looking to upgrade router

[Dave38]

I am looking to upgrade my router on my atlas th-54 lathe and was wondering what is a good one? I currently use a Porter Cable trim router and want to go more powerful but be quieter, if possible. I like the Ridgid design of a built in speed control, just not sure if the 2.5 hp R2900 motor series is a good choice. My price range is up to $300, lower is better of course:grin:
Any opinions?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[iusedtoberich]

I don't have first hand knowledge of routers for cue making, but in the woodworking mags makita routers are routinely rated amongst the quieter.

I've had a few routers over the years, and my quietest is a bosch 2.25 HP plunge router. It has variable speed, and I find the difference in noise between full speed and about 3/4 speed is tremendous. I doubt the cut quality suffers any.

 

[LGSM3]

Bosch 1617EVS....precise collets....K2 mount = $350 Easily ranks among the best money i've spent. I have it adapted to my bridgeport and will soon be putting them on turning lathe and cnc lathe. less than .0005 TIR with precise collets "yes i measured". Have all the benefits "other than bearing life and possibly bearing load" of a perske or columbo for exponentially less money. You also get the benefit of a full range of collets other than the standard 1/4 and 1/2. Plus its cheap enough that you can throw it in the trash and buy a new one when i gets worn out:grin:

 

[Dave38]

Bosch 1617EVS....precise collets....K2 mount = $350 Easily ranks among the best money i've spent. I have it adapted to my bridgeport and will soon be putting them on turning lathe and cnc lathe. less than .0005 TIR with precise collets "yes i measured". Have all the benefits "other than bearing life and possibly bearing load" of a perske or columbo for exponentially less money. You also get the benefit of a full range of collets other than the standard 1/4 and 1/2. Plus its cheap enough that you can throw it in the trash and buy a new one when i gets worn out:grin:

So far the reviews I've read have been awesome for the 1617evs. And the price is really good also. I personnally don't mind rebuilding things when they wear, as long as they are worth it to begin with, lol.
Thanks for the replies, Unless there are better options still to be mentioned, I'll probably pull the trigger this week.
Dave

 

[cuesmith]

I wouldn't touch a rigid woodworking tool on a bet.

I have 3 Rigid laminate trimmers on different machines in my shop. They are without a doubt the best investment in routers I've seen in the last 30 years. I've used just about all the common routers at one time or another including some of the high end ($2500) Precise spindles. I've never had another router work better for me than the Rigid laminate trimmers. With 3 different routers they all have almost no run out, are quiet, and reliable. I spent about 72 straight hours using one to cut 1.5" thick aluminum plate for some router mounts and other jigs I was building. It was obviously to heavy of work for the little laminate trimmer, but it finished the job for me before giving up the ghost. I then got to try out the free lifetime warranty which was easy as pie. They restored it to perfect working order at no charge and thanked me for using rigid products. I don't see how you can beat them for the money!

Sherm