router question

[crappieseeker]

I am wanting to buy me a few tools and do some woodworking just for myself. I was wanting to buy a basic router but noticed there are several different kinds. I saw a plunger router, I think a compact router, and another type. I am wanting to practice making like dado joints, and the different types of cuts to make cabinets and drawers. I want one I can use on a router table and mount. What kind would I need for that and I do not want to spend over 100 dollars on the router because I wont be using it much.

[Tracker123]

Look at the router tables first, then decide on a router to mount on it. Mine are Sears Craftman, 20+ years old and work well. You're going to be pushing it with a $100 budget because the bits are very expensive. Let us know if you have any questions.

[crappieseeker]

Tracker I know the bits are expensive, I was talking about the router itself. I watched videos and some people suggested getting a less expensive router because the bits cost a lot.

[Grumpa]

I have a black and decker, craftsman, porter cable and a dewalt. I would buy the best dewalt you can afford. With that being said they all get the job done if used slow and not try to make deep dados only go 1/8 -1/4 deep each pass

[Ferdi]

Like Tracker123 says, check out Sears. I got their 2 in 1 Router that has both bases so you can have it as a plunge router or the standard router and that will mount to a router table also. It is a good unit and if caught on sale it's a heck of a deal too. Ferdi

[Barnacle Bill]

Too bad you don't live closer to me. I'd give you a router. small table and assorted bits. At least I think I've still got it somewhere.

[crappieseeker]

Just my kind of luck Barnacle. My brother lives out close to you but I never go visit. (Shame on me) My dad use to live in Chesapeake.

[crappieseeker]

Is the plunge base router not also mountable to a router table? If it is lockable cant you use it just like a fixed base router and start on one end of a board and go to the other end and not just use it for starting somewhere inside the board for the plunge feature? If so, why would someone buy just a fixed base if the plunge base can be used the same way? Please help me understand.

Like Tracker123 says, check out Sears. I got their 2 in 1 Router that has both bases so you can have it as a plunge router or the standard router and that will mount to a router table also. It is a good unit and if caught on sale it's a heck of a deal too. Ferdi

[wannabe fisherman]

porter cable makes a set with fixed base and plunge base router. I got one for Christmas 1 year and I could use it any way I wanted including on a stand. I think the whole kit was around $100, but now probably $130, good set for the money and comes in a carrying case

[wicklundrh]

Porter Cable is the way to go in my opinion. I used to build for a living. I've burned up my fair share of routers, jig saws, and circular saws until I found the right ones that worked the best.

Porter Cable has a kit that comes with a fixed mount as well as a plunge base. I use my plunge base most of the time and just lock it in the fixed position. You will also get different throats to run different sized bits.

If you are looking to do dovetails and cabinet type jointery, I suggest the Porter cable dovetail jig. Comes with all the alluminum plates you need to do blind dovetails, pocket dovetails, dados, you name it. Comes with different collars that fit into the slots of the jig. Once proficient, you will do both pieces at the same time and never have a screwed up joint.