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Full-sized vs. Compact Router
Posted on 1/28/22 at 4:21 pm
Posted on 1/28/22 at 4:21 pm
I am looking to get a router to have for random shop projects. I have gotten by with just sanding or using a plane but I am ready to get a router.
Any advice on full-sized vs. compact router? I am on the DeWalt 20v system with my other tools so the 20v Compact router seems to be a natural fit but would also look at some recommended corded options.
Any advice on full-sized vs. compact router? I am on the DeWalt 20v system with my other tools so the 20v Compact router seems to be a natural fit but would also look at some recommended corded options.
10
Posted on 1/28/22 at 4:54 pm to TigerVizz87
The classic - Porter Cable 690LR - I can do 99% of what I need with this router. It's all they used in the cabinet shop I worked in for 3 years. I rarely saw the plunge router being used. Easy to unscrew the base to screw to a home made router table.
Posted on 1/28/22 at 5:01 pm to TigerVizz87
Have the 20V router, the corded compact router, and a larger Bosch router.
The 20V fit a very specific niche for me doing trim carpentry work, great for small edge profiling, door hinge pockets, etc. My corded compact I've used for larger jobs and making cutting boards as it can be adapted to my track saw tracks. The Bosch is in my router table and will be what I use if I ever get around to building a sled.
The 20V fit a very specific niche for me doing trim carpentry work, great for small edge profiling, door hinge pockets, etc. My corded compact I've used for larger jobs and making cutting boards as it can be adapted to my track saw tracks. The Bosch is in my router table and will be what I use if I ever get around to building a sled.
This post was edited on 1/28/22 at 5:03 pm
Posted on 1/28/22 at 5:17 pm to TigerVizz87
I have 3 routers with the largest being a 3 HP Porter Cable that I have mounted in a work bench/router table for profiling material with large bits.
I also have a Makita dual purpose router that gets used the most. It has a fixed base and a plunge base and they are easily changed out as needed. It is one of the quietest routers I've ever owned, but make no mistake, it can get the job done.
I also have an older Craftsman router that hardly ever gets used since I have the other two, but all my routers are full size.
I also have a Makita dual purpose router that gets used the most. It has a fixed base and a plunge base and they are easily changed out as needed. It is one of the quietest routers I've ever owned, but make no mistake, it can get the job done.
I also have an older Craftsman router that hardly ever gets used since I have the other two, but all my routers are full size.
Posted on 1/28/22 at 5:24 pm to TigerVizz87
I think Stout will make you a good deal on a used compact router, if you don't mind a little blood on it.
https://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/home-and-garden/got-into-a-fight-with-a-palm-router-today/100712874/
https://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/home-and-garden/got-into-a-fight-with-a-palm-router-today/100712874/
Posted on 1/28/22 at 5:25 pm to TigerVizz87
I recently added the 20V Dewalt just for the convenience of it, and I really like it for for small trim projects. I also have an corded Bosch mounted in a table for larger bits & contours. Also have an older corded Ryobi that's never given me an issue.
Posted on 1/28/22 at 5:59 pm to TigerVizz87
I have the Bosch 1617 in my router table and a Dewalt 20v for when things can't be done on the table. It is easy enough to pull the Bosch motor out of the table and put it in the plunge base but I honestly rarely have done that.
Posted on 1/28/22 at 10:29 pm to TigerVizz87
Since you mention alternatives being sanding and hand planes, is it safe to assume your main objective would be for a larger spoil cutter bit on a sled to plane larger slabs and such?
If so, best to go with a midsize (2.25hp) or larger router that takes a 1/2” collet.
Trim routers are nice and very convenient; I recently picked up a dewalt 20v trim router to use for round overs and chamfers. But they are limited to 1/4” bits and will probably leave you wanting something a bit more if you used it in a sled to plane down a slab.
I have a Bosch 1617 in my router table and plan on getting a larger 3hp for a couple larger projects I have planned for later in the year. (Tabletops and such)
If so, best to go with a midsize (2.25hp) or larger router that takes a 1/2” collet.
Trim routers are nice and very convenient; I recently picked up a dewalt 20v trim router to use for round overs and chamfers. But they are limited to 1/4” bits and will probably leave you wanting something a bit more if you used it in a sled to plane down a slab.
I have a Bosch 1617 in my router table and plan on getting a larger 3hp for a couple larger projects I have planned for later in the year. (Tabletops and such)
Posted on 1/29/22 at 3:49 am to TigerVizz87
I have a trim router that basically keeps a 1/8" roundover bit in it and may get switched out to something small here and there. It's very convenient to have no cord and already be set up.
I have a Triton plunger router. Can handle much larger bits, has a plunge function which is a huge advantage for certain tasks such as cutting mortises, and can mount to a router table plate and utilize an internal mechanism as a router lift. I highly recommend it. Not bad on the wallet compared to other options wither.
I have a Triton plunger router. Can handle much larger bits, has a plunge function which is a huge advantage for certain tasks such as cutting mortises, and can mount to a router table plate and utilize an internal mechanism as a router lift. I highly recommend it. Not bad on the wallet compared to other options wither.
Posted on 1/30/22 at 12:08 am to TigerVizz87
I bought into a few deals on the Metabo HPT line. They are owned by Hikoki as you may know. They have the Multivolt lineup which 18v/36v batteries can go between 18 or 36v tools. Anyway, there's a 36v router they're about to release. It's blowing others away apparently if you're in the market for one. Since it's 36v, it can run on a battery or the AC DC adapter
YouTube video comparing routers
YouTube video comparing routers
Posted on 1/30/22 at 8:47 am to TigerVizz87
I have the Dewalt 20v compact for trim jobs and all. But I have a full size Bosch in a Bosch roster table and use it on every single woodworking project.
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