(Part 2) Best routers according to redditors

1. Around the $200-250 mark is the sweet spot of good routers in my opinion. I haven't personally used it but this bosch gets very good reviews and costs $200. I personally have this Triton router. It really depends what features you need. The Bosch is a good general use router which will be able to tackle most tasks. The Triton is good if you intend to use in a router table because it has a built in lift system. Another nice thing about the triton is its basically a fixed based and plunge router in one so you dont have to change the bases. That's not really a big deal as changing bases isn't hard but it is nice.
   
   
2. Pretty much all routers will come with a fence for straight cuts. Others than that jigs depend on what tasks you want to use the router for, I don't think there's any must haves. Most router jigs can be built out of offcuts and scraps so you can just make them as you need them.
   
   
3. Yes, you can replace the functionality of a router with hand tools. It might not be practical though and will definitely cost you more money. A router basically replaces any joinery plane or moulding plane. You'd need a plough plane, rebate plane, router plane, and a half dozen moulding planes to replace the basic functions of a router, and more for specialty work. Before routers a wood worker would have around 50 to 60 different planes to do the jobs a router can do.
   
   
4. Companies like Ryobi don't necessarily make crap tools but they're geared towards people doing DIY type work. They aren't made to the same level of quality as better brands. In my opinion for something like a router its worth getting something a bit better.
   
   
5. Routers have a lot of functions, too many to list. You've covered the basic ones such as mouldings and joinery. Some others include inlay and template routing. They're a very versatile tool. I wouldn't worry too much about learning everything all at once. Once you start using it you'll learn how it works and what you can do with it.

I love routers. By far my most used power tool. With that said, I'd recommend the following:

Fixed and plunge bases are good, but if you only get one, get a plunge base. My fixed base is attached to my router table. I never take it out of there and never use it otherwise. A plunge base can do any freehand routing operation (better than a fixed base as well).

However don't overlook the usefulness of a router table. They are fairly easy to build, and about 50% of my routing is done in a table.

I'd stay in the 2hp to 2.5hp range. A 2.5hp router is capable of mostly anything you would ask a router to do. With the very large raised panel bits you really want 3 to 3.5hp, but unless you are making a ton of raised panel doors, that shouldn't be your deciding factor.

If you can swing 250.00, get this Triton. It's all the router you'll ever need. It's "dual mode" so it works hand held, or in a router table without buying a very expensive router lift.

I'd also strongly recommend this Bosch kit. Both fixed and plunge bases. Don't let the price fool you, this is probably a lifetime tool.

Going any cheaper than that, you'd have to ask someone else. I really don't have any experience with the more inexpensive routers. For what the tool is capable of, the 180.00 asking price for the Bosch 1617 is a steal

Hey OP depending on how much cash you got/What you want to make I can recommend you get this router here.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484624879&sr=1-1&keywords=bosch+router

It has sufficient power to handle most bits and has a super convenient height adjustment that can be used over the table with a hex key. It also comes with two bases (plunge and fixed) so you can just yank it out whenever you need it and not have to unscrew it.

Now if you want something that will handle anything you throw at it you can get one of those 3 1/4 HP monsters which will handle every massive 3 1/2 inch raised panel bits with ease.

Some good routers are:

https://www.amazon.com/Triton-TRA001-Precision-Plunge-Router/dp/B00779ND0Q/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625229&sr=1-4&keywords=triton+router

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7518-Speedmatic-5-Speed-Router/dp/B0000222V3/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625371&sr=1-1&keywords=porter+cable+3+hp

OR if you got the cash you can buy Festools best router:

https://www.amazon.com/Festool-574354-EB-Router-2200-Watts/dp/B0079XHISS/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625654&sr=1-2&keywords=festool+router

As far as insert plates are concerned Kreg makes the for several routers our you can get them from the manufactures of the router themselves.

I have the edge guide for my DeWalt and it works pretty well though it can float towards the edge if you're not careful about it being flush all the time.

