Ronn W Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 I am getting tired of mounting and unmounting my one and only router from the table. I need a smaller router that I can use for mortises and for precise inlay work. I would like a plunge router and has a built in light, hook up for dust collection to my shop vac, a base that accepts a bushing insert and good visibility for the precise work. Is there a unit out there that has all this? What do you guys recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 Dewalt 611 is what I use for free hand routing. Has LED ligths and good visibility. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted February 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 3 minutes ago, Immortan D said: Dewalt 611 is what I use for free hand routing. Has LED ligths and good visibility. I think I have seen Dust port attachments for the 611. Do you know if it works? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 I don't know, but for inlay work it will get in the way, for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 611 is on my list as well. those lights make it worth the extra cost. I think the plunge base is extra though, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 6 minutes ago, Cliff said: 611 is on my list as well. those lights make it worth the extra cost. I think the plunge base is extra though, right? The 611PK I have came bundled with both bases, plunge and fixed. What you need to buy extra is the round sub base and centering cone if you want to use it with PC bushings. The round base is only compatible with the fixed base though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 One of mine I can recommend is the Trend T5 MK2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 7, 2016 Report Share Posted February 7, 2016 I have the Dewalt 611 but only the regular base.Great little router, I have put several hundred hours on it and it's still running fine. Don't know about the plunge base but I do have the dust collection accessory, it works pretty good but does impair the view. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted February 8, 2016 Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 yep, 611PK, great router for the money, wdwerker and immortan D are right on 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted February 8, 2016 Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 I have a 611 as well and I agree it's a nice little unit, but OP said he wanted a router for "inlay and mortising" and I wouldn't recommend this router for mortising. It only takes 1/4" shanks which is a deal breaker immediately, and it's too underpowered for serious joinery work. I'd suggest buying a full-size plunge unit and then get something like the 611 down the road for more specialty tasks if you still feel like you're lacking. The 611 is not an everyday driver workhorse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted February 8, 2016 Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 I have a Porter Cable 450PK plunge and fixed base compact router. I've done several inlays with it, and it works great. The plunge is smooth, and the location of the plunge lever is in a great spot. It's a great machine, and fairly cheap at around $150 bucks for the whole kit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 8, 2016 Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 2 hours ago, Eric. said: I have a 611 as well and I agree it's a nice little unit, but OP said he wanted a router for "inlay and mortising" and I wouldn't recommend this router for mortising. It only takes 1/4" shanks which is a deal breaker immediately, and it's too underpowered for serious joinery work. I'd suggest buying a full-size plunge unit and then get something like the 611 down the road for more specialty tasks if you still feel like you're lacking. The 611 is not an everyday driver workhorse. I assume he means small mortises, like for hinges or other hardware. I wouldn't expect to do full size joinery and precise inlays with the same router. OP - can you be more specific? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted February 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 You guys have answered my questions nicely. It's too bad that good visibility and a good duct port seam to be mutually exclusive. My monster Triton router has both and works well but does have lights. I was planning to leave the Triton mounted in my table and by something like the 611 but maybe I should by a new router for my table and use the heavy but stable Triton for my freehand, and mortises, etc. Wow, This thread could go all kinds of different direction - like: Does any one know where to get a base for a Triton router that allows me to use bushings? Has anyone found a small led light that could be velcroed to the side of a router and pointed at the cutting area? Any way - thank you all for your input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted February 8, 2016 Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 I also have a Makita RP2301FC, which can be used for everything, including deep mortising. Some key features that may interest you: * Dual LED lights * Dust collection adapter (optional) * Excellent visibility for precise routing with the included chip deflector * Accepts PC bushings right out of the box, using the standard adapter that comes bundled with all bushing sets. * Plenty of power at 3 1/4 HP * 1/2" collet. 1/4" collet adapter comes standard with the router. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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