Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router Review

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(More customer reviews)First let me say that, no other tool in your arsenal will create such enormous beauty as a router.
I usually don't write a review unless I am passionate about something, and this router falls into this category
The thing I love about this router is the way it is made. It just feels right. It is so light and well balanced, powerful and quiet. If I can exaggerate, and only a little, this thing is about as quiet as an electric can opener. The soft start feature is shared among many of the better routers. It is wonderful not having to brace yourself for the kick at start up. Additionally the electronics compensate for resistance by keeping the rotational speed constant. Another advantage to having more than enough horsepower. This unit is light enough 12 lbs to be used as a hand held, yet sturdy enough to be classified as an industrial production router. The plunge mechanism is smooth without snagging on the way down.
Although someone else commented on the locking mechanism, I must say, it is properly designed. Think of riding a bicycle with brakes on the handlebars. When you want to stop, you grab the lever, pulling it toward you by closing your hand. That is the way the Fein works. Any other way you would be using your finger nails to lock the router, thereby having to slightly loosen your grip. Counter intuitive but I guess the other reviewer had grown accustomed to working a lever on a machine, which worked that way. He may have the Porter Cable or Bosch plunge routers, which has a spring built into it thereby locking it automatically when you release the lever. The feeling I get from that is, "I wonder if it is locked to the proper tightness?" I prefer to tighten it myself. The Fein is intuitive and easy to use.

It is important to match the bit speed recommended by the manufacturer. You will get a feel for this. This Fein router has six speeds, which is actually an infinitely variable knob, with six number positions on it, so you can perfectly match the speed to the task.
You also need plunge capabilities for making quick clean mortise and tenon joints. Some routers only plunge to 2 or 2 1/2", this one plunges to 3". This router comes standard with a 1/2" collet, with a 1/4" collet optional. Having a base which will accept 3 1/2" bits is nice, and this router accepts them. I noticed in a follow up edition of Fine Woodworking magazine, that they had a clip about the Fein RT-1800. They were amazed at the specifications they found for the run out. It was off the chart next to the other routers in their previous months router review.
One other thing that I noticed is that this Fein will accept 3 1/2" bits, which are not all that common, but you can not plunge a bit that size into the base. The bottom of the base will accomodate a bit that size, but the casting does not allow you to plunge it. The Bosch 1619EVS 3+ HP plunge does allow you to plunge a 3 1/2" bit into the base. You could argue that the opening is so large on the Bosch, so as to restrict you on stability, in the event you plan on using it for any kind of hand held work. So there you have it, build a small opening on the base, and gain a lot of control over the workpiece, or create a monster opening, capable of large bits, and your workpiece can fall into it. Get the Bosch, (even though it is louder than the Fein) Get the Fein, and get the Makita D-Handle. Each is a blessing for its own purpose. Oh and get a Porter Cable Laminate trim router as well, for those small light jobs. I'm not trying to spend your money, just that each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Too many to write here. The Makita D Handle is on its way, and I will be writing about some of the specifics on that one as compared to the others herein mentioned. Tune in over there soon.
Am I allowed to say that the German engineering on the Fein Rt 1800 is of the best. Simple, and effective. Engineered to simplicity. That is the way this router is made. Strong, simple, effective. If woodworking is your love, then this tool is worthy of your attention. Out of all of my tools, there is none other, that I am as fond of, as this Fein Router. Stay tuned the Makita D handle challenge is coming. Happy woodworking.

