John Rumm wrote:
gna03633 wrote:

I'd appreciate some comments regarding a router I'm think of buying.

Looked at the FAQ got some great advice, so am going for a medium
plunge. Hope to immediately to cut squares (or trim) into 18mm MDF
and some basic decorative edging. Longer term basic lap/butt
joints/hinges. I have no thought to be cutting our letter boxes or
joining worktops. I've narrowed down my list based on money and
suggestions:
Axminster AW635R £50
Ryobi ERT 1/4" £70
Trend T4EK 1/4" £85

any opinions on the above, are they capable of what I want to do?

Difficult call...

The trend T4 is supposed to be a much better machine than the baby T3
that it replaces, but it is still a relatively light duty machine.
Ideal for laminate trimming and edge profiling. You might find it a
tad slow on bigger joint making tasks.

The Axminster in some ways looks more the size of tool to aim for,
but I expect that particular model is a tad crude. It has no fine
adjustment on the fence which is handy, and the white tools in general are
only
adequate rather than anything special. (badge engineered Chinese stuff
the same as most shed specials - although you are probably more likely
to get decent after sales help from Axminster than many places)

The Ryobi might be ok, but at the price it is getting close to other
more serious kit that may suit your needs better.

Probably outside my budget is Makita 3620X 1/4" and way out is Trend
T5EB 1/4"; unless I get a very good reason otherwise ;-)

The T5 is an ideal first machine since it will do most things. It is
small and light enough for edging and trimming work, but still has the
punch for bigger jobs. It is also exceptionally smooth and precise.
Has good speed control and micro adjustable fence. It is also quite
serviceable in a table for smaller jobs, and comes with a 8mm collet
as well, so you can use larger cutters not available in 1/4". However
it is a big jump in price.

That particular Makita I would rule out since I don't think it is a
variable speed model, which will limit cutter choice and flexibility
a bit.

I have a Makita 3620 purchased some 20 years ago and despite its basic spec
and 2 subsequent 'better spec' purchases its still the router I use the most
and its still going strong. Alledgedly only 800w, performs like a 1200w,
absolute delight to use & has done everything I've ever wanted it to do &
more.

This is the machine that started my love of Makita stuff which now includes
2 x drill drivers, combi drill driver, impact driver, circular saw, jigsaw
etc.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk