Routers Reviews

When You Buy a White Side Bit,Or set. You Can Buy No Better Bit. They Are Of The Best You Can Find.Carbide Will Last For a Long Time,Almost Forever If Taken Care Of. Don't Hit The Carbide On Any Thing,Especially Any Thing Like Metal. Carbide Will Chip Easy. So Becarefull when Changing Bit's Or Laying around The shop,Don't Drop On The Floor. But They Are Not Like a EGG. They Just Don't Chip On any Hit, But Just Becreful,Like With any Bit.I Guess I'M Just Trying To Say Take Care Of Them And You Have A Bit For A Very L-o-n-g Time.And Cleaning Is Important, as any Bit Or saw Blade. I'm Not Trying To Teach a Class Here, Just Treat Your Bit's,Blade's,And any tool The way You Wanted To Be Treated. and You Will Have A Freind That Will Last You Very,Very Long. If You Read All Of This, Thank You For Your Time. and Have Fun With Your Tool's. Saftey First, As Norm Say's. Duane

I purchased this set for my husband to produce my cabinet doors for my new kitchen. The price was great and he was so happy with how they worked that he is going to make new cabinet doors for my bathrooms now. A great product - Super friendly staff - an Unbelievably low price - and my husband loves it! I will always buy Woodline

I don't know what more you could want in a good set of straight bits. I have used all but 1 bit in this set and I cannot say enough good about them. They're sharp right out of the box and Woodline stands behind they're product, some of the best customer service I've experienced in a long time. I've unfortunately been able to test how much of a beating the 1/4" bit can take, I would not have been surprised to see it broke in half, but it didnt even phase it, still cuts fantastic to this day. Highly Reccomended

I like this router but I'm not too impressed by it when comparing it to my original 90's DeWalt, DW625
Which is considered by many to be the best router of all times. Plain and simple.
M12v is a good router for the money and you can't beat the 5-year warranty. Why I'm not too impressed?

First the negatives compared to original DW625:
Plunge depth very limited. Can't use extreme long bits.
The collet dept for bits is not deep enough as in DW625 and could create a problem vibration with longer bits.
Soft start not that soft. Especially if you increase the speed during cut, you will get kick back.
This is extremely loud router.
No ¼ collet only reducer.
Plunge lock very crude.
The height adjustment is coarse threaded rod and requires many turns. Recommend Router Raizer if you are using it in the table.
Bit opening very small, can't swing large router bits. Will need to cut off the ears.
Plunge action not as smooth.
Looks like they've changed the base from older M12v's and most likely the motor quality? this base is so bad that the guide doesn't go through. I will be exchanging mine and hope the next one is better otherwise it's no way on this MALAYSIA made junk even for the price.
It's made in MALAYSIA and not japan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you can find a used one that's made in Japan get it otherwise?

The positives:
Dead on accurate as far as the bits being 100% perpendicular to the base from all sides.
Much better looking than the new M12v-2 which is the ugliest router in history.

I bought a 3 pack of these routers for my router table for making stile & rails & door cutters and they work great for the table !

For hand held routing they are a bit heavy is the only disadvantage of this router !

The big advantages are soft start and the massave H.P. it offers !

I highly praise this product !

Anthony J. Miles

Hitachi has been making the M12V for awhile now and any serious woodworker knows the name well. It stands for quality and precision.

I use this router only in a table and couldn't ask for more. I have the RAIZER mating it to help with above-table adjustments.

I have never had a problem with this router. It works for everything. 3.25 HP is right on the money.

Buy this product without hesitation.

Rockler.com has this same router for $309.99. Whats up with this price of $424?

