Router recommendation for new woodworker?

[mazeroth]

Can anyone recommend a nice, easy to use router that a new woodworker like myself could use well? I'll be getting it from Lowes or Home Depot, more than likely. I have plans to build small and large speakers (line array) and I'm sure I'll need a routing table to go along with it for the round overs, or not if you guys think otherwise.

Also, have any bits in mind that I'll need? I'd like to cut out the holes for the speakers (some of the speakers I have, have a mounting ring around them so I'll need to recess a second circle as well), be able to do roundovers and flanges(sp) or flares for when I make ports etc...

Thanks! I'm a true newbie! I just got my first table saw last week heh!

[ultrachrome]

I like the ryobi plunge router from HD and the Jasper circle jig from PartsExpress. Add to that a 1/4" straight router bit for cutting and rabbeting the driver openings and a roundover bit of your desired radius and your set.

Nearly foolproof for a $200 investment. Some people make their own circle cutting jig out of plexiglass which will surely save you money but is ultimately more work.

[Topbrass]

Start here: http://www.patwarner.com/greatrouters.html

[mazeroth]

What's the difference between a plunge router and a regular one?

Thanks for the input!

[jackinnj]

Porter Cable or Ryobi -- I think both are at Home Depot -- invest in quality carbide cutting tools -- they make a huge difference

[coolkhoa]

Originally posted by mazeroth
What's the difference between a plunge router and a regular one?

Thanks for the input!

By "regular router" I think you mean a fixed-base router. It is inherently less flexible but less expensive than the plunge router, which you can "plunge" into the wood and retract after it's done. Yet nearly all fixed-base routers can be used on a router table; only some plunge routers can be used this way.

There's also the D-handle router, which is less common.

As for brands, I say consider Porter Cable and Bosch. They both have wide compatibility with various jigs, etc. Bosch routers are the quietest ones (and with the least vibration) on the market.

[urapnes]

I have a non-plunge Bosch router and routinely cut through thick aluminum with it (up to 1" thick). I believe that it is a great product, and would easily get another. Oh yeah, get a 1/2" router. They have more power, and do a better job. Also 1/2" router bits are stronger than 1/4" bits.

Carbide bits will cut damn near anything you put in their way! I Have cut, wood, fiberglass, drywall, aluminum, brass, plexiglas, granite, and a few nails (steel) and have never had an issue.

[mazeroth]

urapnes, LOVE the name LoL!

Thanks for all the replies! Going to do some more research first thing in the morning and hopefully have one by the end of the weekend.

Also, my Dad had a few HUGE oak trees cut down and had them taken to the lumber yard to be cut. In his barn, I swear, are 200+ oak boards that are about 8-16" wide, 1-1.5" thick and 10+ ft. long each. They need planed and he said I could have them if I wanted them. What kind of planer would I need for this job and what would you do with all the damn wood? LoL! I was wondering if I could incorporate it into building speakers and if so maybe selling some on the side to pay for my tools.

[urapnes]

THats a lot of lumber!

I'd be tempted to have a local shop plane the material to your specs, and then spend teh money that you would have spent on a planer and get a jointer. Your gonna need it to butt all those pieces together.

[leadbelly]

Well, since nobody has mentioned it yet, I will. If I were buying a router today I would buy one of the models that actually comes with both a fixed base and a plunge base in the same bundle. I believe Ryobi has one that is only $CDN160 or so.