Freud Routers

[Desparad0]

I am in need of a large plunge router (2hp or better) that will spend most of it's time in a router table. My budget being what it is my options are limited. Freud makes a 3 1/4 hp is within my budget but I am completely unfamiliar with this brand. Other routers I am currently looking at are a Makita 3 1/4 as well as a 2hp porter-cable, Although for my needs it may be under sized. Any opinions on how the Freud stacks up to these others would be greatly appreciated.

[MadMark]

I have the FT2000E and it's a real workhorse. Solidly made. At home in a table. Soft start and variable speed (a must if you're going to spin large diameter bits). To table mount you should remove the springs - a two minute job (simply pop the cap on the depth knob and unscrew it off the rod. The router will come apart and the springs, guides and boots can all be removed. Replace the knob and you're done.)

I have mine mounted in the wing of the TS and I cut a lot of box joints with it. It'll spin a ¼" dia carbide cutter making multiple ¾" slots thru 6" of jatoba (hard/dense) without breathing hard.

The cutter change is a little akward. Instead of two wrenches they have a spring loaded lock and a single wrench. I find if it lift it all the way up (fully plunged) and set the plunge lock to hold it that I can hold the shaft lock in place with one finger on one hand and work the wrench with the other. Not the most elegant solution but it works well enough.

The basic router is metric and only the collet insert makes it ½". I think it would be 12mm if you bought it in europe. You can remove the collet and replace it so I'm sure that you can switch from one to the other with ease.

Any of the 3+ hp routers really should be used table mounted. There is simply too much torque for the average user to handle, esp. with a larger diameter bit.

Since mine is mounted in the TS top I can use my Incra TS-III saw fence with the router effectively giving me precision positioning control on both tools for the cost of a single fence.

M

[woodmannie]

I agree with Mark. I ran into this problem with my old 1/4" B&D. Too little power and to fast rpm. I also was looking at the freud, and asked a local store about them. It came with very high comendments, and the price is right for PT worker's like me. The 1/2" collet is equal to 13mm. Figured that out one day working on a dodge. needed 13mm and found 1/2" is the same.

[rrich]

Desparad0,
It all depends upon what you're going to swing with the router. (How big of a bit?) Are you going to cut rails and stiles and raise panels? You're probably going to need a variable speed and maybe 3 HP. I have a PC 7500 series (3 1/4 HP) in the worst designed router table (PC also) and it is great for heavy duty stuff. HOWEVER this router is a bit difficult to use handheld. For the big bits, variable speed is mandatory.
Rich

[Lester Turnage]

I have a Freud 3 1/4 HP router that I have had for about 6 years. Most of the time it is in my router table and I can truthfully say that it has all the power a router would ever need. While in my router table it is hooked up to my shop vac and router fence. I cannot comment on any other large routers since my experience is limited to the Freud. It accepts 1/2 and 1/4 inch bits too. The price was right when I bought mine also.