I bought this router in order to place it under a router table. Currently, it is mounted in a Bench Dog Prolift, which is, in turn, mounted to the Bench Dog Cast Iron router table. All of this is mated to the left side of my trusty table saw. I think the weight of the set up contributes to a vibration free cut. A vibration free cut makes for a very happy me!
The very first thing I did was to raise a panel with a 3.5" Freud bit. I had used this bit before with a Makita 2.25 hp router. The results were fine, but it took forever and I thought I might burn up my little Japanese friend. Fortunately, we survived intact, but it took a toll on my nerves.
Skip ahead to now, I was able to make the exact same cut in 3 stress-free passes. Then I noticed the most amazing thing: the floor underneath my router table was littered with the most beautiful little shavings of wood. Imagine the fine, translucent shavings you would get with a well tuned Lie-Nielsen bench plane. The cut was beautiful! obviously, just as with stationary power tools, weight is a good thing!
As for the router, it is a solidly made tool. The electronics that control power work well. Upon startup, the router revs up and then slowly winds down to the proper setting. Start feeding your work too quickly and you can almost hear the router grunt as it applies more muscle to the job at hand. Back off on your work and the router speeds up and then slows back down to the correct rpm. I'm not too sure how I feel about the power switch and speed selection switch. neither seem to be protected from dust. I really do not care for the base casting. It is quite rough, with that "made in China" feel to it. However regarding both of these points, I am sure that this router was designed and built with table use in mind. In that case, perhaps these little concerns aren't particularly important... all in all, I am quite happy with my setup. I feel safe in saying that when mounted in a table, this router will produce consistent, high quality work!

If anyone wants a real router table and router that works try the Grizzly table this is one real working table and router .Adjustment is not that easy but what a product

For the price, it can't be beat. If you wanted to make a table of the same quality from off-the-shelf parts and birch-ply lumber, you'd spend more than $200. And you'd have to spend some time duplicating the simplicity and rigidity of its one-piece extruded aluminum fence. After shopping around for all the parts, I decided to save time and money buying it all in one neat package.

Assembly is clear and straightforward. The miter track has an integrated T-track for mounting featherboards - as does the top of the fence. Jointing setup (2 preset depths) uses a couple of aluminum bars that slide behind the outfeed fence.

The router plate accomodates many of the most common brands (no Festool, though) but does not use inserts. Just a hole in the middle of the plate. There is also no accomodation for a pin for freehand routing.

I'd bet that more than 90% of ordinary routing duties can be handled by this setup.

I love this thing. No complaints, AND it's price is VERY competitive. I initially set it up with a large Craftsman 3 1/4 HP router. I had no isses fitting it in the cabinet (I bought mine in Feb. 2004, and I believe they had increased the interior height by that point...don't quote me on that). I've used it for the standard edging applications and also for edge jointing. It actually works quite well for edge jointing!!! It takes some practice setting it up, but I used Digital Calipers to measure variances, and then move the in or out-feed fence accordingly. Once you get a method, it's only a 5 minute set-up. Not having a long bed makes jointing trickier, but hey, it's a router table. It is no jointer, but for the time being it is allowing me to get by without a jointer (that'll be my next purchase).

I've just bought a Hitachi M12V, so can't wait to mount that in there!!

I just bought the ProTop Contractor Router Table as a second table that I could set atop one of my workbenches in my woodshop at home. I figured "Hey, for a quick round over, or a second set-up in multi-step operation this would be great. I'm happy to say this has far exceeded my expectations. Allow me to brag-on for just a "bit" (no pun intended).

Why a small quality table even if you're NOT a contractor?

First
The price point of this unit is so attractive that I thought I'd be nuts to not have a second table. The only thing a serious home woodworker lacks is "multiple" machine setups like an industrial shop. I invested almost $1,700 in my first table with a sophisticated permanent lift, a sleek table with just the holes drilled for my router, and of course extremely well machined parts for accuracy with an awesome fence. All this is great, but it still needs to be setup for each and every operation, this takes time.

Second
For many of us we have multiple routers, generally sitting in their cases until used. I thought this was just the reason to put one of them to better use.

Third
A small table is more useful than I would have thought. I mean most of the time you're only routing smaller boards, rails, stiles, etc. These sizes are quite manageable on a small table, and I find myself using this little table more and more.

