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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: mgb on January 11, 2011, 08:00:46 am

Title: Cheap Router
Post by: mgb on January 11, 2011, 08:00:46 am

Just a heads up for anyone who may not know and needs a cheap router.
I recently bought the Chicago Electric router at Harbor Freight Tools. It was on sale for $22.
It is definately not a high quality pro tool but I have now used it for t mold slotting, trimming laminate and for some other cuts.
I didn't want to invest in an expensive router and I wanted it small for easy handling.
I definately got my moneys worth.

Title: Re: Cheap Router
Post by: taylormadelv on January 16, 2011, 12:56:28 pm

That's the TRIM router. I used a 20% off coupon + a sale and got a PLUNGE router for $47. Try cutting slots with a trim router! Read the reviews, that trim router will break quickly cutting slots.

Title: Re: Cheap Router
Post by: mgb on January 16, 2011, 01:53:08 pm

Yeah, I forgot to say that its a trim router. I also have a plunge router.
for $22 I don't expect it to last too long but I'm mostly using it for trimming laminate and occasional slotting.

Title: Re: Cheap Router
Post by: VanillaGorilla on February 09, 2011, 12:03:45 am

bought one. It works way too well for the 24 bucks I paid. Harbor Freight can suck, but this thing doesn't. And whats wrong with its slot cutting ability? It worked fine for me...
A review..

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f24/chicago-electric-inch-trim-router-model-44914-a-7058/ (http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f24/chicago-electric-inch-trim-router-model-44914-a-7058/)

Title: Re: Cheap Router
Post by: mgb on February 11, 2011, 09:51:51 am

Yeah I've ended up using mine a couple of times for slotting and other tasks (because my regular router slips) and its worked fine. I guess time will tell.

Title: Re: Cheap Router
Post by: BobA on February 25, 2011, 02:27:17 pm

Nice thing about a trim router is that they are light and easy to use.  Perfect for trimming plexi and laminate.