router power tools

[steptoe]

looking to buy a router,

atm I only need a 1/4" one, but have future stuff coming up that will need something bigger, 1/2"

any recommendations?

was looking at this  https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cr2-2100w-router-kit-230v/

or how about this  http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-erb380rou-2100w-router-230-240v/81664 

budget is around £100, I have a vat free code for MM so they are both about the same price,

 

[sprocketflup]

I have a 1/4" router, its crap, shaft flexes on deeper cuts in even the softest material. I wouldn't buy another, specially after trying a mates 1/2" Bosch

 

[Apache]

I like the Trend routers. I have a T5 and also a bigger one. The T5 is excellent. I've had cheaper ones before and they were crap.

The range of accessories is unmatched.

They used to do them reconditioned on ebay, but can't see any.

2nd hand?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/trend-router-t10elk-/252255200486?hash=item3abb94e4e6:g:yuEAAOSwUV9WnCUW

 

[steptoe]

2nd hand doesnt bother me, it means I can get something better for the same budget,

its not as if Im going to hammer it on a daily basis, but its one of those things that has to be decent quality and accuracy otherwise, its worse than a waste of time, and money,

have put that trend of @Apache on watch, but Id doubt if it goes for much less than its BiN,

 

[Rob_the_rich]

you need to trust your router. think of the RPM.

I wouldn't buy secondhand.

 

[steptoe]

so you've never bought a 2nd hand car or house?

I got a 'preloved' 9" makita grinder a couple of years ago for 30£, its got some hammering since, and has never missed a beat,

I'd be more worried about a blade flying off that that a router spitting its bit tbh.

 

[Rob_the_rich]

The thing about routers is that you are in the way. You are surrounding the area where bits might fly off and hit you. And they spin very quickly. Loose clothing getting caught up doesn't bear thinking about.

 

[sprocketflup]

Is this a regular thing? Routers chucking bits of themselves at the operator?

 

[Rob_the_rich]

it has happened to me a couple of times, on the same job. turned out we were using a 1/4" adaptor for a metric shank, or the other way round, in a 1/2" machine. no matter how tight we cranked the nut, the bit fell out. scares the shiz of of you. ended up welding the bit to the adaptor.

 

[sprocketflup]

ah, user error....

 

[Rob_the_rich]

Frilly Thongs ?  Negligees ?

whatever floats your boat, looks the same wound round a router shaft.

 

[steptoe]

it has happened to me a couple of times, on the same job. turned out we were using a 1/4" adaptor for a metric shank, or the other way round, in a 1/2" machine. no matter how tight we cranked the nut, the bit fell out. scares the shiz of of you. ended up welding the bit to the adaptor.

ah, user error....

so nothing to do with a faulty router, new or not,

I suppose thats a bit like trying to use a 14" 3 bolt citroen wheel on a 16" 5 bolt transit, its never going to be successful, or safe.

 

[Rob_the_rich]

just saying, once bitten twice shy. It was ages ago and i now have a very healthy respect for these tools.

 

[Apache]

It is the beauty of the Trend range that all spares are readily available from stock.

 

[steptoe]

well, ended up getting a SIP 01478 , brand new for £45 

will see how it goes on the small stuff I need to do at present, accuracy not critical,

seems to feel pretty decent, but deffo wouldnt have paid full whack for it,

one of these,

http://cpc.farnell.com/sip/01478/1500w-router/dp/TL12462