Craftsman Router?

[X1TX]

We just bought some stuff from Sears and they gave me a 10% off coupon for tools. Wondering if Craftsman made a decent router for using to route a guitar project. Anyone have any recommendations or a particular model they've used with success?

[ryanb]

My experience with Craftsman routers has been that they are adequate, but far from the best stuff out there. I would take a Porter-Cable or DeWalt over Craftsman any day. Definitely make sure you get a router with a 1/2" collet -- Craftsman routers used to only come with 1/4" collets, though I believe some models now have 1/2".

I also find that the Craftsman routers tend to be rather large (physically) and heavy for their HP rating -- especially the plunge models. I generally avoid plunge routers unless I particularly need the plunge capability for the current operation, because they are larger, heavier, and less rigid than fixed-base routers. That all makes them harder to control handheld.

[erikbojerik]

Porter Cable...also available at Sears, sitting on the shelf right next to the Craftsman. Pony up and get the one with both bases (plunge and fixed).

[johnsilver]

I'm still using for my guitar builds the Craftsman 1/4" fixed base router I bought over 25 years ago.

[jay5]

The Craftsman Professional series router is identical to the Bosch 1617 which IMO is a killer router. Get the Kit with both bases and you're good to go. I do have a little 1/4" collet Craftsman router that got me started but I soon grew out of the limited range of bits it allowed me to use.

[MP63]

The Craftsman Professional series router is identical to the Bosch 1617 which IMO is a killer router. Get the Kit with both bases and you're good to go. I do have a little 1/4" collet Craftsman router that got me started but I soon grew out of the limited range of bits it allowed me to use.

The Craftsman Professional is what I have. No problems. I like it a lot.

I like the adjustment controls and it is well balanced and handles well.

I particularly like the little plastic window that lets you see the cut, but keeps the majority of chips away from you.

It even has a small light to see the cut.

It is a variable speed router.

One thing I like about Craftsman is the customer sevice.

They tends to be real good with any tool issues.

I do not have any tool loyalties. I buy what I think is good for my projects.

I only have one crafstman power tool and the router is it.

I have a Bosch jig saw, a Ridgid joiner, a Ridgid spindle sander, a Porter Cable belt sander, a Porter cable hand sander, a Milwaukee hand-held drill, and a 1950's Delta drill press.

The rest are hand tools.

Edited September 9, 2007 by MP63

[Woodenspoke]

Buy Sears screw drivers, wrenches, sockets and tool chests. But buy your powere tools from another manufacturer, you will be better off for it.