Popular Woodworking 2002-06 № 128, страница 46

BOSCH 1613AEVS:

AN OLDER DESIGN, BUT STILL PRECISE, QUIET AND POWERFUL

Without question, we voted this router the winner in the "precision" category. The Bosch's micro-adjust system engages quickly and provides finesse in .004" increments. Of the routers tested, only this tool and the Porter-Cable were easy to work with in a router table, with the Bosch having the superior height-adjustment system. The motor performance also was good, with a small drop in rpm under load and the least noise in the test. The eight-position turret offers multiple adjustable depth settings.A couple drawbacks include a return spring that was tighter than we prefer, which made it harder to start and complete the plunge motion. Plus, there is no way to lock the plunging mechanism open other

than holding the plunging lever back with your thumb. The router accepts only Bosch template guides, and the included dust collection insert doesn't work as well as the DeWalt and Porter-Cable systems. Overall, the Bosch router was a close second in our test. Despite the age of this machine, this router continues to perform and even excel over its younger counterparts by many measures. Priced at $200, it's our preference in the category if you plan to use it in a router table.

For more information, contact Bosch at 877-267-2499 orwww.boschtools.com.

DEWALT DW621:

SIMPLE AND STOUT WITH GREAT DUST COLLECTION

The European-style DW621 turned a lot of heads when it was introduced six years ago, and its features continue to make it our preference for handheld plunge operations.The dust-collection system keeps things clean without getting in the way of your work.The DW621 feels the most compact of any of the routers tested, but the motor still performs well (it was, however, the loudest in the test). The DeWalt is the only router tested that doesn't use a lever to release and lock the plunge mechanism. You simply turn the left handle to engage the smooth operating and responsive plunging mecha-nism.This mechanism also allows the plunge action to stay unlocked for easier setup. One area where

the router did not excel was its m icro-adjust mechanism. The micro-adjust requires you to set the bit flal to the work surface, then dial in the cutting depth on the depth stop. This system works, but it pales in efficiency compared to the Bosch and Porter-Cable systems. Also, engaging the trigger on the handle requires some practice. We also felt that base was a little small and provided less support than we would prefer. Overall, the DW621 is a strong, versatile router with some excellent features and only a little room for improvement. A winner.

For more information, contact DeWalt at 800433-9258 orwww.dewalt.com.

MAKITA RP1101:

SUPERB MOTOR, BUT LACKING ELSEWHERE

The RP1101 essentially is Makita's fixed-base router motor in a plunge base. The router provided good performance under load and had a good, responsive plunge spring, but the tool fell short elsewhere. The top-mounted switch provided decent switch access during router table operations, but during hand-held use it's necessary to release one hand while reaching for the switch, a less-than-ideal arrangement. It's the only router in the test that required two wrenches to change the bit, making bit changes more cumbersome.The micro-adjust system is similar to the DeWalt's, requiring set-and-adjust fiddling. While simple and accurate, it's unrefined compared to the Bosch and Porter-Cable.The round base provides stable support, but with a 1 Vs"-

diameter opening, the router is significantly limited in the size bits that can be used with the stock base. While the opening size does allow use of the standard template guide, we think that offering an adapter plate (as the competition does) is the better option. The router makes no provision for dust collection of any kind. The quality motor does offer external brushes for extended motor life, and this is the strongest feature on this router. While the RP1101 is a gutsy router, it's priced higher than the competition and seems overpriced for the features you get.

For more information, contact Makita at 800462-5482 orwww.makita.com.

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Popular Woodworking June 2002