joe2 wrote:

The same folks said to pass on a plunge router. I want a router that
will work for table mounted and handheld. They said any router will
sink the bit in the wood by rocking it, a plunge isn’t necessary.
Since I have no router experience perhaps some folks here can share
some insight/experience on this point…is a plunge necessary?

I'm a neophyte, but I own the 1617EVS kit, with fixed and plunge bases.
The plunge does come in handy for going straight down and for plunging
to a preset final depth in smaller increments. The plunge action is
very smooth on this router.

The fixed base has handles which are very close to the workpiece, giving
excellent control. However, it does feel slightly top-heavy because of
this.

Chris