I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on pine,
but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
...
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on
pine, but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

I was researching this just recently, so here's some links:

http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.wo...a2cf95f9110899

http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.wo...80a7a92119e492

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-8...ews/B0000DCBKN

"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
...
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on
pine, but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

Yeah, that is an inherent problem with many Craftsman rougers.



In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

At one time they were probably considered the best but they have come out
with some reas stinkers in the last few years and many have been reported
that they run hot. Bosch, Milwaukee, anf the unique Triton have been
getting along with not too many complaints.


Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

That would all depend on how hard you push it and the type wood. The life
can be for years or weeks.

On Sun, 19 Nov 2006 13:51:40 -0500, "Buck Turgidson"
wrote:

I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on pine,
but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?


So you've become familiar with the self adjusting depth feature of
Craftsman routers. That feature sucks.

Yeah, PC routers are good. So are Bosch.

Buck,

I have several routers but I like my $100.00 Porter Cable the best.

cm


"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
...
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on
pine, but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

Bill Stock wrote:


"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
...
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on
pine, but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

I was researching this just recently, so here's some links:


http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.wo...a2cf95f9110899


http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.wo...80a7a92119e492


http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-8...ews/B0000DCBKN

I don't agree with a lot of the negative reviews, mine doesn't seem to have
any of the problems they mention. I bought it on mid 2004 to replace the
Craftsman which ruined a couple boards with its automatic random height
adjustment.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

From what I've heard, any of the "real" brands (PC, Bosch, Makita,
Milwaukee, Dewalt, etc.) should work better than your self-adjusting
craftsman. (Bummer man! I know the sinking feeling of messing
something like that up, whether it's your fault or your tool's...)
From my own experience, I can say the Dewalt 618 set is a very good
router, and a pretty good deal (especially if you find something
reconditioned).
See both Pat Warner's site (patwarner.com) and several recent threads
here for more recommendations and opinions.


Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

Longer than cheaper bits, but not as long as nicer bits. With a few
exceptions, you get what you pay for: CMT, Amana, Whiteside, etc. are
excellent;
Freud, infinitytool.com, leevalley.com, etc. are very good,
I haven't used PC but I'd guess they'd fit with other higher-end
borg-level stuff here,
MLCS is good for the price,
and finally, the cheap $1/ea chinese/eBay/HF bits are passable if you
only need them once and don't expect a perfectly smooth cut.
Of course, others' opinions may vary along this gradient...
Good luck,
Andy

I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on pine,
but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?


Cheap routers are not only expensive, they'll rob you of the enjoyment
of your hobby. That little slip up sort of ruined your whole day,
didn't it?

We tend to argue a lot about which brand is "best", but I think you can
rest assured that any router from Porter Cable, Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi,
Milwaukee, Triton, Freud and maybe Rigid but NOT Ryobi or Black &
Decker will be much more satisfying to use than your Craftsman. PC has
been beaten up lately around here, but I think we hold those
manufacturers to a higher standard.

I have two PC routers plus an old Craftsman and a Ryobi that never get
used anymore. My big 3 HP PC 7518 has a collet that gets warmer than I
thought it should. I called Porter Cable and they said it was normal
because of the tight clearances in the bottom bearing. But they sent
me a new router anyway, which gets just as hot. I never measured the
temperature, but it's too hot to hold comfortably when changing bits
after 15 minutes or more of use. It's slightly annoying sometimes, but
it doesn't ruin my day. I have at least 5 Porter Cable tools, and I've
never had one yet that really disappointed me.

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably buy the Porter Cable 690 kit with
plunge and fixed bases. I've never heard anybody call the 690 junk.
Getting the proper size router for your application is more important
than which brand among the best. I love my PC 7518 in the router
table, but if I only had one router, I wouldn't want that one to be it.
It's just too big for most of my hand-held applications. Good luck on
your upgrade.

DonkeyHody
"He who lieth down with dogs waketh up with fleas."

"Eugene" wrote in message
news:4NKdnaHC7utJcv3YnZ2dnUVZ_omdnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
Bill Stock wrote:

I don't agree with a lot of the negative reviews, mine doesn't seem to
have
any of the problems they mention. I bought it on mid 2004 to replace the
Craftsman which ruined a couple boards with its automatic random height
adjustment.

