Workers Of Wood

The last of my full-size routers when to the whirring heaven in the sky a week (or so) ago, and Ken wants to get me a new one for my birthday.

So tonight, he went online and started searching. He asked if I had any requirements for said router. My main requirement? A light. My Makita was a major let down when I found out it didn't have a light on it, with the type of routing I do and as Ken was looking for routers, he had a problem finding one with a light. I make do with a clip-on for the Makita, but it's a royal pain. It pretty much just sits in the cupboard collecting dust now.

After looking around, he found this: Can I get some feedback from you guys on this machine? Has a couple of features I thought was pretty cool, but I'm thinking that the quality is more important. I told Ken I don't need a 1/2" collet, but he said it has both?

go to the head of the class....
.
BOSCH MRC23EVSK

Built-in LED lighting
You can pick up the Bosch MRC23EVSK kit for around $279.99.
includes the motor, plunge base, fixed base, and collet chucks...
save more and go reconditioned...

The Triton is a very powerful router...barely blows any dust up into your face. But, it is best suited for table considering its weight and power.

You would find it is a bit heavy for hand-routing...and possibly a bit top heavy.

If you're gonna put it in a table and leave it there, excellent choice. If you're going to use it hand routing, not so good.

I've got one.

Look for a router with less weight with table capabilities. Something LIKE the Bosch 1617EVSPK or Ridgid (lifetime service agreement).

If you're going to use hand-routing only, get a trim router...stay in the 1/4" category. Plenty of them out there to choose from...Bosch, Makita, Ridgid, etc.... They're all in the 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 HP...which is plenty for any hand-routing...

Good luck...

@Nickp I have trim routers - three of them. Two DeWalt and a Makita, which was a HUGE disappointment in that it (the Makita) has no light. How are you supposed to use it for hand routing without a flippin light!? I was furious and let Makita know what bumble brains they were for creating a hand router with no light. Also, I would rather use a full-sized router for making my templates, which my trim routers seem to be working pretty hard to cut through to make them. I also need a full-size for some roundover bits, because the bigger one doesn't fit through the template/plate.

Whichever router I get, it has to have a light. Now either Ken missed it in the descriptions, or many don't have them. You're right on the weight, which is what I questioned Ken on last night. Says it weighs 13 pounds, which is a bit more (I think) than I really want, so thank you for the reminder.

Triton makes a mid size like the 1617. I don't know what the weight is on it. Tritons have a good reputation for reliability. I have mostly Hitachis. The mid size that is comparable to the 1617 is the M12VC. It comes in a kit with different bases but mine is only a fixed base. It doesn't have a light but maybe the newer ones do. I love using it. Good power, smooth, not too heavy. I also bought it for $130 Can on sale which is much cheaper than the others. I've never had an issue with any of my Hitachis. No warranty work, no breakdowns. I've never heard anyone else having issues. However, it's Metabo Hitachi now so maybe that doesn't apply to the new ones. I agree that it should take 1/2 inch bits and all of the mid size models (2 to 2.5hp) will. It should come with 1/2 and 1/4" collets but you can get bushings for all kinds of sizes. I either have chucks or collets for 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 1/8" and 3/8" plus the 1/4 and 1/2.

Cherryville Chuck wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 10:45 am it's Metabo Hitachi now

they went chinese...

Stick486 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 11:44 am

Cherryville Chuck wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 10:45 am it's Metabo Hitachi now

they went chinese...

I came across a website once for an outfit called Rexon and they apparently made Hitachi and Bosch tools. Still around it looks like. Scroll down the link. https://www.rexonproducts.com/en/

Cherryville Chuck wrote: ↑Wed Aug 31, 2022 9:59 am

Stick486 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 11:44 am

Cherryville Chuck wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 10:45 am it's Metabo Hitachi now

they went chinese...

I came across a website once for an outfit called Rexon and they apparently made Hitachi and Bosch tools. Still around it looks like. Scroll down the link. https://www.rexonproducts.com/en/

I am catching up on my unread posts,Barb. Did you ever find a replacement router?
Herb

Herb Stoops wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:09 pm
I am catching up on my unread posts,Barb. Did you ever find a replacement router?
Herb

Nope. The search went to the wayside when other things popped up. Still taking reviews and ideas

I don't think you will miss the light if the new (big) router sits in your table.