If it has a spot on the bottom for power it could be a heated foam carver. https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wire-Foam-Factory-Sculpting/dp/B0043G5T6W

I don't know if this one blows the budget at around $300 for you, but my router table router is the Porter Cable 7518. Plenty of power, and adjustable speed so you can use wider bits (panel cutting, etc) at lower speeds. You can also buy this tool as motor only for use in a lift.

If you're going for a dedicated table router, I have this guy and it's not too bad: https://www.amazon.com/Variable-Router-Portamate-PM-P254-Wrenches/dp/B00TBF5DSY

Mine accelerated the variable speed control on its own but supposedly theres a fix for that; I just haven't called in yet.

You can get a ]two-handled plunge base](https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PR011-Router-PR20EVS-Routers/dp/B009ZQUB5O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1464842679&sr=8-5&keywords=bosch+colt+router) for the Colt routers. There are also two-handled fixed bases available too, like this one (although I've seen others that aren't nearly as ugly.) A two-handed fixed base like that would actually be a simple DIY project if someone was so inclined.

Bosch actually sells the Colt in a kit with the plunge base, but at that price (almost $200) I feel like a buyer should just step up to a full size router instead.

I am not sure which makita router you have, but I recently got a cordless Makita router with this base. Hopefully it fits.

Unless you are working on hard maple or similar woods, you can likely get away with a little less power. Something in the 1.5 hp, or 1000 Watt power range will do most jobs, and is lighter and easier to handle as a beginner. It will do lot of bigger jobs, but it will do them a little more slowly.

Things to look for:

1. Plunge. If your options is one or the other, and not both, get the plunge router as it will do more
   
   
2. Variable rpm. I like a dial that has actual rpm values on it, but a 1-10 scale is ok too.
   
   
3. Power compensation. This feature has many names, but it maintains tool rpm even if the depth of cut varies. Helps prevent cutter burn and promotes and even finish. Also makes the tool easier to use, especially when starting cuts.
   
   
4. Depth lock. All plunge routers have this, but some locks are garbage.
   
   
5. Depth stops. These are height setting that allow you to set up multiple cutting depths.
   
   
6. Dual collet sizes. Cutters come in 1/4 and 1/2 inch shank. Handy to have a router that takes both.
   
   
7. A sturdy base and stable feel. The base should be wide, and when lowered into cut the router should be well balanced when you hold by the grips. It should not be top-heavy.
   
   Lots of good brands out there. Ridgid, dewalt, milwaulkee, makita, bosch, porter cable, ryobi, and hitachi all make good tools at various price levels.
   
   I love my Triton. I like the balance, the feel, the electonics, and the very cool plunge mechanisms. It also runs very true. <0.0005" runout with 1/2" drill rod in the collet Triton MOF001

> Bosch 1617 kit with the table specific fixed base

Something like this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSTB-Router-Table-Base/dp/B0070308CA

When i was tooling around on amazon for a few i saw some dewalts but they had some half and half reviews.

What do you think of the table inserts that are out there? example of what i am talking about is what this guy uses in the middle to attach his router to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf5tRp35EEU

The last table i built, i didn't use something like that, i just cut out a center hole and mounter the router under it. Atleast with these inserts i think it will be easier to get a zero clearance on it.

For a dedicated router table I'd consider springing for a full size router motor like the PC 75182 or the jessem

I had the original (blue) Ryobi cordless trim router that lasted a couple years with moderate use. Burned out a bearing while building a set of large speakers and purchased the new (green) version. I am a big fan of these cordless routers. they can handle most light to moderate routing jobs. The small size and lack of a cord makes them highly maneuverable and convenient. I usually pick one of these over my full size router for most jobs.

Rigid makes a similar version to the Ryobi with a brushless motor:
https://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-R86044B-18-Volt-Brushless-Compact/dp/B01NABYVA0

Makita also recently came out with a very nice cordless router:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XTR01Z-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless/dp/B074BYS49M

I have Dewalt tools now so if they ever come out with a cordless router I would buy it immediately.

There are not a lot of safety features on routers. I generally hate cheap tools, and would advise looking at the used market, but this looks like a viable option It takes 1/4" and 1/2" shank bits which is nice.

