Routers Reviews

Lets start with the case; IT IS ABSOLUTE JUNK!!! I had read the reviews but figured everyone else was super sinical. Those socket sets that cost $2.99 come in a better case, PERIOD. But, i would not keep the case even if it were steel and here's why. In order to fit everything in the case you have to attach the trimmer to the plunge base. For those of you who use the plunge base primarily this probably be a huge problem.

I also own the porter cable trimmer and as far as I am concerned the to compare equally when attached to the basic trimmer base. This trimmer will do anything my porter cable trimmer will do. would I buy it again, yes.

I read the other reviews praising or kicking this product. I just got it today and have not used it yet. The instruction
manual is a joke!!! If I did not have a mechanical mind, I would
have returned it. There are no instructions to do anything on
this router. I was able to figure out what was needed to change bases etc. It looks like it will do the job I wanted if for, the
price was ok. The edge guide adjust plate did not fit but I think I can fix that. The overall package was not what I expected
from Freud. I wish it had come with a "Porter/Cable" guide adpter.

I ordered this tool because I needed a smaller router to do trim and decorative work on box's and tables. The price and listed attachments were the big selling point, also the Freud name. I exclusively use their saw blades and router bits, and have never been dissapointed in their performance. The package arrived fairly quickly and the shipping box was in good shape, however when I opened the box, removed the bubble packing and lifted the plastic case out of the box (by the handle), the hinged side of the case failed and dumped all the contents on the floor. Luckily it landed on the carpet and I don't think anything was damaged, but it still was not a good beginning. I have to agree with the other folks reviewing this product, the manual is the pits. There is no parts list that I can find, so I'm not sure I recieved everything or not. I downloaded the picture from this web site and will compare it to what I recieved. The fit and finish of the tool and attachments seems adequate and does have more "metal" than most of the competition. The controls are fairly easy to reach and the handles on the plunge base are comfortable. It does take a little muscle power to "plunge" the router down, but I like the return tension. I have only "played" a little with the router (just recieved it yesterday), but I think it will do what I want it to. I like the soft start and the variable speed and the spindle lock. It will probably take some time and thought to figure out exactly how to use the attachments as once again the "manual" is dismal. The machine is a little larger than I imagined, but I do like the large base. All in all I am not dissapointed but I was hoping to be impressed and I am not. I'll keep this tool and I'm sure it will do the work that I want, but I did expect more from Freud. I rated it a 3 because of the "manual" and the case.
PS....It's now the end of November and I have had a chance to do some "serious" work with this router. I upgraded my rating to 4 stars because of the way this little router performs. I just finished doing some "raised panel" work on a walnut bookcase. Wasn't able to do it on the router table as the original design was changed (after assembly)by the "client" (granddaughter), so using a homemade jig and crossing my fingers I was able to do the panel work with this little router. It performed admirably and I was very pleased with the results. I was able to maintain control and it had no problem with the medium size panel bit.
Am starting to be impressed.
Update...April 2005...I've had this router a couple years now and it has done everything that I ever asked it to do. I keep meaning to buy another "out of the table" router to handle on the bench routing, but haven't found any jobs this little guy can't handle. For flush trimming it is the cat's meow, of course you would expect that, it is a trim router after all but it does the job so well and effortlessly that it puts a grin on your face. Cutting profiles, small dadoes, t-joints, plunge cuts for shelve hangers, are just some of the duties that this router has performed flawlessly over the last couple of years. I use it for freehand carving, initials mostly, on large chests and boxes, and with the speed dialed down it is extremely easy to control. Have become very impressed with this little router and highly recommend it.

I purchased this router because I go tired of swaping my DW 621 on and off the drop in plate in the router table. In many ways the 1700 is what is was promised to be. It does adjust from the table top and is also locked from above. Bits can be changed from the tabletop. Its so easy to use that I didn't use my existing drop in router plate but just mounted the 1700 directly to a new 1/2 inch thick router table which is located on the extension of my Jet Supersaw.

At first I was disappointed as the above table adjustment mechanism didn't work without backlash. I called Customer Service and they suggested adjusting the lock mechanism and stretching the lift mechanism spring. This worked fine and eliminated the backlash and made the lift work better. Customer Service also offered to have the router sent back for spring issue but it took about 5 minutes of my time instead.

