Woodworking router... how good of one

[Rondar]

Starting to take a little more serious plunge into some woodworking.  In the past I have borrowed a router from my brother, only needed it a couple times.  But lately, I have been doing some more woodworking and I am thinking I needed my own router.  It will be for occasional work, not professional.  That said, I dont want something that I regret buying.  What do you guys suggest?  And should a guy buy a kit or whatever of bits or do you buy what you need at the time?

[gyrene81]

Personally I've opted for the 18V cordless drill, saw, router by Ryobi. I don't do enough wood work for the expensive stuff and I generally use 1 inch or less wood stock and almost never quality hardwood. It's mostly honeydo stuff or small decorative items for others. With the bits and blades I prefer the sets since it's a one time purchase and there is nothing worse than being in the middle of a project and realize you don't have what you need. If I damage one then I just purchase a single replacement.

I also have a large corded Dremel kit for the really lightweight work. They have some really nice accessories for the Dremel these days.


Depending on what you tend to work with and how much you plan on doing...a Dewalt (corded or cordless) setup would be a good investment if you have the money.

[bj229r]

I bought wifey a Ryobi with a table(110 volt AC), we are currently making our own tongue-and groove boards for the ceiling on our porch. Using router is fun, but WOW, those bits are expensive

[Masherbrum]

Personally I've opted for the 18V cordless drill, saw, router by Ryobi. I don't do enough wood work for the expensive stuff and I generally use 1 inch or less wood stock and almost never quality hardwood. It's mostly honeydo stuff or small decorative items for others. With the bits and blades I prefer the sets since it's a one time purchase and there is nothing worse than being in the middle of a project and realize you don't have what you need. If I damage one then I just purchase a single replacement.

I also have a large corded Dremel kit for the really lightweight work. They have some really nice accessories for the Dremel these days.


Depending on what you tend to work with and how much you plan on doing...a Dewalt (corded or cordless) setup would be a good investment if you have the money.

Milwaukee, Porter Cable or Bosch are superior and with Routers, you shouldn't skimp.   Especially on the Bits. 

[Rondar]

In an hour or so wife and I will be going to our "local" home depot and sears. They are the closest ones to us. They are right at 90 miles one way    Yeah its fun to live in the boonies.  Will stock up on some groceries too whilst in town.  Might take my lappy with internet modem and see if you guys say anything else while we are driving   Thanks guys.. mucho appreciated.  Gonna be an all afternoon trip but then we can treat ourselves and enjoy a mickeyd if we wanted to....   prolly not.

[kamori]

I would get this  you will have the need for both as u grow in the hobby. Its worth it.

Porter Cable 895PK 2 1/4 HP Router Combo K
Bosch 1617EVSPK 1617EVS W/ Plunge Base

Kam

[Masherbrum]

In an hour or so wife and I will be going to our "local" home depot and sears. They are the closest ones to us. They are right at 90 miles one way    Yeah its fun to live in the boonies.  Will stock up on some groceries too whilst in town.  Might take my lappy with internet modem and see if you guys say anything else while we are driving   Thanks guys.. mucho appreciated.  Gonna be an all afternoon trip but then we can treat ourselves and enjoy a mickeyd if we wanted to....   prolly not.

When it comes to bits, buy the Ball Bearing bits that range from $30-$60 each.   They'll be worth it and you will know you have purchased Quality.  

[Masherbrum]

I would get this  you will have the need for both as u grow in the hobby. Its worth it.

Porter Cable 895PK 2 1/4 HP Router Combo Kit

Kam

That is a damn good kit btw.   I have a buddy who makes cabinetry/desks on the side.   He's had that one for over 5 years now.   Thank you for posting that Kam, it is why I listed I listed Porter Cable.   

[kamori]

I built my own Router table..Making it custom is a great way to go.There are many plans out there. I would suggest looking at the NewYankee workshop Table. Its a great one well thought out.

http://www.newyankee.com/index.php

Heres the Table     http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?0301

KAm