cliu Posted August 22, 2018 Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 I am in the market for a router, just for basic routing and dovetailing. I am just wondering how powerful a router do I need? Is around 2 HP enough or should I get around 3 HP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK Posted August 22, 2018 Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 For what you are describing a 2.25 PC or Bosch would be a great machine. Handle a 1/2” bit no problem plus run 1/4” bits too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliu Posted August 22, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 3 hours ago, ChrisK said: For what you are describing a 2.25 PC or Bosch would be a great machine. Handle a 1/2” bit no problem plus run 1/4” bits too. Other than cost, is there any other reason to get a 2.25 HP rather than a 3.25 HP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK Posted August 22, 2018 Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 Nope. A 3+ hp router is bigger and better. If you are doing small stuff there is really no reason to get a bigger router but if you think you are going to use it for bigger projects then I would spend the cash. The 2.25will handle mos stuff but obviously a bigger router will do more stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpgwoodworking Posted August 22, 2018 Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 6 minutes ago, ChrisK said: Nope. A 3+ hp router is bigger and better. If you are doing small stuff there is really no reason to get a bigger router but if you think you are going to use it for bigger projects then I would spend the cash. The 2.25will handle mos stuff but obviously a bigger router will do more stuff. There might be 3 hp routers that are the same size and weight as the 2 1/4 hp units, but a lot of them are too big and heavy for precise hand held routing IMO. If you get one of those to use in a router table, I’d pick up a palm router for smaller tasks. My Bosch MRC23 doesn’t have any problems running cope and stick bits to build cabinet doors, or an 1 3/4” surfacing bit in oak. If you plan to run the very large raised panel bits in one pass, I’d step up to a bigger machine though. These are big bits, almost 2” diameter and they hog out a lot of material. https://www.cpooutlets.com/freud-99-762-shaker-adjustable-stile-and-rail-router-bits/feun99-762,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=722&zmap=feun99-762&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_TbBRDsARIsAALJSOaXmbrGCRQ7QIIGyaXfHBp06nMqBke5JPS1qJvG1D1wiSbg6htIQtEaAhrEEALw_wcB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK Posted August 22, 2018 Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 15 minutes ago, Jpgwoodworking said: There might be 3 hp routers that are the same size and weight as the 2 1/4 hp units, but a lot of them are too big and heavy for precise hand held routing IMO. If you get one of those to use in a router table, I’d pick up a palm router for smaller tasks. My Bosch MRC23 doesn’t have any problems running cope and stick bits to build cabinet doors, or an 1 3/4” surfacing bit in oak. If you plan to run the very large raised panel bits in one pass, I’d step up to a bigger machine though. These are big bits, almost 2” diameter and they hog out a lot of material. https://www.cpooutlets.com/freud-99-762-shaker-adjustable-stile-and-rail-router-bits/feun99-762,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=722&zmap=feun99-762&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_TbBRDsARIsAALJSOaXmbrGCRQ7QIIGyaXfHBp06nMqBke5JPS1qJvG1D1wiSbg6htIQtEaAhrEEALw_wcB That’s what my OF2200 is for. Mostly mortising and large diameter bits. My PC2.25 is my table mounted router. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jronman Posted August 22, 2018 Report Share Posted August 22, 2018 A reson to go with a 2 hp router over a 3 hp is most are smaller and lighter than the 3hp routers. My OF1400 is around 1.75 hp and it is a great all around router. It hasn't lacked power for my routing so far. A good midsize router that can fit 1/2 inch collets is probably what you would want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mycrossover Posted August 23, 2018 Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 On 8/22/2018 at 3:29 AM, cliu said: Other than cost, is there any other reason to get a 2.25 HP rather than a 3.25 HP? A 3 hp router is HEAVY and clumsy for hand held work and is best used in a table. A slightly undersized router can get by in a table by taking multiple passes if you are using a big bit. It depends on what you want to do, whether you will often even use a bit requiring that much power. The Bosch kit is a great compromise, with plenty of power, known good quality and a fixed base you can install in the table and a plunge base you can use for hand held work. The Triton plunge routers allow for the plunge spring to be removed and table top adjustment, when used as a table router. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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