Because I decided to mount the router in a 1/2 inch thick table top I had to modify the adjusting wrench. You can also use a metric allen wrench.

Bottom line the router does what was promised and doesn't require an expensive lift or drop in router plate. It needed a few adjustments but it is rock solid now.

The above table features on the router are terrific...I can't believe all table mountable routers don't incorporate these features...especially the bit changes. Sure beats kneeling down and praying to the router table gods while I change bits! The auto collet lock is extremely clever and allows one handed bit changes.

This is a nice router with great features. It's well made, powerful enough, and priced competively. It's also pretty quiet, and comes with two collets...1/4" and 1/2". No complaints so far.

Finally someone put some useful features on a router for table use. Above table bit changes are a Godsend, and the above table height changes make it really easy to dial in the height. The auto-collet lock is pretty slick too.

Nicely made router. Extremely quiet, is well balanced for hand use, and seems to have plenty of power. The extra collet will be handy. Wish they'd included a plunge base and dust chute. Nice deal all the way around. It does all the things I expect, and does some things no others do in this price range.

I recently purchased this machine and have immediately ran into some problems. It was slightly damaged during shipment. One of the adjustable fences was smashed. This was due to the shipping company, Eagle, moving it on its side. It comes bolted to a pallet and would be fine if it stayed upright. A couple of minor pieces of plastic hardware were defective and the drawbar and nut were broken when I opened it up. I don't know how that happened. I called Amazon and they are fixing the problems. I will write back and let you know how that all went.

The microadjustment knobs on the fence are nice; however, they are too short for my liking. I wished they were 6-8 inches long rather than an inch long. This would allow you put your hand around the knobs rather than your thumb and forefinger because they would stick out past the table rather than just above it.

I think the spring door latch is king of cheap. I hope it holds up.

It is a beautiful machine. The paint was excellent and the table was almost mirror quality. This is true of every Jet tool that I own. It uses 12 AMPs and is easy to run off a good extension cord if needed. It is super quiet!!! Dust collection works great if you have the fence mounted with the included 4" dust chute.

I have had this machine for a couple years and i must say its great.When i bough it i really wasnt on the market for a shaper but rather a higher end router table,couldnt find one with an independtly adjustable fence.I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. My local tool store was having an end of year clearance and i saw this for just over 500.00, Two hours later it was integrated into my home shop.I have had absolutely no problems with it and have done everything from raised panel entry doors to setting it up for edge jointing operations before i purchased a dedicated jointer.I would easily pay the 800.00 for it.

This shaper is everything I had hoped for for use in a home shop. It is a solid machine setup is easy and cuts are accurate. The tool is solidly built and has adequate power for my use.

I purchased this set at a woodworking show with the understanding that it was a quality set of bits of professional grade. When I received my set however I was initially surprised by the flimsy case that the bits were in. I do a great deal of on site repair handyman type stuff and my router is my best friend but after a week the case looked like it had been through a war since the covers broke off and I had to dig all of the bits out of the bottom of my tool box. I am also not impressed with the carbide. It performs like a low grade C1 carbide and I found that when I ran the 1/2" roundover through some clear white oak the bit chipped in 3 places. I have also found that the rabbeting bits (as well as many of the other profiles) do not have enough relief in the body behind the carbide which created a great deal of pitch buildup and burned my material profusely. The price is great but only if you plan to throw the bits at the neighbor's dog but if you plan to do any woodworking I would save my dollars for better bits! Try Woodline's 30 pc Professional set I have been much happier with these!

A great set, great value for the money. You can buy this set on E-Bay for $36 INCLUDING shipping.

This is an excellent set for several reasons, not the least of which is the price. The thirty-six bits cover a wide range of shapes - four rounding bits, seven straight, and a host of others as well). This is a well thought out set that will cover most home router uses with plenty of durability.

For someone looking for a good way to start a bit collection, this is as effective a purchase as you can make. While I would prefer 1/2" shanks, the carbide tips make up for this by guaranteeing sharp cuts in both soft and hard woods. The case is handy, if a little cheap - I just screwed it into the side of the cabinet over my router table, where it will always be handy.

