router recommendations?

Be prepared to spend $150 on the router and $11,000,000 on bits over the next 10 years.

I guess depends on the work you are looking for but Bosch routers are top notch

I have a dewalt 618 (big) router in my bench.

I also have a Bosch pony (small) trim router that is used way more than the big one.
I’d recommend a trim router as most will handle up to 1” bits. Anything bigger and you’ll need a router that has at least 2hp.

quote:

---

scale in the near future. smaller detail work is the plans at the moment

---

Then one of the small compact ones like hammatime mentioned will suit you fine. I have the dewalt 1 1/4hp (I think) variable speed router with 1/4" collet. It does almost everything outside of the bigger shaping bits. For those you need a 1/2" collet and more horsepower.

I would buy my little dewalt again if I had to do it over. I'm sure the makita is a great little unit too.

Also, you can buy a cheapish set of router bits and use them to get a feel for what you're doing. If you find a bit you'll use a lot then go ahead and spend the money on that same bit from Freud or similar. I use my cheap set as a way to test designs. And they do fine for small jobs just the way they are. Be especially mindful of wearing safety glasses when using the cheap bits as I've heard they have the potential to "explode" at high rpm.

quote:

---

Bosch routers are top notch

---

I work at a metal fab shop, and we primarily CNC .125” aluminum sheets. Our industrial router motor went out and had us in a bind so I picked up a Bosch from Lowe’s. It’s been going for 5 years and not a single hiccup. It’s impressed the hell out of me.

All good info here that has been posted.

One thing! Working with a router, be very careful. They can get away from you very fast. Make sure you always have things clamped down good.