Lightest 1/2" collet plunge router?

JonathanJung

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My 1400 is fine for everything but using template bushings (well established fact). I'd like recommendations for a lightweight plunge router accepting 1/2" collets for doing repetitive plunge work with bushings. Manufacturers don't post weights for specific combinations of routers and their bases, and I don't have a nearby store with all the different options out there.

Here's the ones I see so far

Bosch 1617EVSPK-RT 12
Bosch MRP23EVS-RT
Makita RF1101KIT2
Dewalt DW616PK
Dewalt DW621
 
All major brands list weight of their routers under technical specs on their websites. I just checked Makita, Bosch, Dewalt. Different weights are listed for plunge, fixed, D-handle, etc. models.
 
Bosch 1617 router bushings are sloppy and have issues.  I have the router and was about to grab their quick bushings before I read the reviews.  It sounded like most people just get a PC compatible base plate if they wanted to use the 1617 for templates.  Something to consider.
 
May I ask why "Light"?

And why 1/2" collet?

Usually "light" means light duty and 1/2" collet means heavy duty. 
 
I had a DeWalt 621 for years and it was a nice router. Has DC. The switch took a little getting used to for locking, but it was a nice router for handheld use.
 
[member=67785]JonathanJung[/member]

Depending on what you are planning on doing, consider a smaller 1/4 inch collet router. I have been using a DeWalt 611 in the plunge base with a 1/4 inch solid carbide spiral. It is light, easy to use. The 1/4 inch spiral plunges beautifully. The base takes Porter Cable bushings.

Ron

 
Svar said:
All major brands list weight of their routers under technical specs on their websites. I just checked Makita, Bosch, Dewalt. Different weights are listed for plunge, fixed, D-handle, etc. models.

Yes, but it's not clear whether that is with the fixed base, the plunge base, w/ or w/o battery, etc.
 
Packard said:
May I ask why "Light"?

And why 1/2" collet?

Usually "light" means light duty and 1/2" collet means heavy duty.

The majority of my bits are 1/2", and I really like using a 1/2" spiral bit for template work, but want to use it for repetitive plunging, when the router is lifted in/out of templates many times.
 
I haven’t weighed any , but my sense is the small Triton is the lightest.
 
I don't know about "light", but the DW621 really is an amazing machine.  You might find that the ergonomics make up for it being a middle-weight.
 
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