Decent 3HP router for router table...

[Mark]

Looking to build a router table and permanently have a 3HP router setup in it. Yeah...the OF2200 would be sweet but it would be under appreciated stuck in a hobo router table and not the CMS table. What recommends for a router do people have... Porter Cable? Hitachi? Dewalt? ... want to spend as little money on this...

Thanks

 

[Jesse Cloud]

The PC7518 is a real workhorse and has a decent price.  Depending on your lift, you may only need the router motor. 

 

[semenza]

What Jesse said. But are you going with a lift or do you need a plunge router?

Seth

 

[erock]

+1 on the Porter Cable 7518.  Love it in my Incra table.

Eric

 

[Timtool]

My next one for the router table will also be the triton, has a built in lift and collet lock when lifted all the way up, it's made more for router tables than hand held use.
I also wouldn't want to "waste" my OF2200 under a table. Plus the triton is reasonably priced.

 

[CharlesWilson]

Another +1 for the 7518. I mounted its stock base to the bottom of a custom made wooden frame and clamp the frame to a couple of sawhorses when I need to use it.

Charles

 

[RussellS]

Porter Cable 7539 plunge router.  3 HP.  5 speeds.  Has 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets.  For lifting it I use a car scissor jack.  Like the ones shown in the second link below.

http://www.porter-cable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11102

https://www.google.com/search?q=scissor+jack&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=tHPYUu3SBcmfrQHe4IDACA&sqi=2&ved=0CE0QsAQ&biw=1600&bih=805

 

[John H]

+1 for the 7518  BUT if this is going to me mounted in a ROUTER LIFT, go with the 75182 and save yourself $30

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007SXHXM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i07?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[rst]

The PC 7518 is "THE BEAST", I use two; one in a Bench Dog lift (also beastial) router table and one with an oversized base used for pattern routing 3/8" acrylic.  Get the Eliminator RC Quick Change Chuck.

 

[dltflt]

+1 for the 7518

 

[SPARKY FROM WINNIPEG]

I would go with the Milwaukee 5625, this is what I run and it has also been rated higher in reviews I have read.

 

[Motown]

I have the 7518 and love it.

 

[rljatl]

I have used the big Triton for years in a router table with no regrets or desire to buy anything else.

 

[Oldwood]

Another vote for the Triton 3.25hp. I have used it for years and it does not require a lift. Does all I need a table router to do for a good price!

Gerry

 

[leer]

I would go with the Milwaukee 5625, this is what I run and it has also been rated higher in reviews I have read.

Home Depot has them on website for $309.  Amazon wants $479!  I didn't see any reference to this one being the special "gold plated" commemorative edition, so I think I'd go with the BORG if I were shopping for one.

 

[Roseland]

I have a Triton MOF001K in my table, and really like it.  There are many nice features, like the spindle lock when it's fully up for changing a bit and the "through the table" height adjustment.  Not only does this save the cost of a router lift, but it also eliminates the cut depth loss a lift causes.

I did post earlier that the fine adjustment vibrated down when the router was running, so when I unlocked the head to make small adjustment, it dropped a few millimetres.  However I since found Ray Girling's excellent site: http://www.raygirling.com/dismmof1.htm which shows how to fix this - a one minute job.

So now the Triton gets 10/10 for table use.  I don't like it for handheld work - the on/off switch is a bit clumsy but that's what I've got my OF1010 and OF1400 for!

Andrew

 

[GregBradley]

I would go with the Milwaukee 5625, this is what I run and it has also been rated higher in reviews I have read.

Home Depot has them on website for $309.  Amazon wants $479!  I didn't see any reference to this one being the special "gold plated" commemorative edition, so I think I'd go with the BORG if I were shopping for one.

There seems to be a supply issue with Milwaukee routers as Milwaukee's Chinese owners seem to be putting their efforts elsewhere.
The 5625 is nicer than the PC7518 but they should be the SAME price, right at $300. Amazon doesn't have any, those are just some other overpriced sellers that are coming up because Amazon doesn't have any. I paid $260 for each of mine on sale, one about 5 years ago and one last year. You can mount a 5625 under a table and adjust it from above. It doesn't have the issue that the PC7518 does with cheap bearings. However, if you don't use dust collection more sap will gum up the inside than the PC7518. If you aren't going to use dust collection and you are using a lift, then use the PC7518 and just figure you will have to buy good quality bearings for it sooner rather than later.

Added Jan 26, 2014:

Good deal on Milwaukee 5625 through 1/31 - $247:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-3-1-2-Max-HP-Fixed-Base-Production-Router-5625-20/100080036

Decent deal on the 7518 through 1/31 - $279:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-3-1-4-HP-5-Speed-Router-7518/100609261