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570 Posts
Is there one certain feature that's a deal breaker if a router doesn't have it? I'm starting to think work light LED's would be it for me, but yesterday I saw the Bosch 1617 combo kit and I don't think it has them. It's the router I think I'd like to have several of, one in a table, one set up as fixed, and one set up as plunge so I don't have to always be switching motors around. The depth adjustment on the fixed base was SOOOO easy to use it puts my Craftsman 17543 to shame! However, once I fart around with the depth on the Craftsman and get it set up, then I love its power, smooth cutting abilities, and most especially those LED's to let me see what's happening at the cut line.
If I used guides all the time it wouldn't matter cause I'd feel my way along but sometimes I'll freehand a cut. I've found it somewhat easier to mortise a door for hinges with free handing the cutout instead of using a hinge mortise guide. I also don't care for the kits they sell that must be nailed to the door slabs to use them. Leaves nail holes when finished so I just started free hand cutting them all and it turns out it's not hard at all. But man, is that Craftsman router ever hard to adjust! Saying it sucks just doesn't describe it!
If I used guides all the time it wouldn't matter cause I'd feel my way along but sometimes I'll freehand a cut. I've found it somewhat easier to mortise a door for hinges with free handing the cutout instead of using a hinge mortise guide. I also don't care for the kits they sell that must be nailed to the door slabs to use them. Leaves nail holes when finished so I just started free hand cutting them all and it turns out it's not hard at all. But man, is that Craftsman router ever hard to adjust! Saying it sucks just doesn't describe it!