Making a plunge cut is chancy without a base of this nature. A Dremel tool is a petite router great for delecate operations. The base on this attachment is as large as one used in 1/4hp routers, negating an asset.

The attachment points of the router to the base are close together near the bottom end of the router. It is easy to wiggle the tool even when screws are firmly tightened.

This is a useful concept; it can do what it is supposed to do, but is less than ideal.

While the tool is well constructed there is a shortfall in design. Once the Dremel motor is secured into the router attachment it is impossible to access the shaft locking button for making adjustments or changing cutting tools. The Dremel motor must be removed from the router attachment each time a cutting tool is changed. Dremel should send this design back to engineering.

Make sure you select the correct Dremel Tool.

I'd love to review this tool when I receive it. Still waiting for delivery.

The particle board(melmolene?)guides had too much flex so I replaced them with 2" X 3/8" X16" aluminum guides milling the same slots and recess as on the wooden ones. Now I have a perfict piece of equipment worth 5***** .Maby some one will make this available.

worth every penny, great for a weekend woodworker not a pro

I think it's criminal that Porter Cable has chosen not to include both the 1/4 inch and the 1/2 inch collet with this $300 plus router. This collet can't cost more than fifty cents; yet it's retailing for around $12. This is especially true since Porter Cable has joined the ranks of other companies, manufactoring their blades and bits in China. I have a number of Porter Cable tools, and they've always been first rate. I was really surprised when I received my new 7518, and it only had one collet. If they're going to rip you off on a collet, who knows what corners they're going to cut inside the case.

I have no idea why Porter-Cable doesn't include one of these with the their 75xx series routers. I admit that the big routers would overpower most really delicate bits, but there are too many bits that are almost impossible to find in 1/2" size. Since my 7518 is the router in my router table, this collet is an absolute requirement.

Enough complaining. The good news is that the 1/4" collet is inexpensive and easily available. It works perfectly, of course, and is as solidly built as you would expect from a Porter-Cable professional tool. It also fits the 6xx series routers, in case you misplace one. So if you are like me and have four routers, you need one for backup in any case

Works great, if you need it, get it, no problems. Works in all of the Porter Cable Routers that I have. Zero complaints and I always find every little design flaw.

OK, it works and works well, other than the sloppy stops the Omnijig employees.

But this price for a piece of machined aluminum? What does it cost Porter Cable to make this accessory? $2?

PC does have to cover the development costs and should charge a premium for a jig that is somewhat of a standard in woodworking. Check out the price of the Omnijig. Trust me, you've already paid for this accomplishment when you purchased the original jig. And the design of this jig hasn't changed in years and years. PC is way behind the times.

I'm thinking (hoping) that there is a special place in hell for those individuals in companies, like Porter Cable, who decide to rape their customers, who have already paid a hefty tab for the jig, when they want to purchase an accessory for that jig.

Shame on Porter Cable. If had it to do over again, I wouldn't buy a PC dovetail jig.

This is a good piece of hardware. But a couple of things to be aware of: 1) This is a "tapered" jig. So if you look carefully on the front right side of the male slot, you'll see it's about 1/8" narrower than the left side. This is how it gets one side tighter than the other. One side slides in easily and eventually gets tighter as the male part gets increasingly wider. 2) Pay particular attention to making sure your M and F pieces align on the left side and that your boards are the same width. This important for achieving the tight fit at the other end of your boards. (I first did a test cut using 2 different widths of boards, and they didn't fit, and I freaked...at first)I agree with other writers that the whole OmniJig could use a major upgrade, putting precision adjustment knobs instead of trial and error stop blocks for example, would really help....Tom O'Brien...All Quality Woodworking

Sustantially made and very easy to set up and operate. I'm very pleased with it but initially, I was having trouble with an obvious gap between the male and female board when they slid together. I was baffled because the joint itself fit well. Then came the ah-hah moment. Be sure that when cutting the male board, you leave the female board in the top clamp at least far enough under the rear of the template to support it but leaving enough room for the bit to move freely in the front slot. Doing this supports the back of the template which otherwise can tip slightly backwards under router and hand pressure causing an irregular cut on one edge of the male board. When I made that change, they fit like a glove. My days of dados have been drasticaly reduced.

