I'm still drawn by that erbauer half incher - it's only £99 and the
spec does not seem too bad at all. However I know returning it might
be a problem for you if it wasn't up to par. Then again any tool can
play up on it first outing if you got a duff one, and it does happen.
The Erbauer looks suspiciously like the dearer of the two Axminsters I
saw last night.

Where's that router expert when you need him? I'd be interested to
hear his thoughts on this even if he tells me I'm barking mad and
these first two are nothing like each other because........ ;O)

I'm drawn to the Makita 3612. I know it's not the cheapest 1/2 incher
around. But from what I can tell from looking at specs and pictures etc.. it
seems a well put together machine. Heaver than the DW, ELU,CMT, Hitachi,
Bsoch, Trend T9 at 6kg. The DW and clones look a bit tinny. For example take
a look at three stop turret; the Makita one looks like it was designed as
part of the tool, the others look like they were added later. I'll probably
use it most in a table anyway so weight isn't a big deal.

The Trend T9 seems good. I notice that it has the "Electronic" logo too,
maybe several manufacturers are using the same bit of electronics, probably
even the same motors. It's lighter than the Makita, and has a greater plunge
depth. Second choice if I can't get the Makita I think.

The D&M site, that Richard mentioned, is good it has comparison tables and
good pics. http://www.dm-tools.co.uk

CJH