From Packet: CHANNEL1
Message # 15543                                  Area : 1618  woodworking
From : Badboy@netcom.com                         10-20-93  03:08
To   : All
Subj : Re: What Router To Buy?
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Message-ID: <badboyCF6ry3.AHz@netcom.com>
Newsgroup: rec.woodworking
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)

In article <PIERCE.93Oct19144954@lockjaw.engin.umich.edu>
pierce@engin.umich.edu (Jim Pierce) writes:

>I am in immediate need of a medium sized router and would like to have some
>recommendations.  I am looking for something between 1 and 2 HP with a 1/2"
>collet.  I have a big Bosch plunge router so I am looking for versatility and
>comfort rather than power.  I have my eye on the Bosch 1604A?  Anyone know
>anything about this router.  I believe Fine Homebuilding did a survey of
>different classes of routers recently but I don't have that issue.  Could
>someone tell me their recommendations?

I have a Bosch 1604, and I like it.  I bought it used.  I'm not sure what the
1604A has that's different, although I think one thing is a spindle lock.

The Woodhaven people, makers of router tables and router accessories, are
very fond of this router.  It takes collets from 1/4" to 1/2".  It is
easy to operate with one hand or two.

The 1604 can fall out of its base if the base isn't clamped and you pick it
up by one of the handles.  I did this once and I learned.  Hopefully they
fixed this in the "A" version.

This router is extremely popular with contractors, and it is easy to find
parts for it (I walked into the nearest discount tool dealer and bought a new
sole-plate for around $4).

I recommend it.

Jay Keller
Sunnyvale, California




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From Packet: CHANNEL1
Message # 15554                                  Area : 1618  woodworking
From : Elaine Vitali                             10-20-93  08:00
To   : All
Subj : Re: What Router To Buy?
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@FROM   :VITALIE@ADMIN.FANSHAWEC.ON.CA
Message-ID: <931020090023.20202ef4@ADMIN.FANSHAWEC.ON.CA>
Newsgroup: rec.woodworking

Jim:
I'm a librarian, so if you or anyone ever needs help in tracking down
material, just ask.  Fine Woodworking did an article in their Nov/Dec
issue entitled "Big Plunge Routers".  If this is the article to which
you refer the end result is that Robert M. Vaughan states,"If I could
have only one router and cost were no object, I would buy one of the Elu
models (also available, the 220v model 3338-2), which are the smoothest
operating and most solidly built plunge routers I've tried."  Hope this
helps.  If you want a copy of the article, I can send it to you.
Elaine Vitali
Fanshawe College, London, Ontario



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From Packet: CHANNEL1
Message # 15557                                  Area : 1618  woodworking
From : Elaine Vitali                             10-20-93  08:14
To   : All
Subj : Re: What Router To Buy?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@FROM   :VITALIE@ADMIN.FANSHAWEC.ON.CA
Message-ID: <931020091457.20202ef4@ADMIN.FANSHAWEC.ON.CA>
Newsgroup: rec.woodworking

Jim:
I just re-read part of the article and I suppose I should add a bit more
than what I originally sent.  The author states, "If I were running a
commercial shop and had to do extremely tough routing jobs, such as plunging
deep mortises in hardwood door frames, I would choose the power and
durability of the Porter Cable 7538/7539 or the Bosch 1615/1615EVS (these
Bosches also come as 220v models).  If my routing needs were less demanding
and I were on a limited budget, I'd pick the amply featured Skil 1870/1875
or Bosch 1613/1613EVS models, all of which pack a decent punch into a very
light package; they're also two of the lowest-priced machines in the
group."
Hope this helps.
Elaine Vitali
Fanshawe College
London, Ontario



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From Packet: CHANNEL1
Message # 15561                                  Area : 1618  woodworking
From : Elaine Vitali                             10-20-93  08:35
To   : All
Subj : Re: What Router To Buy?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@FROM   :VITALIE@ADMIN.FANSHAWEC.ON.CA
Message-ID: <931020093542.202024ce@ADMIN.FANSHAWEC.ON.CA>
Newsgroup: rec.woodworking

Gosh Jim, you're going to wish you hadn't sent you message!
I finally found the article to which you referred in Fine Homebuilding.
It's in the December 1991/January 1992 issue by Dale F. Mosher.  It's
quite lengthly and doesn't review the model that you're interested in.
It does however, review Bosch 1611 and 1611EVS and I might add says some
not very complimentary things about them.  Mosher sums up the article with
a section on personal favorites and in a nut shell, loved working with
the Elu 3338, for heavy-duty production work, liked Porter-Cable"s Speedmatic
models, suggests considering the little AEG OFS 50 if you don't anticipate
heavy cutting but are striving for accuracy and finally, recommends
Po0rter-Cable's 6931 base to anyone who already has a compatible motor in his
fixed-base router.  He says, "It's an ingeniously designed accessory that's
priced right."  Ok, that's it.  Hope it's what you wanted!  Don't say I
didn't try.
Elaine Vitali
Fanshawe College
London, Ontari

