Brendon_t Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I'm sick of taking my router out of the table every time I need to do a handheld operation so I'm a shopping. I love the handle feel of the of of1400 But, I don't use a dust extractor and the price of accessories is making me think twice. This will only live in a plunge base and I want a micro adjustable edge guide and the ability to use guide bushings plus 1/4 or 1/2" bitsCurrently looking at the Triton tra001.Dewalt 625 Pc7538.Any reviews of these or other routers that should be on the list are welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 The 1400 is awesome because of the dust collection. One of my favorite routers in my shop is the Bosch 1617. As far as fit and function, I like it as much as my 1400. Dust collection is its only shortcoming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I bought the Bosch 1617 based on Kevs recommendation. I have had no regrets with it. It's been a very nice addition in my shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted October 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 I had looked at the 1617 but couldn't figure out how it locks the height. Does one of the handles spin to lock? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 No, it has the turret stops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Bob Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 Ok this is kind of embarrassing but here goes. I have the Triton 001 in my table, I didn't like as a handheld but in my table its nice and has decent DC. I have two of the DW 625, (one for parts) it is a great router but really heavy for extended handheld use. I have the DW 618 fixed base/plunge combo and don't like it at all, it has a goofy switch location and the plunge lock does not hold. This doesn't count my 2 compact DWs.Thursday I bought a OF 1400. It is probably some sort of disease, but I don't care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted October 18, 2015 Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 (edited) I have the Bosch 1617 in my router table and the DeWalt 618 as my hand held (plus a DeWalt palm sized router).I can't complain much about any of them. Each has the normal router features and each has one or two little features that are nice.I got the Bosch for my table because it has adjustment from above the table, but I find it doesn't make it all that more convenient. You still have to reach under the table to release the clamp that secures the router before and after you adjust it.I got that clear plastic shroud that is used for dust collection so that I have a shopvac connected to the Bosch under the table, and a second shop vac connected to my router table fence. The dust collection still isn't stellar, but it works to a large extent.The edge guide for the DeWalt isn't super rock-solid precise but you can get it dialed in with a little testing on scrap.Of course you're looking for a larger router, but I imagine you're going to find that DeWalt, PC, and Bosch, etc. are going to be of similar quality with one or two minor features that you like better. If you can, try out the depth stop settings and attach the edge guide before you buy to see which style of adjustment features you prefer. Edited October 18, 2015 by davewyo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted October 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2015 No, it has the turret stops.kev, am I understanding correctly that you cannot lock the plunge in place mid plunge? That sounds like a huge design flaw.and thanks for the other input, just a reminder, this router will never see a table. It's only function will be handheld use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 There's a little lever on the backside of the plunge unit...see it next to homeboy's left thumb? That releases the plunge mechanism...you can raise and lower to any point you want between totally open and bottomed out on a turret stop... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have the 1617 as well for my hand held and really like it. Damn, I can't believe I finally have a tool that others have. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have I have the new Bosch kit with the trigger in the handle. Love it - check out my review in the reviews section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgreenb Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have both the Bosch and Dewalt plunge routers. I like them both, but they both have (different) shortcomings. I like the ergonomics better on the Bosch, but the Dewalt is definitely lighter. I like the bit change on the Bosch much better (Dewalt one is the "one wrench" and you press a button with your other finger to engage a brake on the collet - I find it very clumsy and unless you have tiny fingers I bet you will too). Bosch is the standard two wrench bit change.Using a guide bushing with the Bosch is a bit of a PIA because it requires an adapter, whereas the Dewalt base is ready to go. The on/off switch on the Dewalt is a little easier to access mid-routing. The Bosch edge guide is a bit higher quality, but neither is great - I'd consider the micro adjust feature to be junk on both of them. Honestly, they're both pretty good - gun to my head I probably go with the Bosch. The PC690 also seems to be the standard for handheld routing, but I don't have one and can't really offer an opinion on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 Anyone tried the Hitachi M12VC? I was comparing Bosch, Dewalt and Hitachi at the local big box this afternoon. Looked pretty decent, and was about $50 less than the Bosch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 Anyone tried the Hitachi M12VC? I was comparing Bosch, Dewalt and Hitachi at the local big box this afternoon. Looked pretty decent, and was about $50 less than the Bosch.A friend of mine swears by them. He started using one in his CNC because of the mount or something.. and has been a fan ever since. And like you said, they're less money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinF Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 Brendon I've got the triton and I like it. I've been using it for hand held work, it does pretty good, but it is heavy. My only complaint is if you don't lock it down when it's not in free plunge mode there is some lash in the settings, which caused me to have a couple funky looking dado bottoms, but as long as you remember to lock it down, it's been great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 kev, am I understanding correctly that you cannot lock the plunge in place mid plunge? That sounds like a huge design flaw.and thanks for the other input, just a reminder, this router will never see a table. It's only function will be handheld use. See Eric's post.. The 1617 comes with a couple bases for more versatility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virginia Mark Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have the hitachi, the plunge mechanism is smooth, it does not come with an edge guide. I purchased the edge guide, it's ok, not great. It's a little hard to dial in. The on off button is on top, it would be better if it was on one of the handles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted October 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 Good info all around. Pug, that set wasnt on my radar but is now. I love the on off in the handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have the Trend T11. It is fantastic, has a micro adjusting edge guide, great depth stopping, variable speed by electronics, very quiet and dust collection is very good too. The T11 has a built in router raiser so I use it in the table. The T10 is identical apart from not having the raiser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dknapp34 Posted October 19, 2015 Report Share Posted October 19, 2015 Don't have the other ones mentioned, so I can't compare, but I have the Bosch 1617 and love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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