Motor for router table?

[jarbroen]

Full on Mid-Shop Crisis mode is driving a rearrange of my shop.  One of the changes for space, mobility and convenience is switching from the CMS-VL attached to MFT to a separate router table.
After a ton of research and internal debate I ordered the Jessem Ultimate Excel II package.  The quality and simplicity really appeals to me.  The CMS-VL with Incra LS is a wonderful setup, but has drawbacks.  Mainly, space that it takes up and fiddling.

Anyway, the long story brings me to my question.  I'm in search of a router motor and have been spoiled with the Festool routers.  I know I won't find anything close to that quality, but am hoping for something powerful, low run out and reliable.  And the usual, soft start, variable speed.
At the top of my list right now is the new Portamate PM-6200.  It has the power, should have the low run out with the redesign and collet change.  Not sure on reliability since it's new and it's Portamate.
Woodpeckers also released the SpinRite which looks like the PM-6200 in different colors.

Now that Porter Cable routers are no longer available, are there any other serious contenders I should consider?
I know Milwaukee makes a 3+ HP router.  It's also $100 more.  Is there enough quality or functionality difference to make it worth while?  It also doesn't have the ER collet like the Portamate and SpinRite.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any feedback/advice!

 

[DavidCBaker]

I too sold my CMS table and router. Just didn't work for me. Got the same Jessem as you. The router I went with was the "Milwaukee Router — 3 1/2 HP, 22,000 RPM, 15 Amp, Model# 5625-20 Item# M0050" from Northern Tool for $369.

Love it.

 

[squall_line]

I too sold my CMS table and router. Just didn't work for me. Got the same Jessem as you. The router I went with was the "Milwaukee Router — 3 1/2 HP, 22,000 RPM, 15 Amp, Model# 5625-20 Item# M0050" from Northern Tool for $369.

Love it.

[member=8542]David[/member] , did you also have the VL, or the full up CMS-OF/GE?

It seems like the VL has some compromises compared to a dedicated table like the CMS-OF/GE, which may affect a user's opinion.

Just curious.

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

I wrote earlier about this; I decided to make the decision on the motor first, so I'm going to use my old but almost unused ELU 3339 router. Soft start, lots of power. That necessitates getting the Jessem Rout-R-Lift Prestige, but I'm OK with that.
At the advice of FOG users, I ordered a Musclechuck router extension so I can change bits above the table.
The Musclechuck looks like a good idea in any case, so I ordered a second one for my OF 1010.

 

[jarbroen]

David - I appreciate your feedback on the Milwaukee router. With the absence of the PC 7518 the Milwaukee sounds like the current ‘standard’ to measure against. I will keep that one on my list to research.

Pretty sure I can’t buy an Elu 3339 though…

[member=75217]squall_line[/member] you mentioned the VL vs the GE. I did briefly consider swapping my VL for the GE to get the space savings. The CMS is a great setup and using Festool routers is a no brainer.
I’m not a huge fan of the Festool fence and options are more limited for aftermarket with the GE.  It also has a smaller table and lacks a wheel option.
The only limitation I can see with regards to the VL is that it requires an MFT. If you have the space in your shop and/or need to haul it to job sites it’s a great option. 

 

[tsmi243]

Musclechuck-  do these have any drawbacks?  I'm guessing a standard run-out test would pass with flying colors- but I'm wondering if there's any significant increase in vibration that might telegraph into the edge quality.

 

[jarbroen]

[member=8542]David[/member]  - I just thought of a question for you specific to the Milwaukee 5625 and the Jessem Excel.  Are you able to do above the table bit changes?
Many of the reviews I can find on that motor aren't specific to the Jessem lift.  And most of those reviews the users removed the motor for bit changes.

 

[rst]

I have two Porter Cable 7518s and equipped both with the Eliminator quick change collets.  Been using these since the Eliminators first came out, makes changes with just a ball end hex driver.  The one PC has lived in my Benchdog lift and router table for at least 35 years.  I actually just listed the loose 7518 on Facebook market place.  My 2200s are soooo much nicer for free handing not to mention the track guided capability.

 

[thender]

I see that Woodpecker is offering the Spinrite motor with one-year warranty for $270.

This is ~$100 cheaper than the Milwaukee 5625.
https://www.woodpeck.com/spinrite-router-motor.html

I'm always leery of off-branded power tools, I'm hoping Woodpecker isn't selling junk... 

Just wondering if anybody had any insight into the quality/durability of the Spinrite.

Thanks!

 

[SoonerFan]

I have a Jet table with the cast iron top, lift, etc.  I went with a 3.25 HP router from Bora.  I got it based on advice from Woodcraft.  I fine it to be excellent.  Very happy so far.
https://boratool.com/soft-start-router-motor

 

[Mini Me]

A CNC spindle with VFD control will make any router motor look ancient in performance. We as router table users have yet to get our heads around that but the word is spreading slowly as recently discussed in another thread.