also don't need a top of the line 3hp beast either.