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DEWALT DW625 3-Horsepower Variable Speed Electronic Plunge Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had my DW625 about a year. I bought it because it was going to be my only router. I wanted a machine that was capable of doing just about everything a router should be capable of. Unfortunately, for me, the router is something of a mixed bag.
I am not at all disappointed with the power or handling characteristics considering the size of the machine. The 3hp motor effetely drives large bits. The low centre of gravity makes this big machine relatively easy to handle compared to other 3hp routers and the plunge action is very smooth. The on/off switch is convenient, although a switch which turns the machine off when released would be far safer. The plunge lock mechanism can be somewhat difficult to use for someone with smallish hands (for a guy), but I'm now used to it. The soft start and electronic control means that you don't get that jump when starting up and you get an even cut under varying loads. However, it's use under a router table can be rather frustrating.
I have made my own table with a 6mm (~1/4") supported acrylic surface. It's simple and should work well with the 625, especially with the fine adjuster, made for when the router is table mounted. However, even at 6mm the router cannot push the bits high enough at times. This is incredibly frustrating and it's tempting to overextend the bits in the collet, which isn't good for the collet, the bits or for safety. Using a 4mm slot cutter on multiple repeat pieces should be a breeze if you use a table with stops. Unfortunately my bit, of average length, does not extend far enough using the table due to the inadequate travel of the 625. Cutting 24 identical pieces topside then becomes infuriating.
I also recently wanted to do some template work. Most template guide adverts, including those shown here, say that the universal 1 3/16" template guides fit DeWalt routers with an adapter. I live in Cape Town and have been in touch with the local dealer and emailed DW in the USA, asking where I can get an adapter. So far, after numerous attempts to get an answer from DW, I have yet to receive a reply from the USA and the importers of DW here cannot get an answer from the UK. Getting good service with courtesy should be a consideration when buying anything. Lack of after-sales service would seriously make me consider options other than DeWalt should I be in market for a new router.
Overall I like the DW625, but it has serious limitations with regards to table mounting and using template guides.

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The Heavy-Duty DEWALT DW625 EVS plunge router features a smooth running, powerful motor, variable speeds, and accurate depth adjuster for precise routing. The DW625's powerful 15-amp motor offers soft starts for smoother operation and variable speeds from 8,000 to 22,000 RPM. The rack and pinion depth adjuster, magnified scale, and micro-fine bit depth adjuster allow for ultra-precise routing each and every time. For added versatility, the DW625 offers 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collet capacity, and it also includes a dust extraction adapter for a cleaner workspace. The built-in spindle lock button allows for easy, one-wrench bit changes for less downtime.

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Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router Review

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(More customer reviews)According to Pat Warner, this router was specifically designed for use in a table. I've had one for about 3 years now, and I can't really fault it. I've never used it handheld; I have other routers for that. The soft-start is really much easier on the nerves. The adjustment mechanism - when it's clean - is fast and precise, but it does have a problem with sawdust clogging it. I was in the habit of changing bits while the motor was still mounted, but I developed the habit of taking it out to change bits and cleaning the threads on the base before remounting it. The problem of the cord I solved by shortening it to about six inches long and using an extension cord. The best was to do that is to shorten it at the motor end rather than the plug end. The motor is powerful enough to drive a horizontal panel-raising bit at full depth without hesitation. Operator hesitation is another matter though! As per PC practice, the buyer gets two separate collets, one for 1/4" shanks and the other for 1/2". The collet is tightened by using two wrenches (supplied) which is more reliable - if more awkward - than the shaft lock used on other makes.

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The Porter-Cable 7518 Five-Speed Production Router provides five speeds between 10,000 and 21,000 rpm, so you can tackle a variety of jobs with ease. This Porter-Cable router can help improve productivity by saving you time and effort--even when you're dealing with big bits or making heavy cuts.
Five Speeds Tackle the Toughest JobsThis five speed router's versatile 15 amp electronic motor offers speeds of 10,000, 13,000, 16,000, 19,000, and 21,000 rpm, so you have the power you need to handle all of your routing jobs.
Soft-Start Motor and Auto-Release Collet System Save Time and EffortFor smooth performance from the get-go, a soft-start feature reduces torque at start-up, and the motor maintains constant speed under load. To save time and effort, an auto-release collet system allows for easy bit removal after use.
Advanced Features for Durability and StabilityThis router not only has an impressive feature set, but it also boasts extreme durability. Its sealed ball-bearing design keeps the dust out of the vital components for longer life, while its precision-machined aluminum motor housing and base stand up to rough-and-tough jobsites. Additionally, integrated cast handles provide stability during operation, improving precision and preventing wear and tear on the machine.
Dimensions and Warranty InformationThis router measures 11 by 7 by 11 inches (L x W x H), weighs 14-1/2 pounds, and is backed by a five-year warranty.
What's in the BoxFive-speed router, motor, fixed base, 1/2-inch collet, collet wrench, and operating manual.

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