150 Re: Yet Another Router Question...
Description
This article is from the Woodworking FAQ Collection 4, by multiple authors.
150 Re: Yet Another Router Question...
From camex!Camex.COM!chrisi@uunet.UU.NET Fri Sep 20 07:43:41 1991
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 91 10:36:28 EDT
From: chrisi@Camex.COM (Chris Ischay)
To: levenson@saffron.Eng.Sun.COM
Cc:
Content-Length: 1788
In article <20231@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> you write:
>I've finally convinced myself that I cannot live without a router. As a
>weekend warrior, I was planning on either the PorterCable 690 or Makita 3601.
>Either of these would be fine for my needs and fit the budget.
I have a PC 691 (I think). It's the same motor but with a D-handle with a
trigger on the handle as well as a toggle switch on top of the motor. I
think it's great. I have not run into anything that can't be cut, and ANY
router will require taking light passes when you're removing a lot of
material anyway.
I especially like the D-handle. The feel is secure, and the double power
switch gives me an added sense of safety. There is a knob for the other
hand, like on the 690, and it can be set left or right as you prefer. I
wouldn't trade it. As another weekend warrior, I don't need anything else.
Also, the PC has a 1/2" collet, and I bought 3/8" and 1/4" just in case.
I've never bought anything but 1/2" shank bits though. I would forego a
fence attachment.
>So the question is, why shouldn't I buy the Freud? It is much heavier, so I
>assume handheld work is harder. Does the extra power make it harder to
>handle?
What other kind of work than handheld is there? Unless you mount it in a
table, you gotta hold on to the thing. I don't see where you need the
power. And when a router fires up it's an awesome thing. It has a kick to
it and it's just a little scary. A heavier router doesn't seem to be any
advantage to me. As far as plunging, I plunge just fine with plunge bits
and a guide clamped to the work so I come down straight. I start the thing
going tilted back a little and ease it down. Works great. In fact, I
would dislike it any other way.
Chris Ischay
chrisi@bos.camex.com
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