I purchased several of these. Initially they looked good, but in use they are annoying and end up breaking. Most other commercially available featherboards are better designed, better built and cost less! I am surprised other reviewers rate these so high, I suspect the ratings are given before much use.

1. The black plastic knobs that you use to tighten the featherboard in place capture onto a nut head. The largest problem with these featherboards is that it is easy to strip the black plastic knobs when they are tightened, allowing the plastic knob to turn freely on the captive bolt.

2. A better design would ensure a more positive capture into the track slot by having both black knobs works to lock the split aluminum bar into the track slot, in this design only one of the knobs does this. Which BTW is the one that strips as above, since you have to tighten it enough to stop the featherboard sliding in the track.

3. The black plastic knobs are small and feel cheap, other commercial featherboards have larger knobs that are easier to tighten.

4. Also after using them for a while you've start to hate the non-parallel bolt slots that the featherboard slides around on. Most other commercial featherboards have parallel slots and these are easier to adjust.

Although it is possible to make these I decided to purchase the Bench Dog feather boards to go with my bench dog pro-top router table. I am glad I did as it makes it a lot easier to handle routing the longer items. The feather locs can be attached effortlessly, adjusted easily and are like an extra hand, making it easier to manipulate the workpiece and much safer. I think I could probably have made a pair but for $20 I think I made the right choice. Its a nice product and a feather board of some type is an excellent safety addition. They look great and work well.

I'm on just now to order one more pair. I appreciate Darrel's review above and want to add my thoughts.

Darrel is referring to the feather locks that come with an aluminum split bar you can use in a standard ¾ miter gauge slot. I got one of those when I purchased the cast iron Bench Dog router table that attaches to a table saw replacing the left table. BTW I love the router table. I got the fence and their switch, which all have been working great. The heavy cast iron table mated perfectly to my old Delta contractor's saw and the extra weight helps add mass to the whole saw. I bought a new porter cable 891 and love the whole set up.

I agree with you that the aluminum split bar thing is a joke. I looked at it once and never even tried it. It looks like it would only grip the slot at one end. I can imagine that you might strip the knobs out trying to tighten it sufficiently. I would trash that whole idea.

On the other hand, I love the feather locks used with the router table. They are really easy to use and work great. Routs are way cleaner with feather boards. I have two and need two more so I can use two on the table and two on the fence. It's hard for me to imaging breaking one when used for a router application. Another carpenter in my shop thought that the magnetic base feather board approach would be good for ripping on a table saw, which sounds like what you were trying to do?

It's a good switch, but didn't install as I had anticipated.
I had intended to mount it on the bottom miter track slot, as per instructions. According to the specs for the switch, 'all new Bench Dog router tables come equipped with this slot'. However, the new Bench Dog RT150 ProTop I just purchased did not come equipped with this slot! I did not want to mount it on the fence. It was pretty easy to come up with a good alternate mounting solution. But, if I had known this, I would have purchased a less expensive saftey switch locally.
I guess the 'new' RT150 they sent me wasn't their newest.

I've been working on what I wanted in a router table for awhile and decided to built my own router table into the right extension of my tablesaw which I built to my specifications.
I wanted to use a switch and a miter slot and when I stumbled upon a BenchDog aluminum extrusion for the outer edge this was the perfect switch for it.
Although I struggled with the price and thought about other options I went with this.
You can bolt it to that piece of aluminum and you can move it slide and turn, depending on what side of the table you're going to work on. That was an added bonus for me.
So far so good. I have a router table that look like it was purchased. But then it was wasn't it, I just put it together and routed a hole where I wanted the plate to go. Could just buy the thing all done and saved some time? Well I did use better supporting material making it match my equipment and there's something about making your own stuff that's more satisfying. So much for saving money building yourself. But if I really was interested in saving money I could have just bolted the router to a piece of plywood and clamped it in a vise.

Like all Bench Dog products the quality and ergonomics of this switch are top notch. And like all Bench Dog router table accessories the price of this switch is a little steep. (Hence the 4 stars)
Installation was a snap and I love the option of either mounting it high on the router fence or low under the miter slot.
Use of the switch is straight forward and I like the safety button you have to depress in order to turn it on.
Sure beats squatting down to turn on the router!