newbie woodworking guy needs help choosing a router?

Question

hi all,

I'm getting into woodworking..thought it would be cool to get a router...not sure about some things..
1. what is a good brand?..what is pure junk?
2. how much house power do I need for the average guy doing weekend projects..does more HP equate being able to do harder woods or does it mean that job will go that much faster?
3.I seen routers range from 69 to 199 dollars at the home depot...not sure if I want to invest tons of $$$ right now..could I get by with the 69 $ one or would I just be throwing my money away in the future?

4. finally my friend suggested that I look at pawn shops..might be a deal..most sell tools etc..just curious if you'd purchase one from a pawn shop..or do you think by that time someone really used and abused the router..not worth my time looking..
sorta like buying someone's used truck..one has no idea that they've been hauling or how they abused it etc..

thanks for your opinion

Leo

Answer 1

Unless I'm buying a tool that I know I will have a very limited use for, I subscribe to the "buy once, cry once" theory of tool buying. That means you spend the money once to buy a good tool rather than buying something cheap that you will hate every time you use it and will fail prematurely.

I agree with Keith regarding the good brands, and buying a model with both fixed and plunge bases. My specific recommendation would be for the Porter-Cable 690 Combo Kit. You can see it at http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10225.

It has both a fixed and a plunge base and the router is soft-start variable speed. Porter-Cable is nice because there are lots of available accessories. It comes with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets. If down the road you need to do template routing, you can get template guides to fit it with no problem.

The 690 is a 1 3/4 HP router, which is all you need for handheld routing. If you ever set yourself up with a serious router table, you'd probably want something in the 3+ HP range.

Answer 2

I do a lot of woodworking but don't use my power tools in a "everyday" situation. I have the Skil router from HD. It's 2-1/4 HP, has a fixed and plunge base and works really well. The main thing, with any power tool is the cutting accessories. You can buy a $400 router, but if you use $2 bits, the workpiece will show it. Put your money into good bits. I agree with getting a router with 1/4 and 1/2" collets. Since you are new to woodworking, spending a bundle on a tool that may sit on the shelf 3/4 of the time is not good. I would suggest going with the lower priced unit to see if it is something you like doing. It is also a chance to see what you really need for your projects. Buying from a pawn shop is not a good idea. You may be buying someone elses junk and will soon be looking for a parts and operating manual that is out of date. Good luck in your new endeavor and work safe.

Answer 3

I just came across a site with over 16,000 downloadable woodworking plans at:

http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans





Here is an honest review





If you want to start a woodworking project, you need all the necessary information, including schematics, blueprints, materials lists, dimensions etc. That is where TedsWoodworking comes in. The plans are clearly drawn and there're step-by-step explainations of how the plan should be done and put together.



There are several other sites whose collection of plans have the dimensions totally wrong without any indication of parts lists, material lists or the tools needed. If you're one of those people who have bought plans like this in the past, TedsWoodworking will change your perception.



In Ted's Woodworking you will get everything you need:

-Diagrams which are detailed with a full set of dimensions

-Step -by-step instructions how to start your project

-The necessary materials for that particular project

-All the woodworking tools you will need



If you are a beginner or have done some woodworking you will find these plans easy-to-follow as the instructions are very clearly written. The woodworking plans are straightforward so they are not complicated at all. Even if you are a total newcomer to woodworking you will simply be able to master all the techniques that are needed and the woodworking skills very quickly by following the concise and clear instructions.



Another thing which is so great about these woodworking plans is that there have been some videos included and there are some to guide you in how to build benches home furniture dog houses bird feeders sheds and much much more.



There is also a lifetime member acess included in the package and you get these extras for no cost to you as they are free with no additional charges at all! This alone is worth the entire price for TedsWoodworking.



Ted Mcgrath is a very dedicated and experienced woodworker who knows what he is talking about when it comes to woodworking and DIY projects s he has been a woodworker for many many years.



Cons

There is only one drawback that we could find and that being with 16,000 woodworking plans you are bound to get some which look a little disorganized but that is understandable as it is very difficult to place all these plans into their proper categories. Secondly, it might take you a little longer to do the downloads on because of the size of them. But the members area include an option to upgrade to the DVD so you can save time on downloading.



Bottom line:

Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.Here's the bottom line: If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you SHOULD use, it's something that you would be insane not to.





Check the site: http://tinyurl.com/WoodWorkingTedPlans

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

2

Answer 6

Good brands are Porter Cable, DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita. These are all meant for serious use. Brands such as Black & Decker, Skil, Ryobi, and (most) Craftsman are meant for the once a year user. Premium brands, such as Festool, will be 2-4 times as much as a good professional model.



