Occasional use router (read cheap) advice please

[Gragson]

Hi All, I've come across the need 2-3 times this year where a router would have been good.
I don't reckon it would get a lot of use, current need is a batch of back picture frame recesses, some window frames for the shed, bevelling the flintstone garden table edges, maybe a bit of plastic now and again.

This little Katsu one has some good reviews and in occasional use price bracket.
Also need a bit set. Again, don't want to spend a lot, but I've never used a router.

Advice appreciated.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KATSU-3-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[tom2207]

cant go wrong at that sort of price ,,,, but would B&Q or screwfix have an equivalent ,, even argos

practice a bit first on something you dont care about , when routers go wrong they do so in style ,,, and very quickly too.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Hi All, I've come across the need 2-3 times this year where a router would have been good.
I don't reckon it would get a lot of use, current need is a batch of back picture frame recesses, some window frames for the shed, bevelling the flintstone garden table edges, maybe a bit of plastic now and again.

This little Katsu one has some good reviews and in occasional use price bracket.
Also need a bit set. Again, don't want to spend a lot, but I've never used a router.

Advice appreciated.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KATSU-3-8-1-4-Electric-Hand-Trimmer-Wood-Laminator-Router-UK-VAT/282531024284?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Got a pretty much new trend router here if you want it mate
Owes me 40 quid and far better than an El cheapo.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Got a pretty much new trend router here if you want it mate
Owes me 40 quid and far better than an El cheapo.

Shame you didn't post last night. Been working 2 minuites from yours for the last 2 weeks

 

[brightspark]

the only thing is its not a plunge router

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Like this one @Gragson
https://www.screwfix.com/p/trend-s-...p8TjuvENBIB5YfkJZeuzlKPc9cs7QO1RoCCToQAvD_BwE

Never going to use it

Have a surplus of routers

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

the only thing is its not a plunge router

Pretty much killed my katsu on its first use
Certainly wasn't up to the abuse I give my old Hitachi bottle trimmer

 

[Parm]

Got a pretty much new trend router here if you want it mate
Owes me 40 quid and far better than an El cheapo.

if I didn’t have 3 routers that hardly get used this would have been a done deal

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

cant go wrong at that sort of price ,,,, but would B&Q or screwfix have an equivalent ,, even argos

practice a bit first on something you dont care about , when routers go wrong they do so in style ,,, and very quickly too.

Remember using an old bosses Bosch router was cutting intumescent strips in 400 quid doors and the lock was iffy
Spent the rest of the day making it good when it drifted up

These days I always keep a finger on the lock.

 

[RichardM]

I have one of those Katsu, I use it as you would and thoroughly recommend.
£26 here btw:
https://www.aimtools.co.uk/products/101748-katsu-wood-trimmer-laminater-220v

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

if I didn’t have 3 routers that hardly get used this would have been a done deal

Hmm.
M12 v1
M12 v2
Trend
Hitachi laminate cutter
Katsu laminate cutter. (smells of melted wiring ).
DeWalt 18v (awesome router)
And a Ryobi under a little table

 

[hotponyshoes]

I have one of those /\ trend routers,
Got that as one of my customers works for them so I can get every spare part for it!
If you want to take a cut-out of anything rather than just go around the outside get a plunge router, certainly if you want to work with nylon/plastics.

For the amount I use mine I would like a cordless one but dont use one enough to justify spending the money on it!

 

[Hitch]

Plunge router will be a bit more fun, height is adjustable and you can use it to cut holes much easier, stopped rebates etc.

If you get one, you'll find more uses for it!

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

For the amount I use mine I would like a cordless one but dont use one enough to justify spending the money on it!

DeWalt 18v is working out well for me.
I use it to chop hinges and latch plates in so wire free is a plus
Also more likely to grab it from the van for a small job where with the 110v gear I tend to abuse a skilly to do the job instead of getting everything set up

 

[roblane65]

It's not really a router in the true sense just a trimmer and more than likely won't even come with a parallel fence.
you'd better of with the trend . Also don't think that would be up to the job of routing rebates for windows
just my two peneth though.
Btw I have a small trend 1/4 6mm and 8mm collets and just the ticket for smaller stuff

 

[gaz1]

i look for other reviews

 

[Gragson]

Like this one @Gragson
https://www.screwfix.com/p/trend-s-...p8TjuvENBIB5YfkJZeuzlKPc9cs7QO1RoCCToQAvD_BwE

Never going to use it

Have a surplus of routers

Cheers R, now I feel I really need one PM incoming mate.
The one I linked does have a fence but I really don't have a scooby about these. , battery definitely not on my price bracket or need, plunge not sure...

What about cutting bit sets?

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Cheers R, now I feel I really need one PM incoming mate.
The one I linked does have a fence but I really don't have a scooby about these. , battery definitely not on my price bracket or need, plunge not sure...

What about cutting bit sets?

 

[Al Strachan]

Agree with the comments on routers on their own, but buy ( or make) a decent router table with a proper back fence, t channel etc (see rutlands economy one) you’ll wonder how you managed without one for so long

 

[graffian]

I bought a B&Q cheapo when I made some patterns, I ground a 3degree taper on a bit
and I cut every layer of ply with the router. I impressed my self with my wood bothering skills.

I am guessing the plunge is when you plunge it in, well that is crap. When you push the router down, it
goes down a bit one way then a bit the other way and so on. The depth lock is on one side and the spring
pushes the other side up a bit when you let go after locking it.
I was given a black and decker, it was rubbish and died; so the B&Q one is better than B&D one.