You can get a new one for decently cheap. I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/SKIL-1830-120-Volt-Combo-Router/dp/B004SKY73O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420119249&sr=8-1&keywords=skil+router

That's a trivial operation with an edge guide. Most router manufacturers make one as an inexpensive add on. I'm pretty sure you could make one yourself too, with a bit more effort.

This is an example of the type of thing you're looking for: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002232W/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001DSZSFK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=168W1MMRHGHKE4PECEMS

It has a fence that rides along the edge of the workpiece, and the router's base plate sits on top. Just keep the fence and the router tight to the workpiece and you'll get a perfect groove right where you want it.

Great idea, making a simple telecaster is WELL within your ability right now. Just add an $8 rasp (for shaping the neck) and a cheap router (for cutting the electronics slots) to your tool list and you're ready to go. No reason not to start building your first guitar today ;)

Is it really worth it to get a 3 1/4hp model for twice the cost of a 2-1/4 hp fixed model?

Would a 2-1/4 with plunge and fixed base model be good enough for entry level routing?

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-892-2-1-4-Horsepower-Router/dp/B0000DCBK0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451185999&sr=8-2&keywords=porter+cable+routers

this porter cable is on for a hell of a deal right now. its a quality router for the price of a cheap-o

Looks like there have been some suggestions already but I thought I'd make one. I've had the Dewalt DW618 for a little while now and really like it. Comes with a 1/4" and 1/2" collet, fixed base, soft start and 6 speeds, 8,000-24,000 if I remember correctly.

It's currently $150 on Amazon and there is an instant $20 rebate on it so that knocks it down to $130. And that goes until June 30th, 2017.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW618-Electronic-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Base/dp/B00006JKXB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498671119&sr=8-1&keywords=dewalt+dw618

Edit - Corrected information and added link.

"Spindle" is probably the wrong tactic. Try "X router motor"

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW618-Electronic-Variable-Speed-Fixed-Base/dp/B00006JKXB/ref=sr_1_2

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVS-2-1-Variable-Speed-Router/dp/B00004TKHV

Please don't buy that router, instead buy a DW 618PK or a DW 621.

Also consider a bit from Eagle

Well I got my plunge router on Craigslist for 50 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005S7TD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AnVqxbCEC3DG8

That was too good to pass up. For one of those little trim routers that retail for ~100, id call something in the $30 range a deal. I don't buy used power tools for less than 50% of retail. If your patient you can almost always fond one on food condition at that markdown. And its not worth the risk and lack of warranty for me unless I save that much.

1. buy a half in router, the 1/4" ones are mostly useless. Check craigslist
   
   
2. buy this set of router bits, I don't think there's a better deal out there
   
   
3. feed left to right, as you face the edge you're cutting
   
   It's not hard. I use a Makita RD1101 bought used, which I like because the grip allows me to keep pressure on top the the piece I'm cutting.

You may end up needing two routers. It just depends on what all you're planning to do. I use a D handle router from Makita with variable speed for a lot of different things that my small trim router can't do. But I use my small trim router out a lot of things that the big old D handle wouldn't do very efficiently. I would definitely suggest checking out the Mikita linked below it's been a work horse for me otherwise get a little Bosch colt trim router, $70 or so typically on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-RD1101-4-Horsepower-Variable-D-Handle/dp/B000051WRP

I swear, I bet half of you guys couldn't build a fucking hamster wheel without a $100 full set of instructions and the best tools money can buy. Compensating for your lack of skill with your wallets!

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-2-HP-10-Amp-Plunge-Base-Router-RE180PL1G/205509658.

$100 3 year warranty

https://www.amazon.com/Decker-RP250-10-Amp-4-Inch-Variable/dp/B000IEFIBO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483817603&sr=8-2&keywords=plunge+router

$77 2 year warranty

I know power tools, carpentry, and how you rarely get what you pay for. Far too many people buy into brand names and marketing bs.

Worst case scenario, you have to do a tad more cleanup with a chisel.