By Gary Katz and Daniel
Parish
Publication Date: May/June 2003
RoutersTool | Weight | Amps | Horsepower | Collet Size | RPM | Soft Start | Street Price |
Bosch
1617EVSPK | Fixed Base: 7.5 lbs.
Plunge Base: 10 lbs. | 12 | 2-1/4 | 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2-inch, 8-mm | 8,000 to 25,000 | Yes | $249 |
Comments: This kit does the most
things the best. Plunge action is smooth and the spring
is just the right tension. All of the switches are easy
to reach, especially in the plunge configuration, and
it has a low center of gravity for a work-hugging feel.
The bases and motor switch easily. It uses a two-wrench
bit change; the 1/2-inch collet gave us some trouble,
but the other collets work great. It ships with a great
quick-change template adapter and has a good storage
box. 877-267-2499. www.boschtools.com |
Tool | Weight | Amps | Horsepower | Collet Size | RPM | Soft Start | Street Price |
DeWalt
DW618PK | Fixed Base: 7.5 lbs.
Plunge Base: 10.1 lbs. | 12 | 2-1/4 | 1/4-, 1/2-inch | 8,000 to 24,000 | Yes | $249 |
Comments: Swapping bases on this
unit is slick and fast. A spindle lock enables a
one-wrench bit change -- the nicest of the bunch. The
balance is great in both configurations. It also has
the best dust collection design of the group. The kit
comes with extra base plates and ships with a
base-plate centering device for using large bits. The
plunge-lock lever is difficult to lock securely, which
affects cut-depth consistency. The carrying case is too
big. We like the detachable cord. 800-433-9258.
www.dewalt.com |
Tool | Weight | Amps | Horsepower | Collet Size | RPM | Soft Start | Street Price |
Makita
RF1101KIT | Fixed Base: 7.9 lbs.
Plunge Base: 9.3 lbs. | 11 | 2-1/4 | 1/4-, 1/2-inch | 8,000 to 24,000 | Yes | $298 |
Comments: This tool's base
conversion is easy. The switches and levers are easy to
find; it's possible to accidentally activate the
top-mounted power switch, though. The plunge-lock lever
and the plunge action feel stiff, which makes the tool
difficult to control in the cut. It has the best case
of the bunch -- well organized -- and it's the only
tool that ships with an edge guide and a dust port. It
also comes with an extra base for large bits.
800-462-5482. www.makitatools.com |
Tool | Weight | Amps | Horsepower | Collet Size | RPM | Soft Start | Street Price |
Porter-Cable
693LRPK | Fixed Base: 8.2 lbs.
Plunge Base: 11.4 lbs. | 11 | 1-3/4 | 1/4-, 1/2-inch | 10,000 to 27,500 | No | $179 |
Comments: Plenty of power here,
but this tool could use some improvements. Changing
bases is difficult. The power switch is hard to find.
The plunge action is too rough and the plunge lever
doesn't lock very well. Also, there's no fine
adjustment in the plunge configuration. 800-487-8665.
www.porter-cable.com |
This article is reprinted
courtesy of Tools of the Trade