Forth
Fast, easy and accurate use. Let's be honest. It's nice to have the micro-fine adjustments of the higher end tables with a great lift. But, a good router today sells with an above-the-table adjustment tool. So it's entirely possible to get 1/64th adjustments with the turn of a $20 accessory!

So what impressed me the most about the ProTop unit?

1. Everything, and I mean everything fit perfectly the first time

2. The instructions - if followed, are accurate and well done.

3. There are extra parts in case you loose one - hurray! (I must admit though, I called tech support wondering why I was left with 4 lock washers, my answer was "we threw them in with the previous version, so don't worry about it you won't need them".

4. The price! Who cares if it took me a few hours to put together this little wonder, I didn't want to spend another $1,700 like I did on the last table. The most time consuming element is getting the router plate "just right".

5. It looks great when assembled, and the finish is really first class for any shop.

6. Even the doggone decals look great. (I normally would never put these things on)

7. This is even more embarrassing, I bought two "orange" feather-locs" by Benchdog since they match so nicely! (They also work great, too)

8. The "Lighted" Power Switch (option) also matches nicely and is SO practical and safe by being able to put it ON top of the fence.

9. This thing is quiet.

10. The table is flat.

11. The engineering is an elegant use of simple concepts to achieve the fit, the flatness, and it's square, true fence.

10. The fence is smooth AND SIMPLE TO USE

11.It works with lots of options. I simply got a different plate, drilled it out and viola! I had my above the table micro-fine adjustment tool put to work - I HAD NEVER USED THAT THING UNTIL NOW!! I wonder if I'm the only woodworker who buys these gadgets but doesn't actually use them for months?

12. The aluminum extrusions are true and flat, and really are the finishing touch for making a great table and fence at any price.

This thing will do you proud. If you're a woodworker, you'll wish you had developed this thing. It's a beautiful piece to just look at, not to mention a joy to use.

I actually really like this router. It is smooth, powerful, light and the smooth-start and constant speed features are great. The maple handles are a fine touch. The Bosch accessories are good quality.

However, I really wonder about the switch that fills with sawdust (and is not easy to use), and the less than slick sliding base interfaces.

When my switch failed, I took it apart, cleaned out the dust, filed the contacts and sealed it up with silicon. I also added a remote switch to the router table and turn the router on and off with it. This keeps the switch from closing onto sawdust particles and burning the contacts (the router's switch is always closed this way and so nothing can get in between the contacts). Also, the big remote switch is easier to locate and turn off quickly. This has all worked very well for a long time now.

Occasional use of wax makes the bases slide around and adjust more easily. Clearly, slick material like teflon on the sliding surfaces would have been a better design.

The Bosch adjuster knob extension (see my reviews) is a cheap and big improvement.

It just seems to me that engineers would have designed a good switch and nice sliders at the outset as they did everything else right. It must be that bean counters and lawyers exerted themselves and screwed up a couple of things.

The wretched bean counters saved a buck on the switch and the sliders and that is their life. I am guessing that lawyers specified the clumsy switch location to prevent accidental turn-ons; actually it just makes it harder to turn it off and that is a much more dangerous situation.

The router is great after my modifications, but it was not sold as a do-it-yourself kit and should have been good right out of the box. Not everyone can or should take new power tools apart and modify them. Bosch designed a great product, but shipped a lesser one. Minus two stars.

Thanks Amazon for posting these reviews! When my Bosch 1617 failed to start today, a search of your web site confirmed the problem. I love the router - great height adjustment - the switch is a little awkward to find - just hate to have it fail in the middle of a kitchen cabinet project. At least I know its not the brushes!

First off, I'm a new woodworker and if the problem I encountered sounds stupid, sorry.

I love this router! It's a solid performer and easy to work with. However, one thing I discovered while using the fixed base for a router table (Rockler package 1): The screws that come with the router should not be used to attach to a plate. They're too small and over a short time, they will strip the fixed base plates screw holes as the constant pressure of putting the router plate into a table puts all pressure on the threads of the screw holes. (Replacing the fixed base can cost as much as $60.00). This is what happened to me.