Yeah, it's difficult to gauge the negative reviews sometimes. Often you only
here from the guy who got a lemon or someone who has unrealistic
expectations about a consumer device. There are also the negatives for
features I will never use or don't want to pay for, so I don't care about
these. Nor do I take the magazine reviews at face value, often they'll rave
about one product and then give the nod to another. Of course the product
with the biggest ad is the one that got the nod.

I put more faith in GregO's review of this particular model. I'm hoping
Santa will leave me a shiny Triton. It will sure beat the lump of coal I got
last year.

They have a much longer history in routers and probably
invented the router that we know today.

They sell more routers than anybody I'm aware of.

They also make some pretty nice routers, which is a bonus.

A bit's life depends on what you have been doing with it.

There is no real way to measure the effective life except
in feet cut and I doubt anybody would actually keep score.



Buck Turgidson wrote:


In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Sun, Nov 19, 2006, 1:51pm (Buck*Turgidson) doth
lament:
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure
what happened, but I am nervous about using it now. snip

I used a bottom of the line Craftsman router for several years
(until a bad solder joint broke), and replaced it with another, that's
also been used for several years. Never had a problem self adjusting
problem with either. However, I have a theory on that.

I'm thinking frequent height adjustment loosens it, allowing slip.
My router lives in my router table, I use only flush trim bits, and
don'adjust height. If it ever did slip i'd probably use adhesive on it;
or, if I ever figured on adjusting height, I''d rig some type of screw
stop instead..

Thes el-cheapo models do exactly what I want and need, I'll keep on
using them. However, if I needed a router I'd adjust height on, I'd get
something else..



JOAT
Democratic justice. One man, one rock.

"J T" wrote in message
...


I'm thinking frequent height adjustment loosens it, allowing slip.

I had a couple with the problem. The problem was with the bit slipping in
the collet not the height adjustment slipping.

Mon, Nov 20, 2006, 5:25pm (EST+5) (Leon)
doth sayeth:
I had a couple with the problem. The problem was with the bit slipping
in the collet not the height adjustment slipping.

I had that problem too, when I first started using mine. Turned
out it was caused by bottoming the bit. Now I bottom the bit, then
raisie it maybe 1/8", no more bit slipping.

You saying that, in just that way, now makes me wonder if part, if
not all, of the so-called "self-adjusting" problems aren't just the bit
slipping.



JOAT
Democratic justice. One man, one rock.

"J T" wrote in message
...
Mon, Nov 20, 2006, 5:25pm (EST+5) (Leon)
doth sayeth:
I had a couple with the problem. The problem was with the bit slipping
in the collet not the height adjustment slipping.

I had that problem too, when I first started using mine. Turned
out it was caused by bottoming the bit. Now I bottom the bit, then
raisie it maybe 1/8", no more bit slipping.

You saying that, in just that way, now makes me wonder if part, if
not all, of the so-called "self-adjusting" problems aren't just the bit
slipping.


That may well be the case, however in my case I was fortunate. The bit
would slide deeper into the collet. I just had to readjust and do it again.

Buck Turgidson wrote:
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on pine,
but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

I went from a Craftsman to Porter Cable earlier this year (when PC had
their recalled motor problems. I wan't affected but it was big news
here), and I've been thrilled with my PC kit.

I had a problem with my Craftsman router in which the whole motor
assembly fell apart while I was hand-routing a dado in some plywod.

The motor literally dropped loose in the housing. It scared the crap
out of me. I put it back together and stuck it in my Craftsman router
table, and there it has stayed.

One thing that I love about my PC 893PK is that it's *quiet* when it's
not eating wood. My Craftsman was loud just cutting air.

-Nathan

Yes, the 890s are rather quiet. The 690 is a screamer. I have three routers.
690, 892, and 8529. Never had a problem with any of them.

"N Hurst" wrote in message
oups.com...
One thing that I love about my PC 893PK is that it's *quiet* when it's
not eating wood. My Craftsman was loud just cutting air.

-Nathan

Leon wrote:


"J T" wrote in message
...
Mon, Nov 20, 2006, 5:25pm (EST+5) (Leon)
doth sayeth:
I had a couple with the problem. The problem was with the bit slipping
in the collet not the height adjustment slipping.

I had that problem too, when I first started using mine. Turned
out it was caused by bottoming the bit. Now I bottom the bit, then
raisie it maybe 1/8", no more bit slipping.

