I need help choosing a router

I have never owned or used a router before but have discovered simple woodworking needs for such a tool. Which router would you guys purchase?

hp?

plunge?

name brand?

accessories?

Thanks.

Personally I love the Porter Cable. This is a good model:

Porter-Cable 690LR 10 Amp 1-3/4 Fixed Base Horsepower Router

This is the same one I have, its not a plunge, but if yo0ur looking for something simple this will work. I won both and use the above model about 85% of the time. Very nice feel to it, the on/off switch is nicely placed so you have control over it. I love this one. Enough power to do all most anything. Plus it accepts 1/4 and 1/2 bits

In term of bit, the best bits I could recommened are from Costco, in terms of value. I bough them about a year ago. The come in a nice birch box and i believe I got 30 bits for about $45. I have used them over and over on very hard woods and they still work great. Yes you can get better bits for more that will last even longer

Any Router suggestions for a first-time router owner?

I agree with carp on everything. I have a fixed router and probably would suggest a plunge. There has abeen a couple of times I wish I had one. Again perosannly I really like the Porter Cable router and for a first time user or occasional user, your really not going to save a lot by going with a no name

If you are purchasing a router for the first time I highly recommend the 893PK from Porter Cable. Porter Cable is known as an industry leader in woodworking. The 893PK is an affordable combo kit that includes a fixed base as well as a plunge base that both use the same routing motor. The whole kit comes nicely packaged with a plastic case that holds all components of the kit.

The kit also includes an instructional interactive CD ROM.

You may see the kit at http://www.ToolAuthority.com

http://www.toolauthority.com/product_in … cts_id=494

This is an article on routers I wrote that might help you make a decision. Drop me a line if you have any questions or comments.

http://www.toolcritic.com/routers.html

Best,

Scott