Buying a router and bits for DIY work

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phatboy

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I have been considering a router for a little while, as it would have made a few jobs a lot faster and neater, and probably saved money in having some pieces of hardwood machined.

I am looking for recommendations really. Happy to spend reasonable money to buy a known and trusted brand.

Primarily, I want to be able to sink route, to remove things for easy fitment, but also may want to do some decorative work at some stage.

I have been looking at this router (I have a fondness for Hitachi gear lately) http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/4966376191130 hitachi m12ve 1 2in router with case 240 volt

And thought of these bits as a starting point http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/...kwj set 4 1 2in shank kitchen worktop cutters They say for Kitchen worktop, but I imagine they would be OK for most types of cutting work?

Any input greatly appreciated!

Tim
 
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Hitachi is a reasonable brand, the Faithfull bits are OK for kitchen work (been through a few sets of them myself), but what about jigs? If you intend to use a worktop jig then you'll need to have a 30mm guide bush. Does the Hitachi come with one of those, and for that matter if you intend to use the router with jigs, can you gety hold of other sizes of guide bush for this router? For a wider range of cutters I'd recommend Wealden Tools as good value, good quality and first rate service (no connections, just a satisfied customer)
 
Thanks for the feedback!

I can't see the day I trust myself doing a worktop joint, so no need to use with a jig, however I will see if it has options for bushings.

I will take a look at the suggested site for bits, I want a reasonable selection, but don't need anything too serious - just picked the worktop set as I thought they would be good for cutting channels in wood.

Tim
 
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Nigel_Cro said:
I bought one of these about a year ago -

http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-erb380rou-2100w-router-230-240v/81664

I am chuffed to bits with it. Just to say, I am only a DIYer, a keen one with some skills and experience when working with wood. I am NOT a pro, this machine might not be the best choice for people who use a router for a living, but it suits me fine.

HTH
Click to expand...

That does look very good for the money, hmm, tempting! Need to see if ScrewFix take VAT off, as FFX don't stock that brand.
 
Well, ScrewFix won't ship that to Jersey :(

So I ended up going with the Hitachi after reading many reviews online, and it looks good. It does have a 30mm guide bush, should I need it.

I chose a different set of Faithful bits in the end, with a few more bits in. I will see how that goes, and then check the site posted by JobAndKnock, once I have a better feel for what I am doing.

After VAT was taken off, and discount for buying a load of other bits and pieces, the router came in at about £105! :)

Thanks for the help.

Tim
 
I switch between Dewalt and Makita, after being blown away by my DeWalt Biscuit jointer and it's durability, i opted for a DeWalt router.

I wanted one that could be more portable and use with jigs. I opted for this:

http://www.dewalt.co.uk/powertools/productdetails/catno/D26204K/

As you can see you can swap the motor between a normal router body and one for smaller jobs, Its absolutely awesome, comes with an array of accessories hover attachments LED downlights etc. I cannot fault it so far.
 
Thanks, thats a pretty clever idea they have!

Unfortunately it costs a little more than I wanted to spend - about £80 more.
 
festive said:
I switch between Dewalt and Makita, after being blown away by my DeWalt Biscuit jointer and it's durability, i opted for a DeWalt router.

I wanted one that could be more portable and use with jigs. I opted for this:

http://www.dewalt.co.uk/powertools/productdetails/catno/D26204K/

As you can see you can swap the motor between a normal router body and one for smaller jobs, Its absolutely awesome, comes with an array of accessories hover attachments LED downlights etc. I cannot fault it so far.
Click to expand...
Only a 1/4 " collet so no good for worktops.
 
Thanks Foxhole, Indeed techincally doable but a PIA. As above i chose this for smaller detail work.

Sorry OP (original poster) missed your requirement for worktops!

I have an old workhorse 1/2" collet for worktops i wouldnt recommend it's so old.
 
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