Popular Woodworking 2007-06 № 162, страница 39
Makita 800-462-5482 maklta.com The Makita worked well as a plunge router, with smooth action, a well-placed release lever and some nice adjustment features. There aren't any frills to the fixed base; the height adjusts by a threaded motor housing and there is no above-the-table depth adjustment. Motor changes between bases are easy, but to lock the motor in the plunge base you need a Phillips-head screwdriver. This was the only router in the test to require a separate tool for this task. It is hard to align the wrenches on the nuts when changing bits. Likes ■ Plunge base action and lever ■ Plunge base micro-adjustments Gripes ■ Extra tool required to lock motor to plunge base ■ Switch location can be hard to reach Milwaukee 800-729-3878 milwaukeetool.com This router ran the smoothest and had the easiest bit-changing. The switch and other controls were easy to locate and operated well in either hand-held mode, or inverted in a router table. Changing the motor from base to base was simple and obvious, and the innovative micro-JfllY adjustments worked great in all configurations. The few things I didn't like were all related to ^^ the round base plate. I prefer one with at least one straight edge for locating the tool on a straightedge fence. The base plate attaches to the router with Torx drive screws, and the screws to attach a fence (not included with the kit) and the vacuum attachment are mounted on the bottom of the base plate. These are minor inconveniences however, not deal breakers. Overall, the quality feel, ease of use and smooth operation and performance put this router ahead of all the others. Likes ■ Overall design, easy to operate ■ Least motor vibration ■ Easiest bit changes ■ Switch location and above-table height adjustment Gripes ■ Use of Torx screws ■ Round base plate ■ Accessory screws below base plate Ridgid 866-539-1710 ridgid.com The Ridgid is smooth and powerful in operation and it's the only router in the test with a light that shines on the bit. It also has a cord light to indicate when the tool is plugged in. Visibility is good as the base has a lot of open area. The plunge-depth adjustment is threaded instead of a turret. The biggest problem with this router is the placement and operation of the spindle lock. To change bases, the lock must be depressed. This complicates the change and requires two steps for removal. Likes ■ Light illuminates bit ■ Vibration-free operation ■ Above-table height adjustment Gripes ■ Spindle lock interferes with base changes ■ Switch placement Porter-Cable 888-848-5175 porter-cable.com The Porter-Cable has some features that are ahead of others in the test, but it also has some quirks. In addition to an above-the-table height adjustment, it was the only router in the test that provided a way to lock or unlock the motor to the base from the top. It has a solid feel to it with nicely shaped rubber-coated handles and the motor had plenty of power with little vibration felt. The plunge mechanism is smooth in operation, with a powerful spring. The spindle lock is in an awkward location, and it was difficult to hold in. The micro-adjustments on the plunge turret use a Torx-head screw, and the adjustments on the fixed base had some backlash. Likes ■ Handle shape and ergonomics ■ Solid feel with little vibration ■ Above-table height adjustment and lock ■ Smooth plunge action Gripes ■ Spindle lock hard to use ■ Backlash in height adjustment ■ Torx screws for fine plunge setting popularwoodworking.com 23 |
