First router?

llama · 4 Jan 2008

Hi, I'm looking to buy my first router. At this stage I can't spend a fortune and was looking for something for £120 or less. I appreciate that you only get what you pay for but I wondered if anyone had any suggestions for a router in this price bracket.

The machine will be for occasional DIY use. I hope to be able to cut rebates and possibly dovetail joints and trim laminated boards without getting chipped edges. It would also be handy if it was up to the task of cutting a 40mm worktop.

I was considering the Ryobi ERT2100 its a 2100W 1/2". Does anyone have any thoughts on this particular model?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/72124/Power-Tools/Routers-Planers/Ryobi-Router-2100W#
http://tooltray.com/ViewProduct.asp?i=161190

Your thoughts would be appreciated.[/url][/i]

streetlighter · 6 Jan 2008

I have a Bosch POF500A which was my first router and at the time i bought it the best 1/4" router was considered the Elu MOF96 but at £180 was out of my limited budget.
Id recommend the bosch as ive used it for over ten years with no problems, Recently i upgraded to a Black and Decker KW850E and i dont like the plunge mechanism too stiff.

big-all · 6 Jan 2008

would thorouly recomend the ryobi as a 1/2inch router

but may i suggest you would be better starting with a 1/4 inch router as the power and weight make delicate work a tad difficult unless your well practised

would you trim a hedge with a large chain saw

ryobi 1150 is a good un and if you can find an old model they can do small 1/2 inch jobs as well

streetlighter · 6 Jan 2008

I wouldnt recommend starting off with a big 1/2" router either. Takes a bit of time to master the basics of routing and they are quite powerful tools that can have a mind of there own and need treating with respect.

Bilioustrumpstaine · 7 Jan 2008

I use a Trend 1/4" which I have had for a good many years now and it has always given good service, there is a new model out now.

http://www.trend-uk.com/product/T4EK/t4 router/Router+14+850W+230V.html

Trend also supply just about anything to do with routers and if you buy any of these cutters or accessories you know that they will fit your router

llama · 8 Jan 2008

Thanks for the replies. l think I'll go for a 1/4" - I like the bit about triming the hedge with a large chainsaw! In truth a 1/4" will probably do all but a few of the jobs I am likely to do.

The Trend T4 model looks good and as Bilioustrumpstaine has already stated, it looks like they supply everything I'm likely to need for a router.

Thank you for the advice.

Woodnaut · 11 Jan 2008

I was looking at Amazon UK and didn't see any Porter Cable routers. Are they available over there? The Dewalt 621, a bit over your price range is an excellent plunger.

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RF Lighting · 13 Jan 2008

My first router was a 1/4" cheap and nasty router from screwfix, which was fine for occasional DIY use.

I mainly used it for profiling edges etc, and it was great for learning how to use the tool.

I have recently upgraded to a quite expensive makita 1/2" router, as I have now got a few jigs for locks and hinges.

The one thing I would recommend, regardless of which router you decide to buy is buy a set of the most expensive cutters you can afford. This makes a huge difference to the ease of cutting, and also the quality of the cut.

Routers are great, and incredibly verastile.

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First router?

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