I am looking for a new router for my table, my craftsman crapped out. I was thinking a fixed speed 1.75 hp from Porter Cable, or should I go with more HP?
[OP]
Contributor
I am looking for a new router for my table, my craftsman crapped out. I was thinking a fixed speed 1.75 hp from Porter Cable, or should I go with more HP?
Contributor
I have a variable speed PC 890 in mine.
If you stay with fixed speed, sooner or later you'll want a speed control for the big cutters.
The PC 7518 is a good router for the table, especially if you plan on using the larger cutters often.
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I agree, you don't want a single speed router in the table, there are just to many times you need to slow it down.
I think I would go no lower then a 2 1/2 HP, there are a bunch of them out there and to ask which is the best is like asking what is the best car.
I had a Bosch 1617EVS for a few years and have now upgraded to the PC 7518, I really don't know that I needed to upgrade but I did. I made a lot of raised panels with the Bosch with no problems at all.
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More power means the router will have an easier time, so it's feasible that a bigger router could even last longer. Variable speed is a must for a RT. Some of the better 15 amp routers are the Milwaukee 5625, PC7518, Bosch 1619, DW625, Hitach M12V2, Freud FT3000, and Triton. A good 11-13 amp router can work fine too, but they work harder.
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You can't go wrong with the big PC7518, particularly if you are using bigger cutters. These pop up used, but not too often.
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I believe the PC 7518 and/or the Milwaukee 5626 are the two best table routers available..
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I have had a Milwaukee 5625 in one of my tables for 10 years. On the 3rd set of brushes and 2nd switch. For raised panels, can't beat it.
Ditto. I've been running a Mil 5625 almost daily for about 6 years without a hiccup. I call it the locomotive.Originally Posted by Rick Fisher
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The big thing will be how much do you want to spend and how much power do you need, as I stated I use a Bosch 2 1/4 hp in my table for a few years and made raised panels with it with no problem. Now I am sure if I was doing raised panels all day long the Bosch would just not handle it.
A Bosch 1617EVS with both bases will run you under $200 and the PC 7518 will run around $350 so I think it all comes down to what you can afford and need.
[OP]
Contributor
Im thinking this is the one I will get. Seems enough power!
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-7...&keywords=7518
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Jim, I have that one, it's a beast of a router. I'd say it's ideally suited to permanent table mounting. I found it somewhat unwieldy as a hand-held due to its weight and bulk. Seems as though the the requirements (hand vs table) are in direct opposition to each other, and this guy definitely favors the table.
[OP]
Contributor
Does anyone know if they make a above the table holder/adjuster for the 7518 router?
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Soft Start and and anything that may help w/dust collection are two key priorities I would use in selection. Lots of HP and speed control is also important
Contributor
I have the Pinnacle- Woodpecker router lift. It is a very nice lift. I use it with the PC 7518 router.
[OP]
Contributor
I just looked at Grizzly website, they have the 5625-20 for $231, seems a awful good deal, anyone else see that?
Last edited by Jim Riseborough; 12-03-2012 at 11:30 AM.
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