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Patriarch

wrote in news:1158952023.381004.57040
@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com:

I'm relatively new to woodworking - have built a few cabinets so far
and am finding new projects. I currently have a table saw and jointer.
I also have a Porter Cable 1 3/4 HP (693) router with interchangeable
plunge and fixed bases. I have the opportunity of getting a Milwaukee
3 1/2 HP fixed base (5625-20) router for a very good price and am
wondering if it offers enough of an advantage that having both would
make sense.
Thanks!

The first router I bought was a big plunger. Scared me silly, and ruined a
good piece of cabinet ply on that first project. The second project was a
router table.

I have, now, a 693 kit like you mention, the big plunger in the table, and
three trim routers. The big router never leaves the table. For anything.

What I'm saying is that, if you need a router in a table, then the big
Milwaukee might be worth what's being asked, for you. But if you need, or
want, a second router, then maybe smaller is better. It is for me, for my
projects.

Unless you're turning large bits, for doors, mouldings, rabbets, etc., you
may find that your 693 has plenty of power. Mine does. I wouldn't mind
having a second one.

Patriarch