If you want to use it handheld most "big" routers will be a bit uncomfortable. Keep in mind that before the 2+HP routers came along woodworkers used 1 1/2 hp routers very successfully....including for raised panel work.

Having a 1/2" shaft is a good thing and safer for bigger bits...although I don't think you will be doing cabinet doors with panel bit any time soon...

I think Ken is right...no lights on the bigger routers...except for Stick's big Bosch...

GOod luck...let us know what you wind up with...

Nickp wrote: ↑Mon Feb 13, 2023 3:13 pm If you want to use it handheld most "big" routers will be a bit uncomfortable. Keep in mind that before the 2+HP routers came along woodworkers used 1 1/2 hp routers very successfully....including for raised panel work.

Nick is right...
a lighted router in a table is pointless...
a big router for a table if you are going to do extensive production other wise a 1½~2HP is way more than adequate...
trust me on this... STAY AWAY FROM PORTER CABLE...
.
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boscht ... s-23525-c/
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/more/n ... od-router/

Barb I took a quick look at some of the most popular routers and I didn't find any of the larger ones with builtin work light. Maybe they think you aren't likely to be using them free hand which is the main time you'd need it. Like Stick said, don't buy a PC, even a used one unless it is cheap. They are out of production now and parts will soon be an issue. All the mid size routers (around 2 to 2.5 hp) will take 1/4 and 1/2 inch bits. All will have a base opening large enough for most bits. A few may not handle 3.5 inch roundovers or raised panel bits but you aren't likely to use those. Some may be more open into the bit area than others which would make seeing what the bit is cutting easier. You'd have to check the pictures carefully. The following are all potential choices.
Triton- have a solid reputation but limited distribution and have had issues with service in the past which may not be an issue now. Check for as many reviews as possible. Users complain a bit about them being top heavy.
Hitachi- they've merged with Metabo so check reviews first. Mine have been very reliable and the mid size VC is a joy to use. Usually one of the cheapest in price.
Bosch- good quality and moderately priced. There is a gazillion 1617s in use so parts should not be an issue for a while. I have heard rumblings they might like to discontinue it but it's so popular a model I'm not sure they will.
DeWalt- Good quality and moderately priced. They probably have the largest distribution and service network.

The Hitachi, Bosch, and DeWalts all use the same collet. I've had issue with getting bits stuck in that type so I switched my table router out with a Musclechuck. I highly recommend doing that. Faster, easier bit changes and no stuck bits. No shaft lock to try and hold while you wrench, no two wrenches, just a 4mm hex key wrench.

the BOSCH MRC23 KIT has led lighting,,,
you can have it in fixed base or in plunge or both...
the router is very easy to drive.. I have several of each, I never change bits during a job - I change routers....

Hitachi and Metabo are in bed together now and owned by the chinese... if things hold true to form - be careful...
CS for Triton, here, sucks and the vendors that at one time carried them dropped them because of dealing w/ them issues... OTC Triton is nonexistent here...
I do nor care for DeWalt - AT ALL... they piss me off on any and all counts...

Stick486 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 1:05 pm the BOSCH MRC23 KIT has led lighting,,,
you can have it in fixed base or in plunge or both...
the router is very easy to drive.. I have several of each, I never change bits during a job - I change routers....

Hitachi and Metabo are in bed together now and owned by the chinese... if things hold true to form - be careful...
CS for Triton, here, sucks and the vendors that at one time carried them dropped them because of dealing w/ them issues... OTC Triton is nonexistent here...
I do nor care for DeWalt - AT ALL... they piss me off on any and all counts...

I agree, Stick. I would rather change routers than bits when in a job, which is why I have so many at hand as well.
I'm trying to avoid any and all items from the Communists, but it's a difficult task. Thanks for the info on Hitachi and Metabo - guessing the same issue with Triton?

I'll look into Bosch - Who knows? If I get one, it may end up being the best one I've ever had. A quick look at the MRC 23 looks like it's 1/4" and 1/2" collet?

As for DeWalt, I've had good luck with them; with the exception of the one that needed a new latch for the plunge, which was replaced at no cost, so I can't really complain. I also use them because Ken's cordless tools are all DeWalt, and keeping within the group I have endless batteries, since Ken will make sure there are plenty around

OutoftheWoodwork wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2023 11:36 pm but the hold down on the plunge is sub-par in my opinion.

How about an explanation...
what is letting go???...