What kind of router (spindle)?

[bkboggy]

So I'm looking for a router with a fixed removable base and maybe (don't really need it all that much) a plunge base (doesn't have to be a kit if bases could be added on later). I'll need the fixed base to cut and drill the parts for my future cnc and the plunge base might come in handy to drill (but no real necessity for it since I can probably get away with an electric hand drill), and then I'll be able to use the router as the spindle.

My budget is $200.... $250 tops.

It doesn't have to be a kit, but that would be the preference, unless someone has a better idea or thinks I should buy them separately. If I can buy them all separately and maintain $250 budget that would be just as good. I'm all ears )

I'll use it for wood, plastic, foam and thin aluminum on buildyourcnc.com CNC that I'll build from the instructions on the website. How big should the router be? What voltage, rpms and hp am I looking for? Things like that... I know next to nothing about routers. Do I need a big router to perform those tasks or should I go with something like RotoZip?

Anyone has any recommendations? I'm open for any and all ideas.


-BK

[dertsap]

Ive got a craftsman plunge router with the removable base on mine $129 CND
it works pretty good , it will handle a 1/2" endmill and light cuts on aluminum , when i push it to a few hundred ipm it doesnt take to long to machine a part out ,
others may recommend higher quality routers but for my use the craftsman has proven its worth , and when i do kill it ,then it wont hurt my wallet to replace it

[bkboggy]

What do you think of these?

HITACHI KM12VC 2.25 HP FIXED/PLUNGE BASE ROUTER KIT

Porter-Cable 892 2-1/4 Peak HP Router Kit

Porter Cable 893PK 2-1/4 HP Router Kit

DeWalt DW618B3E VS 3 Base Router Kit

[dertsap]

they make good routers from what i understand , but i've got zero experience with them

[bkboggy]

Everyone says that Hitachi makes the quiet ones, Porter Cable seems to be the most expensive, DeWalt.... I see that in all stores. Not sure which one to go for....

[blackbeard52]

bkboggy

here is a hitachi 2.25 hp for $120 http://www.tools-plus.com/hitachi-m1..._term=HTCM12VC

[bkboggy]

I found this kit, just for a bit more:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...UQBAP&v=glance

Same version router.

[bkboggy]

It won't be too big or heavy for my cnc, right? Will it also do okay with foam? It is variable speed after all.

[groov]

I found this kit, just for a bit more:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...UQBAP&v=glance

Same version router.

I have a Hitachi on my system....never looked back. I also purchased the router with the base just in case I wanted to do manual work with it. The price is right and you won't regret it.

groov

[bkboggy]

Everyone seems to praise how quiet Hitachi routers are, is that true? Also, between Hitachi, Porter Cable and DeWalt.... Hitachi is the best choise? I just don't want to have to buy another router for a while.

Should I get one of the part replacement plans form amazon? There's 2 ($24.99) and 1 ($14.99) year plan.

http://www.amazon.com/2-Year-Replace...l_sp_SVC_1_img

http://www.amazon.com/1-Year-Replace...l_sp_SVC_2_img

Or should the limited 5 year warranty on the item itself be just fine?

[bkboggy]

Should I go with a lower HP router or higher HP router for the materials I will work with? (lots of wood, some plastic, lots of foam and some metal)

The one that everyone seems to like around here is

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-6...R5WTE5XWNB9W7K


or should I go with that Hitachi one?

[bkboggy]

Well, not getting anymore answers from anyone, so I'll just go ahead and go with that Hitachi kit. There's only 4 left and it's at good price.