You saying that, in just that way, now makes me wonder if part, if
not all, of the so-called "self-adjusting" problems aren't just the bit
slipping.


That may well be the case, however in my case I was fortunate. The bit
would slide deeper into the collet. I just had to readjust and do it
again.

Mine had both.
It was a $99 plunge router but the plunge lock would slip a little in harder
wood so I had add another nut to the depth stop and lock the depth with the
nuts tightened on top and bottom.
Then it would let the bit slip a little bit in the collett, sometimes up,
sometimes down. It didn't have the second nut so you could tighten the
collett with two wrenches, just a motor lock in the top of the router and
one nut on the collett. I would get a wrench on the collett and lock the
motor and bearhug the router trying to get the collett tightened enough to
prevent slipping but it would still slip. I managed to get it tight enough
to make the motor lock stick, I would have to smack it hard to lock or
unlock, must have slightly bent the locking mechanism and the bit still
slipped.
I ruined enough wood to pay for the PC router so I went and bought one and
ebay'ed the craftsman and was honest and said the lock sticks and the
collett slips and the plunge lock slips and still got a few $ for it.
The PC router has a shaft lock because all the magazines who review routers
instead of using them think its necessary but if they ever used one they
would know you can't get enough leverage holding the router in one hand and
a wrench in the other so it still has the double nut collar, hold two
wrenches with the handles slightly apart in one hand and squeeze them
together and the bit is locked tight and doesn't move.

Bill Stock wrote:


"Eugene" wrote in message
news:4NKdnaHC7utJcv3YnZ2dnUVZ_omdnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
Bill Stock wrote:

I don't agree with a lot of the negative reviews, mine doesn't seem to
have
any of the problems they mention. I bought it on mid 2004 to replace the
Craftsman which ruined a couple boards with its automatic random height
adjustment.

Yeah, it's difficult to gauge the negative reviews sometimes. Often you
only here from the guy who got a lemon or someone who has unrealistic
expectations about a consumer device. There are also the negatives for
features I will never use or don't want to pay for, so I don't care about
these. Nor do I take the magazine reviews at face value, often they'll
rave about one product and then give the nod to another. Of course the
product with the biggest ad is the one that got the nod.

I put more faith in GregO's review of this particular model. I'm hoping
Santa will leave me a shiny Triton. It will sure beat the lump of coal I
got last year.
I always thought PC to be more in the prosumer/professional range than the
consumer and my first use of it. The craftsman router would always chatter
when making a cut and the pc with the same bit was smooth as could be.
I just wish they hadn't discontinued their cordless router. I have an old
7.2v Makita laminate trimmer that I use with little bits like a 1/8"
roundover and wanted to get the PC since it would share the same bases as
their corded.

I have three larger PCs, a 7518 in a router table, a 7529 plunge that I
hardly use cause it's too big, heavy and awkward and a 891 to replace the
7529. I like the adjustmen and plunge better on the 7529 then the 891 but
the smaler one is easier to use.
I'm happy with them and they have never given me any trouble.
"Buck Turgidson" wrote in message
...
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on
pine, but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?

Buck Turgidson wrote:
I just ruined a 12' long piece of oak because the depth adjustment on my
Craftsman router slipped while beading the edge of the oak. Not sure what
happened, but I am nervous about using it now. Never had a problem on pine,
but it seems like oak stresses the machine too much.

In looking at some posts on router recommendations, it seems like Porter
Cable are well thought of. Is that still the case?

Incidentally, how long should a good bit like PC last?


I own lots of routers (17 at last count). Many of the older models are
PC. Since buying a Shopbot CNC router 2-1/2 years ago, I've had my fill
of PC routers and the PC hype. I have three of the 7518 model, which is
supposed to be a 3+ hp model. Put a watt meter on it and see for
yourself that it is more like a 1-1/2 hp router. The top bearings are
mounted in plastic. They use sealed instead of shielded bearings. When
I had a serious heating problem, I changed to shielded bearings and the
7518 worked much better.

My current favorite for a fixed based model is the Bosch. I prefer the
DeWalts for plunging.

Let me just add that I don't expect much from a tool except that it work
as advertised and be reliable. Unfortunately, I've found that PC makes
tools that should be classified as consumer grade - at best.