For the average guy the 10-14 amp models will see most things you will do. Ignore the HP ratings, as (especially Sears) are exaggerated. Get one with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets to allow the maximum flexibility for bits.



If you are only going to get one router, I'd suggest the kits with a fixed base and a plunge base. Again, this will give you a lot of flexibility. You may decide to leave the fixed base mostly resident in a router table.



I can pretty much guarantee that if you use the tool freqently (monthly or more), your $69 router will need to be replaced in a few years.



I would not buy from a pawn shop. Routers there are likely to have been thrown in a bucket or back of a pickup, dropped off a roof, full of dirt or drywall powder, and generally been abused.

Answer 7

Lots of good wisdom.

Have a sears which is over 30 years old ( what I could afford at the time).

The only thing I can say is it has'nt died yet.

If cash is an issue, might try them & others for factory refurb for a starter that might not break the bank.

Lots of great toys out there & as mentioned the Porter Cable

set w/ plunge base is an excellent value for the money (that's next)

Good bits are worth it & if you can resist buying a cased assortment, buying "good" ones as you need them is a way to save a buck initially.

In practical terms , have to figure how much router work you will be doing.

Middle of the road might do it for you.

$69 .....naaa.

Best regards

Answer 8

Used Wood Router

Answer 9

I have a Porter Cable 691. It is about 12 years old and has been a very good tool. I am a fairly serious woodworker and I use my router all the time. The only repair has been to replace the brushes last year.



The 690 combo is a good buy. I personally like the D-handle base. I feel like it gives me more control.

Answer 10

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/GuideToWoodworking

Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 11

In the event that you are searching for woodworking plans you can discover a huge number of woodworking plans on this website ( woodworkingplans.kyma.info ) It's the perfect result in the event that you are simply starting with woodworking and also in case that you have already experience with it. You can discover a ton of woodworking arrangements and you will have the capacity to deal with the projects with a CAD/DWG software. It permits you to alter the projects and to alter the arragements.if you are a beginner this is a great approach to start. It's the best approach to woodworking; and on the off chance that you already have experience you will discover a considerable measure of plans and inspirations to improve your capabilities with woodwork.

Answer 12

Woodworking Manual Decks Sheds Greenhouses - http://Woodworking.NaturallySaver.com

Answer 13

I'm a cabinet maker, and own all the major brand tools. Each of the brands seem to make 1 tool that's the best. Buy yourself a Porter Cable router, and get at least a 3/4 horse.

Answer 14

Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.Here's the bottom line: If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to.





Check the site https://tr.im/HEVFS

Answer 15

Diy Stepbystep Woodworking Course : http://www.WoodWorkingsHappy.com

Answer 16

You are probably tired of looking through stacks and stacks of projects on woodworking in magazines and books of all kinds for some instructions on how to do a certain project. Here is a site which offers 16000 plans https://tr.im/ManualOfWoodworking

How would you like to have woodworking plans (actually thousands of them) available to you anytime you wanted them. It would be so easy when you do not have to paw through all kinds of old magazines but have it right there at your fingertips.

Answer 17

Want you like to get instant access to over 16,000 woodworking plans?

Check it out https://tr.im/51274

Along with stone, mud and animal parts, wood was one of the first materials worked by early humans. Microwear analysis of the Mousterian stone tools used by the Neanderthals show that many were used to work wood. The development of civilization was closely tied to the development of increasingly greater degrees of skill in working these materials.

Answer 18

The best way to make money online is by learning affiliation marketing. Here you can find a lot of useful information to start making money from today http://moneyonline.toptips.org

It's everything free! I have been doing that method and I am earning good money now.

Good luck!

Answer 19

I started building a shed at the beginning of the year with some free plan I found online. Have a look and see if they might help you https://tr.im/i9qz7

Answer 20

If you are looking for woodworking plans,

you have to give a look here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=294

Answer 21

For the best answers, search on this site https://smarturl.im/aDDpy



Can't imagine that this love is through ...... Feelin' the pain, girl when you lose ...... Oh it's too hot, too hot, lady ....... Gotta run for shelter ........ Gotta run for shade ......... It's too hot, too hot, lady ........ We gotta cool this anger ........ What a mess we made ........ So long ago you were my love ....... Oh my love ........ I pick Too Hot by Kool & the Gang ....... it is such a great soul song and it is so smooth ....... I wish today's artists could make music this smooth ....... = )

Answer 22

I just discovered this and suggest you see this immediately https://tr.im/h3fTX