Looking to buy my first router

[ExcessLockup]

As per the title I'm looking for a router but am a bit clueless as to which to buy.

I'd like to use it to add curved edges to the sides of my projects as well as cut slots/mortises. I assume I want a plunge router but don't know whether a 1/4" or 1/2" would be best to start with.

I'm looking at spending under £150 for the router. I've seen the Bosch POF 1200 AE router which seems to be what I'm looking for, however I'd like a second opinion.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

http://www.tools4trade.co.uk/hitachi-m1 ... LoQAvD_BwE
These have a good reputation for something in your price range. If you can, go for a 1/2" - most of what you do with a 1/4"can be done with a 1/2" but not the other way round. You have a far greater choice of cutters with a 1/2", and you can use 1/4" cutters in one anyway. I started with a 1/4", then a few years later got a 1/2" ............ then a few years later got another 1/4", but it's the 1/2" I wouldn't do without. Whichever, the Trend starter sets are good value and Wealden as good a place as any to buy specific cutters. https://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Ro ... ers_1.html

 

[ExcessLockup]

Cheers mate, that seems like a good router. The sizing makes sense, if I've only got the one router may as well get one that can take the most bits.
And thanks for pointing those Trend sets out, otherwise I'd have been buying individual cutters.

 

[MikeJhn]

Agree that Wealdentools are some of the best router bits you can get, also look at the Hitachi 1/2" routers they are ultra reliable and can be found for a good price on Amazon, I have three Hitachi routers and have been using them for about four years without any problems.

The Tend sets are very good value, but you will find that a lot of them will be in their protective coating for a long time.

Mike

 

[Phil Pascoe]

£150 for the Hitachi is amazing really - I paid £180 for my Bosch ............ in a sale in 1991. Still running well, though.

 

[MikeJhn]

I have one of these in my route table: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitachi-M12VE- ... %3AHitachi been there for four years of very hard use on Oak, never a blip, one of my best buys, one of the best things about it is the speed control is not on the handle so the handles can be removed to allow a much better compact fit below a table.

Mike

 

[ExcessLockup]

Thanks for the responses all! Looks like I'll be buying the Hitachi.

 

[memzey]

I have one of these in my route table: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitachi-M12VE- ... %3AHitachi been there for four years of very hard use on Oak, never a blip, one of my best buys, one of the best things about it is the speed control is not on the handle so the handles can be removed to allow a much better compact fit below a table.

Mike

Quick question Mike; how have you got on with height adjustment of the Hitachi in the table? Is there a convenient way of doing this above the table?

 

[Cordy]

My Hitachi
Powerful, smooth, good in table but not many features for free-hand work

'Raiser' is from Machine mart £10.00

 

[MikeJhn]

I have one of these in my route table: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitachi-M12VE- ... %3AHitachi been there for four years of very hard use on Oak, never a blip, one of my best buys, one of the best things about it is the speed control is not on the handle so the handles can be removed to allow a much better compact fit below a table.

Mike

Quick question Mike; how have you got on with height adjustment of the Hitachi in the table? Is there a convenient way of doing this above the table?

Mine is mounted in a UJK router table with lift, worth every penny to save bending down all the time to lock the router in position and raises above the table for bit changes, in fact I don't see my router very often, only when I open the door to ensure all the shavings have been extracted and even then I don't take much notice of it. (hammer)

Mike

 

[memzey]

Thanks.

 

[ApplebyWT]

Have you looked at the Triton JOF001 1/2" Plunge router? It is 1010 Watt variable speed with collects ranging from 1'2", 12mm & 6mm with a Micro Winder, only £133 +VAT so its in budget if your a business and slightly over in its just yourself. It also comes with a 3 year guarantee, not bad in my opinion.