X1TX Posted September 7, 2007 Report Share Posted September 7, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanb Posted September 7, 2007 Report Share Posted September 7, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikbojerik Posted September 8, 2007 Report Share Posted September 8, 2007 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). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsilver Posted September 8, 2007 Report Share Posted September 8, 2007 I'm still using for my guitar builds the Craftsman 1/4" fixed base router I bought over 25 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay5 Posted September 9, 2007 Report Share Posted September 9, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP63 Posted September 9, 2007 Report Share Posted September 9, 2007 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenspoke Posted September 12, 2007 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Buy Sears screw drivers, wrenches, sockets and tool chests. But buy your powere tools from another manufacturer, you will be better off for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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