Router recommendations needed! Help me spend tool money!

[dmairspotter]

Okay. Doing a hardwood floor in the house. Couldn't do it the sane way, had to try something fancy that requires trimming and regrooving planks. !/10th of the way into the job, my ancient and originally very cheap B&D router gives up the ghost. (It had a feeble grasp on life from the start)

I need to hurry down to the Despot, or Lowes, or Rocklers tonight and get a new router! Wife is 100% behind the purchase! Cost no object! (well....)

Also, bit recommendations for 1/4" grooves in cherry appreciated....

Boating content...If I get the floor done I can do some work on the boat..maybe involving a router...

[Capn_Tom]

I have always been partial to Porter Cable for routers. For a tongue and groove operation you will probably want to use a table mounted router in 1.75hp + range. Rockler can hook you up with tongue and groove bit sets but I doubt the Lowes etc. would have them in stock

[Tim]

I agree on the Porter Cable router recommendation. You might consider one that allows for plunge use, as this makes it more versatile. But the old 690 (or the newer--but similar--version of this) is a fine workhorse, and will do just about any job you might be able to dream up.

Sometimes you can find the Porter Cable 690 in a kit that includes both plunge and normal bases. Buy this if you see it.

Be sure to get a router that takes 1/2" bits, but also 1/4"--again for versatility. 1/2" shank bits are better overall, and the larger bits will always have these shanks.

The other brands also make good routers, so see if something else has features you like better. Hard to beat the PC, though.

Happy shopping!

[kendall]

But the bosch is a close second, and the plunge/standard base set for the 2hp model runs right around $200
Nice looking router with good feel to it.

Ken.

[dmairspotter]

(I was in a big time crunch so I went to Rocklers where they had the P-C 890 series on sale. Got the kit with fixed and plunge bases, and a new 3 wing grooving bit. HOLY SMOKE!!! It's like a whole different tool than the B&D thing I was using. Cuts the flooring like butter, finish like glass, accurate like...well, you get the picture.

Money may not be able to buy skill, but it sure gives you a running start!

[Tim]

Excellent! Enjoy your new toy.