I would suggest getting a router lift. If you can't, perhaps getting longer screws that fit the holes and put a nut on them. This way, as you continuously move the router plate in and out of a table, hopefully you won't strip the threads. Yes, that does mean the router would be a permament table fixture. But isn't that a good reason to buy another router?

After much drooling and hoping, I was finally able to purchase the Promax router table. Only problem is now the drooling has intensified as I can't wait to go use it again!
The 40-031 table is a very well built table that just feels solid and well made. It attached to my new Delta hybrid table saw in 30 minutes or less and is saving me space AND increasing the quality of my routings.
One of the bolts for the fence was machined improperly, but one call to Bench Dog had one in my hand within a week. They definately have quality customer service.
Although it's not cheap, the 40-031 is worth every penny. You will not go wrong with this router table!

Happy Routing!

I was concerned that this would be a problem installing on my Jet tablesaw -- no concerns now...it is a perfect fit.
This is a great piece of metal and really enhances the tablesaw.

The concept of saving space unites with this item! Not only does it help me save space by mounting my router on my unisaw.But it extends my workspace. I gave it 5 stars because of its intent , but the unit i got bows on the top, so i had to grind it to level out with my unisaw.And the phenolic plate from bench dog was predrilled backwards(wierd?) so it would not line up with the holes in the extension. Amazon had me call Benchdog and i am still waiting for the correct top.

Well, I read the reviews, bought the router and I'm happy with it. The router works great, has a nice sturdy feel, and is very easy to use. This is a router that you can operate with one hand and the switch is right there near the thumb for easy on/off.

Bought this for my father, He loves it. I used it a little bit, very smooth, very comfortable in your hand. well made in the usa.

I've owned this model for about three years now and I couldn't be happier with it. I use Bosch and Porter-Cable routers at work and I'm always happy to come home to my Milwaukee. The Milwaukee is much easier to adjust (the only router that I ever used that has a depth adjustment that works 100%), and the bodygrip feature puts it miles ahead of the others when it comes to controlling the unit. I can eaily route 3/4" wide material perfectly. Very stable and extremely durable.

I had a complete failure with a prior jig that is sold under the Rockler, Woodtek, Jet brand names. It was absolutely aweful and I wasted 10 hours of my life messing with it. I caught this on sale for around one hundred bucks including shipping from Amazon. As always Amazon was very speedy in shipping.
The jig itself is killer. I skimmed the manual the night I got it. The following day I went out to the shop, leaving the manual inside. One thing I missed was the fact that this jig has tons of instructions printed on the jig! I didn't even need the manual! The settings are soooo much easier that my prior experience. Within 10 minutes I had completed my first half blind dovetail. It was a little tight, so I looked at the router bit depth instructions printed on the jig and it advised to slightly raise the bit and try again. Bingo. Perfection. I have heard a couple of folks say that the default setting for the 3/4" material is a bit deep and requires a slight adjustment up, so if you have to pound your joints together and squeeze all the glue out, then raise your bit 1/16th of an inch.
I have not made through dovetails yet, but it seems as simple as the half blind dovetails.
I really love the 4212. It is complete and you have to buy absolutely nothing. Well you do need to make sure that you can use Porter Cable bushings directly in your router. If not(Bosch) you will need a $8 adapter. THat can be found here on Amazon or possiably a local Woodcraft or Rockler store.

This is a very good product, and you can get it, along with any other products on Amazon up to $500 Free! Participate in this special promotion and get a free $500 Amazon Gift Card at this web site: awesomestufffree.com/amazon

I am relatively new to woodworking. I love this jig. It is easy to set up and use. It makes perfect dovetails that give my projects that extra look. It makes me look like I've been doing woodworking for years.

I bought the miniture template also, but haven't tried it out yet.