WoodWorkers Guild of America » Tools

1. 

   Member Comment
   

   Member Comment
   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Dec. 03, 08 - 08:00PM

   I am new to woodworking and in the market for my first router. I am leaning toward a multi-base Porter Cable like the 895PK. This is a 2 1/4 Peak HP router. I have read that if I plan to make raised panel cabinet doors, I need 3 - 3 1/2 hp. The larger routers that I have seen all seem to have only a fixed or only a plunge base. Am I going to have to buy more than one router or can an additional base be purchased for the 3 1/4 hp router like the Porter Cable 7500 series? Will a 2 1/2 hp router handle a raised panel bit?

   Thanks for any advice.

   Submitted: Tbarider

   # Posted 1 year ago
2. 

   Member Comment
   

   Member Comment
   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Dec. 03, 08 - 10:49PM

   I think the multiple base is a very good choice. It gives you the freedom and opportunity to learn a lot about a router and what it can do. The 2 1/4 HP is perfect for us amateurs. I purchased the DeWalt set, but went back later and bought another one with the D handle grip, now I have (2) 2 1/4 HP motors and 3 bases. Yes, you will have to buy more routers in the future. It is the nature of our sawdust passion. I took the double hand grip base and mounted it under my router table, but have the freedom to switch motors and bases to fit the needs of the projects.

   Sorry, I can’t address the raised panel issue. I use a table saw. Plus, I have never had the bucks to purchase that much router bit at one time.

   Good luck,

   Jake

   Submitted: Sawdustbyjake.Com

   # Posted 1 year ago
3. 

   Editor
   

   Editor
   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 80

   Dec. 04, 08 - 03:31PM

   I also like the multi-base router kits. I think there's a lot of bang for the buck for most woodworkers.

   When it comes to raising panels with a horizontal panel raiser, there is a difference between 2-1/4-hp (12 amp) and 3-hp (15 amp). What you can do in two passes with the large routers, you'll need to do in three passes with the smaller machine. In all cases you'll need variable speed, as the large horizontal panel raisers should run about 12,000 rpm.

   You're right about the large routers in that they are not multi-base. They're either plunge or fixed base. I prefer a fixed base router for ease of adjustment in a router table.

   Additionally, unless you really need the power, a 3-hp router can be very awkward to use handheld.

   I think you'll be happy with a 2-1/4-hp router. Just listen to the machine and let it do it's work so you don't overload it.

   George Vondriska, Editor

   # Posted 1 year ago
4. 

   Member Comment
   

   Member Comment
   Joined: Apr '10
   Posts: 171

   Dec. 11, 08 - 03:05PM

   I agree with George, the porter-cable 895 will give you very good all around usage doing general routing routines. However, raised panels really require at least 3.25 Hp.

   Submitted: Leonard

   # Posted 1 year ago
5. 

   Terry W.
   

   new member
   Joined: Mar '10
   Posts: 2

   Have you thought about the Triton 3 1/4 HP Router? Features above table adjustment crank....

   There is a fine line between eroticism and nausea...

   # Posted 1 year ago

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