3.5HP Router or Spindle Purchase???
Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2021 12:10 pm
I have gotten good use out of my Mark V mounted Shopsmith Router Table, but I am finally ready to retire it for a dedicated router table setup in my shop. I received an Incra LS Positioner Super System from my father-in-law who passed away and will be honored to continue using it in my shop router table. I also bought a Jessem MAST-R-LIFT™ II when it was on sale a while back. So, I am just finishing up the cabinet and about to install everything together, but I want to purchase a big, beefy router to power this setup. So, my question for this thread is that I am soliciting opinions on what router to purchase. IF you were building a new router table, which router would you buy today? Note this router will be dedicated to this task and I intend to use my router lift, so I really only need the router spindle, i.e. I don't care about extra features like a plunge base, etc. for the router. It will be dedicated to use in this router table only so I won't be swapping it in and out.
In the past, I have seen many online reviews coalesce around either the Porter Cable 7518 or the Milwaukee 5625-20 as the "best" router choices for a dedicated router table setup. Since Porter Cable announced last year that they are exiting the router business, I am disinclined to consider them and it looks like inventory has evaporated for them anyway. So, I am leaning towards this Milwaukee router which is 3.5HP and around $350. Reviews have been mixed for this Milwaukee router, but it seems like the negative reviews tend to be more production shops who had issues. My use would be far less than a production shop would have, so I am hoping those negative reviews won't apply for me. Anyone have experience with this router? Or are there other 3+ HP routers that I should consider? Alternatively, I was wondering if I should consider any spindle motors instead, e.g. as are commonly available for CNC's. However, I don't know if there are any of those that are better quality (more reliable, longer life, etc.) and would fit in my router lift. Any suggestions for routers?
In the past, I have seen many online reviews coalesce around either the Porter Cable 7518 or the Milwaukee 5625-20 as the "best" router choices for a dedicated router table setup. Since Porter Cable announced last year that they are exiting the router business, I am disinclined to consider them and it looks like inventory has evaporated for them anyway. So, I am leaning towards this Milwaukee router which is 3.5HP and around $350. Reviews have been mixed for this Milwaukee router, but it seems like the negative reviews tend to be more production shops who had issues. My use would be far less than a production shop would have, so I am hoping those negative reviews won't apply for me. Anyone have experience with this router? Or are there other 3+ HP routers that I should consider? Alternatively, I was wondering if I should consider any spindle motors instead, e.g. as are commonly available for CNC's. However, I don't know if there are any of those that are better quality (more reliable, longer life, etc.) and would fit in my router lift. Any suggestions for routers?