Router question

[Kevin Sjostrand]

I have 3 of the Harbor Freight trim routers. One of them I got on sale for $16.99. Of the 3, only two are usable because the chuck nut cross thread on me the first time I used it (not my fault, really, not my fault). Why I didn't take it back to the store, I can't remember.....should have. The other two have worked just fine. I keep one set up on a small router table for routing the truss rod slot and doing little pattern routing jobs. The other has the jig on it for cutting binding channels. I base is attached to a sleeve that fits the body of the router and adjusts for the cutting height. You can easily swap out this part, and I do this quickly to another unaltered base so I can trim around the back and top with a flush cut bit.
So far I've not had a bit come loose or any other perceivable problem with the routers, and they have cut quite accurately. If you want to have more than one to leave set up, this is an inexpensive way to go. Many on the forum don't trust this router, but so far it has worked for me. I will some day get a full size router to mount in the routing table.

Darryl, lets see a picture that bridge saddle routing jig.

Kevin

[tippie53]

I have ruined a guitar because of a HF router . You are taking a big chance. There won't be any warning when the bit lets go . Yes it is a hit and miss but HF is not quality tools

[darren]

I like the rigid - http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware ... ogId=10053


use it for flush trimming the top/back, binding ledges, saddle slots, truss rod slot. I think if you were making bending forms or molds a full-size router and pattern bit would be better but for the actual guitar the lam. trimmers are perfect. I've had no issues with the Rigid, and it has a lifetime warranty, IIRC...

[kencierp]

Hi Matt,

You should buy a "trim size" router for guitar work. The Large base on a standard router is not practical for the tight angles etc. we encounter -- here's a good primer

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/un ... nnels.html

Buy the best you can afford is good advice, however we have used the Imports in our shop without any problems. I like the Colt and the Harbor Freight since they have nice fine adjustment features. The Porter Cable cantilever set-up never felt as positive to me -- but they sure wil last forever! We have so many routers in the shop I lost count -- but if there is a next one I plan to give the Rigid from Home Depot a try. Very well made and a lot of nice features. $.02

[darren]

forgot to say the thumb depth adjustment on the rigid is very sweet...

[msanch24]

thanks for the responses everyone! I'll look into the rigid for sure.

[msanch24]

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware ... ogId=10053

is this the rigid in question?

-matt

[darren]

that is the one i linked too... :) they have a combo pack right now with a free sander, online only:

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware ... ogId=10053

I have not used the sander, just sayin.

[msanch24]

that is the one i linked too... :) they have a combo pack right now with a free sander, online only:

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware ... ogId=10053

I have not used the sander, just sayin.

haha sorry darren i completely missed you link. Yeah, that one looks great. Fantastic warranty as well. I saw that combo. Very enticing...

thanks for everyone's help, this one looks like a winner for me.

-matt

[mike789166]

I just bought a bosch colt and I am glad I spent the extra. The dremel works OK but it doesn't have the power. You will use it for saddle slots, rosette channels, truss rod slots and maybe even for the neck joints. So get the best you can afford. As my late dad used to say "Buy cheap, buy twice".