Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)(Editted from a Fine Woodworking forum post that I wrote.)
I've actually owned the FT3000VCE for about 5 months and can state that it's a truly fine tool. I had read a Fine Woodworking review of the 2 1/2 hp and many user comments at Amazon, etc. before deciding on this 3 1/4 model. I also did the same with all the major manufacturer's models including Dewalt, Triton, Milwaukee, Bosch and Porter Cable. My research included both the 2 1/2 HP and the available 3 1/4 HP. I was specifically interested in a table router.
If you want a table router and are familiar with some of the more traditional routers as used in a table, then you know what the concerns and problems are (access, adjustment, dust, etc.). You probably know what features are critical (bit changing, adjustment, power and wear-and-tearability). I found that the FT3000VCE is great for all of these with one minor (and temporarily acceptable) limitation. The biggest concern I had from reading all the reviews was the impact of wear-and-tear -- Triton, Milwaukee and the Freud 2/12 hp were cited as vulnerable on this with inappropriate use of plastic for wear-and-tear parts. All I can say is that Freud must have been reading those review, because as far as I can tell those critical parts have now been replaced with metal (specifically the height adjustment socket). Bit changing is above table and great! The bottom of the router (which faces up in the table) appears to be sealed from dust.
My one minor issue is that height (depth) adjustment is a little tedious. Cranking up to expose the bit and to lock the spindle is stiff (which is good -- you don't want it shifting on you) due to the weight of the router and strength of the springs. There is no simple top release to quickly move the router up into bit-changing position. A 2-inch round knob is provided to crank the router up and down (down is relatively easy), but up is where the tedious come in -- it's not quick). I've temporarily accepted it (and it IS minor, though in a production environment it means lost time), but I've augmented that round handled crank with a properly sized allen wrench (easier and faster, but somewhat rougher on the hands). What I really want is a true crank handle which would make this a relatively quick process. If Freud doesn't come out with one (and as far I'm concerned it should be free to early purchasers), I will soon end up making one to fit either the supplied knob or to fit on the allen wrench. (As an aside for this, I normally have a fence about 3" high mounted on my table. The supplied cranking tool happens to bang my fingers on the metal edge of that fence -- not comfortable. I don't want to take the fence off with every bit change or adjustment and the Allen wrench resolves that because it's about 6" long. If the fence is off, the Allen wrench works great because I can just swing it around crank-like with the short end in the socket -- as long as the bit isn't in the way of the short 1 1/2" clearance.)
Aside from all this, the Freud FT3000VCE works great, has the power to never bog down even with a 3" panel raising bit, starts smoothly and, so far as I can tell, has no runout problem at all (I haven't measured, but my joints are precise and tight). I don't use it out of the table, but I did try it our because I was concerned with the weight and size for a hand held. I was wrong to be concerned! I felt more in control than with any other router I've used including my Bosch 2 1/2 hp.
I guess there is one other problem with that round cranking tool: It has precision indicators down to 1/254" for height adjustment, but I haven't yet figured out a way to make it work by itself -- I have to mark a spot on the table to actually check the adjustment. This hasn't bothered me at all (except for being puzzled about how to use it) since I always measure and check my height (or depth) on scrap before routing. I can't say that would change even if the indicators worked as I had expected they should.
My router table is a decent Craftsman (after I modified it with a good aluminum plate). The router had no problem mounting in the existing plate mounting holes, but I did have to drill to get access to the height and spindle lock adjustment sockets in the router base. (I had expected more problems since the plate has been out for years before the router, but from what I can tell Freud used standard base mounting holes for 3 1/4 hp routers.)
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Freud FT3000VCE 3-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge RouterFor a powerful, easy-to-use plunge router that cuts, trims, and shapes with smooth precision, look no further than the Freud FT3000VCE 3.25 HP Variable Speed Plunge Router. Powered by a heavy-duty 15 Amp motor, this robust router works safely and easily with a wide range of variable speeds, an accessible height-adjustment system, and soft, low-torque startup.
Heavy-Duty Power with 15 Amp MotorA great addition to either a home workshop or a carpenter's tool set, the Freud FT3000VCE gives you the power and capacity for a variety of woodworking projects. Built with a powerful 3.25-horsepower motor, this plunge router delivers an impressive 15 amps of power.
And so you can operate at an optimum speed for each workpiece, the router's variable speed ranges from 8,000 to 21,000 RPM. Long-lasting operation is ensured with the sealed electronic regulator, which remains free of dust and debris.
Easy Changes with Above-Table Bit and Height AdjustmentsWhen operating a plunge router, optimum results rely not only on the power needed to tackle the job at-hand. They also rely on the ability get it done safely and efficiently. That's where the Freud FT3000VCE comes in. When you need to change a bit, this intelligently designed plunge router allows you make that adjustment above the table, thanks to the extended spindle shaft that is accessible through the base of the router.
The height-adjustment system is also reached through the router's base, so you can quickly adjust the height to your comfort level--a great feature when the router is being shared among workers. The spindle-lock is also accessed in an above-the-table position, giving you added safety when you switch between components.
Smooth Operation with Electronic Cruise-Control SystemBuilt to ensure maximum safety and precision from the start of a job to its completion, the Freud FT3000VCE's security features begin with the soft-startup system. This is designed to reduce the startup torque that often occurs with routers, ensuring smooth performance right off the bat. This router also boasts the convenience and accuracy gained from an electronic cruise-control system, which keeps the speed consistent, even under varying loads.
And to ensure safe operation, this router is built with a double-insulation design. This means that two physically-separated insulation systems have been used to insulate all electrically-conductive materials that are linked to the power supply, keeping them from reaching the outer frame.
The Freud FT3000VCE also features a four-position rotating turret stop, 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, and ergonomic handles. An instructional video-CD with routing tips and techniques is included with the package.
About Freud: A History of Innovative ManufacturingAn industry leader for more than 50 years, Freud America, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of superior carbide cutting tools for the woodworking industry. Freud is the only manufacturer of woodworking tools in the world that produces its own MicroGrain Carbide with Titanium, called TiCo, a high-density combination of Titanium and Cobalt.
By producing its own carbide, Freud has the unique ability to formulate each tool for each specific application, thereby maximizing the cutting life and performance of the tool. Freud's full line of high-quality woodworking tools includes saw blades, router bits, shaper cutters, power tools, and more.
This product is covered by Freud's Five-Year Limited Warranty / 90-Day Money Back Guarantee.
What's in the BoxFreud FT3000VCE 3.25-Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Router with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets, a wrench, and an instructional video-CD.
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