Which of the following combination router kits do you have or have used?

 

What do you like about them and what do you dislike.

 

If you were going to purchase one, which would it be and would it be something that is not listed.

 

Bosch 1617 EVS

 

Milwaukee 5616-24

 

DeWalt DW618

 

Hitachi KM12VC

I have the Bosch mounted in my router table. I really like the fact that it has above the table height adjustment. I have not used it in a hand held mode. It seems to have plenty of HP to handle most jobs on the table. I have run white oak and several exotic's that are pretty hard and it has handled them all.

 

I really like it and would recommend it.

John.........I do not have any router kits. But...........if I may.........I do have the bosch with the wood knob grips. It is a good router but the fact that the switch is up above the grips.........I don't use it much because I don't feel in control the instant I hit the go button.  But my favorite is a bosch with the "D" handle.

Not the answers you were look'n for I know.

gary

I have the Dewalt which has served me well to date

I have the Milwaukee, bought it to overcome some shortcomings (principally the short stroke of the plunge) of a PC 690. What was interesting to me was how much of my PC stuff interchanged with the Mil. The bases, edge guide, and wrenches from the PC all work with the 5616.

I wasn't really searching for a specific answer on these, just hoping since we all purchase different items we might shed some light on likes and dislikes of the tools we use. These are by most considered to be the top five in this category but that doesn't mean there are others to talk about.

 

I just thought this might help someone else (and maybe me) make a good decision when looking into adding a tool to the shop. Come on don't be bashful,

 

Again, I have the Bosch model. I have it tabled mounted. Anyone have it in the plunge setup and if so do you like all of the features it gives in the setup?

 

If you have one of these or a similar unit, do you swap it between the two configurations or leave in one mode all the time?

I have the PC but mine does not have the grip vac handle.  The set came with a cupon for the free grip vac, but as usual I for got to send it in. 

I do swap between the 2 quite a bit.  I have a big Milwaukee in the router table so I have both bases available.  I learned my lesson trying to route dovetails with the plunge base.  I lock in the fixed base now instead of worrying about the plunge lock holding.  I did make a D-handle for the fixed base.  I think with the vac handle I could have done without it.  The switch is a little awkward but not real hard to deal with.  The plunge base posts on mine rust easily.  I have to make sure they are clean before I use it or the plunge is hard.

 

 

Actually, that was another reason I moved from a 690 to the Mil 5615/6. Changing the older PC between bases was a real PITA...that little clamp that holds the motor would always get stuck. The Milwaukee is a piece of cake.

John Moody said:

If you have one of these or a similar unit, do you swap it between the two configurations or leave in one mode all the time?

 

 

Thanks John,Fred and Greg. That is the kind of information I was hoping to stir. You guys use these all the time and learn all of the little quirks about them. It might help someone else, even me, make a good decision in the future on purchasing one.

 

How about anyone else using any of these. Right now we have the PC, Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee. Anyone have any experience with the Hitachi?

 

I have used Dewalt, Makita, craftsman and PC's

I still like the D Handle PC the best as well the Plunge PC.  The weight is good and by adding a larger base plate they even work better.  If you are looking for variable speed, I have never needed it in a hand held router.  You don't use that mant large router bits.  Yes, they are a little fesse to set up, but you have plenty of power.  The little trim PC is also good strong unit.

I have the Porter Cables. I have an 890 series mounted in my table and the plunge combo I carry in a case. I have never experience any problems with these and would not hesitate to recomend them. I also have an older craftsman that works pretty good and keep it as a back up.