Another tool on ToolboxBlog.com that I’ve owned for a very long time and still use regularly, my Bosch 1611EVS 3+HP Plunge Router. When it’s not upside down attached to my Rousseau Stand in the Router Table Extension, I’m using this router for my heavy work and plunge routing.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Features:

• 3 1/4 HP
• 12,000 – 18,000 RPM
• 15Amp

Experience:

Well, I’ve had this router running quite a bit since I bought it more than 15 years ago. I used it yesterday to rout a  dado in a piece of Fir. (see photos) It’s shown here with the Bosch RA1052 Deluxe Router Guide which is an accessory I need.

Not too long ago it’s tackled some huge jobs including cutting intricate patterns on the ends of 4″ X 12″ Redwood beams for Lintels and Rafters. I used a 1/2″ by 4″ straight bit and followed a template I made first.

Most often this Bosch router is afixed to a table as a portable shaper. I have used a few 3″ bit and the router’s power hasn’t been the problem.

Comments:

Locking the plunge function, changing bits and working around the plunge mechanics are the only issues I’ve had with this sucker. The slow-start motor is probably one of the reasons this tool has been around for so long and still working great.

I don’t have another huge router to compare this too but I like it’s weight, I trust certain Bosch brand tools for their quality, This has been a good solid performing unit and I am glad I chose it long ago.

Links:

The current model is the Bosch 1619EVS 15 Amp 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Base Router.

My Porter-Cable Laminate Trimmer is a combination of the 3102 HD Power Unit matched with the 3101 Laminate Trimmer Base. Although it’s called a “Laminate Trimmer”, and I’ve used it frequently for over a decade, I am not sure I’ve ever trimmed laminate with this mini router.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Description:

• 115v, 3.8Amp motor
• 27,500 RPM

Experience:

The reason this tool is not in my truck is because in haste to extract it from the bottom of a toolbag, I broke the baseplate and brought it inside to make another. I replaced the original baseplate with a square one that would ride along a custom jig. Like I mentioned, I may have never trimmed laminate, instead I use this mini-router for quick fixes and hinges. I don’t carry a 1-1/2hp router with me all the time but I have carried this little Porter-Cable Laminate Trimmer with me to every job for the last ten years. It’s very handy! With 27,500rpm it’s a wicked fast little router for double fluted straight router bits. Here is a picture of a jig I use with this trimmer for 3 1/2″ round-corner hinges.

Comments: The Porter-Cable 3102 & 3101 together are a better laminate trimmer than their current model for my uses. Functioning primarily as a small router I am pleased with it’s design. This tool has proven it’s reliability and once again lends credit to Porter-Cable. I never realized I owned so many Porter-Cable tools until I started writing this blog. I have no outright complaints with my Laminate Trimmer. Still rippin’ it up.

Links: The 3102, 3101 are discontinued products. Try these:

Porter-Cable 7310 5.6 Amp 3/4-Horsepower Laminate Trim Router at Amazon.com

Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.7 Amp 1-HP Fixed Base VS Router at Amazon.com

Even though it’s the only router table set up in my shop at the moment the Porter-Cable 698 has a few drawbacks. The fence altogether sucks. It’s held in place by two really long thumbscrews threaded into the table top. If you don’t immediately cut them down to 1″ you’ll be twisting for 20 minutes to get the fence off. You’ll need to take the fence off because it’s limited to a very small range of movement.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Description:

• Portable, adjustable table accommodates 3-1/2-inch router bits
• Split fence with two independent sections
• Made of lightweight, durable machined-aluminum
• Dimensions: 19.75-by-16.75-inches; 1-year warranty
• Comes with table and miter gauge

Experience:
In my shop you’ll find the Porter-Cable Router Table mounted to legs and stashed in the corner. I’ve pushed this little table to it’s limits on both size of material and size of cut, but it serves best for edge details, that is, after you fix the fence.

Comments:
Mentioned twice already, the fence system on this is the worst. It’s two thin pieces of wood bolted to a metal frame, that frame is what the long thumbscrews hold down. The factory wood is adjustable in every direction via little screws here and there. It’s a simple fix though and my preferred method even on costly fences: Screw a very flat piece of 3/4″ wood to the factory fence. Make it taller, longer, flat and straight and fasten it to the two multi-directional pieces. I use the bit itself to cut the bottom of the new fence but a bearing-guided bit may require a notch in the new fence.

The switch on mine busted a few years ago and I haven’t bothered to find out why yet, opting for the power switch on the router. [Don't get me started on dangerous! I forgot to tighten in the router once and it dropped out spitting chunks of aluminum, steel and carbide bit on it's way to the floor spinning wildly and scaring the hell out of me - unscathed but more conscious!]

Note: The Rousseau table saw stand I wrote about earlier with attached Router Extension Table provides the great Rousseau fence for my 3 1/2h.p. router but the tubular steel edge is rounded at the bottom relegating this to larger material.

For it’s intended purpose, which is “bench top” router table (sounds very handy-homeownerish to me) the Porter-Cable 698 Router Table will get the job done. If you need to spend hours each week on a router table, look for a better system unless you’re prepared to make a few jigs and a new fence for cuts more than a few inches from the edge.

Porter-Cable 698 Router Table at Delta.com (Product Data)
Porter-Cable 698 Bench Top Router Table at Amazon.com