Need help selecting the right router

[scheek]

I'm about through with this project and now have to select my router. I will cutting mostly flat 20 ga aluminum and some flat 20 ga mild steel and possibly some small woodworking projects.

I was told to look for a 3.25 hp porter cable. I see where many hobbiest are using the 690 LRVS Porter Cable but that is only 1.75 hp. Is this enough for what I'm doing?

Any help appreciated.

[Pres]

Originally Posted by scheek I'm about through with this project and now have to select my router. I will cutting mostly flat 20 ga aluminum and some flat 20 ga mild steel and possibly some small woodworking projects. I was told to look for a 3.25 hp porter cable. I see where many hobbiest are using the 690 LRVS Porter Cable but that is only 1.75 hp. Is this enough for what I'm doing? Any help appreciated.

What size router bit are you using?
Router horsepower and bit size are pretty much inexorably related.
(i.e. usually smaller diameter is better, at least, until it breaks)
Oh, and carbide rules!