Bought my a few months r an ran some test cuts. Getting use to the full functionality of the plunge router. As in the comments below, paid the same price in the comments below. For the price, great options. Thanks for the overview especially the dust collection. Noticed you installed it opposite side of the cut depth gauge. Having a little challenge, now I know why, especially with the small tabs. Again thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I just got mine 3 days ago and it worked so fine. I paid $99 +tax, if you ask the store they can refund you the difference from the full price you paid. Ran about 100 linear feet of 1 inch hard maple to shape a bullnose for some staircase treads. It did it without flinching, granted it's a brand new router and the bit was new too. It's also very quiet compared to my kobalt router and miles quieter than my buddies old ridgid.
Not sure they'd refund me. I actually got it for $100 but that's only because I signed up for the inside track membership. Worth asking I guess! Thanks for the comment.
This router CAN be mounted under a router table, since the on/off switch does NOT need to be held down continuously, as with some of the other plunge routers require. Important consideration when purchasing a table mounted router.
Thanks for the reply. I'm new at using a router and have had my quarter inch bits come loss at the worse times. I'm learning. Thanks again. Happy new year.
Back at ya! Use some sort of bit/blade cleaner once in a while to keep em clean and they'll last longer. I use Scotch Brite pads on the shanks. Just an old toothbrush on the cutters.
Fyi. You had mentioned it not being a brushless motor. On a corded tool a brushless motor really serves no benefit. They are more efficient on power usage but that's not really an issue with ac power. Plus with a brushed motor the main thing that burns out is the brushes which are easy to change out yourself. On a brushless tool the whole motor needs to be replaced when it burns out which a lot of times costs more than just replacing the entire tool plus having to send it off to a service center for repair. Great video I've been seriously considering this router. I'm a Makita guy myself but I have heard a lot of good things about Hercules tools and I use the saw blades for framing and finger joint pine trim and they've been awesome for the price.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful to others considering this router! One reason I grabbed this router was because in an Izzy Swan video he mentioned discussing the increase in quality from HF tools in the Hercules line. He had THIS router sidelined in a video about bits. I was hoping he'd tell more in a future video as he hinted but I decided to pull the trigger and try it myself. I haven't been disappointed yet.
Matt, thank you for this review. I have a 40 - year - old Craftsman router that is scary to use. I bought a variable speed controller for it, but it never worked right. This router would be perfect for me to use when a wood project comes up.
I've never used a router before but I'm looking to do some simple sign making for friends. Got really into personalized gifts for the holidays and seems like a fun hobby. Solid review, haven't used harbor freight tools much but don't wanna break the bank on a plunge or fixed router as I'm unsure what's best for myself. Thank you
I have not had to many issues with Harbor Freight. But most of my bigger power tools I have purchased through Wen products. Budget friendly but well made. I have been super happy as I have 10 plus power tools through them....plunge router, Planer, drill press, band, scroll and circular saws. And many sanders.
This is honestly the first router I have seen at HFT that I would consider buying. All the rest of their plastic-fantastic router-wannabees just don't speak my curiosity. I currently own five routers, however, so am likely not in the market for another, altho this seems to be an acceptable choice for a dedicated-bit router in a table at it's price point.
Found one on the clearance table at my local HF for $85, other than a beat up box I've found no issues and am happy. It compares with another budget kit by Skil.
I have not used this yet but purchased the Trim router for my Rockler router table. I had my Bosch colt there but wanted that for my hand-held use. It fit perfectly and was an easy set up. Did not have to adjust anything. I will use it tonight so will update.
I believe that the straight-edge on your router is not to aid in laying the router on it side flat (the reason the plug gets in the way). It's actually there to use as a straight edge (against a fence). right?
There's always more than one way to do things in woodworking. I've always used the round side because you maintain a consistent distance to the center of the bit because of the radius of a circle. Inspire Woodcraft explains this better that I can below. To each their own. Thanks for watching! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pU2QlL2NjqA.htmlsi=lygECYYxkMfDYZzq
I don't plan to use a plunge router all that often so a year shouldn't be a very long trial. I was wondering about the longevity as well, though. Always a concern with any budget tool.
@@SquidsCareToo I don't use a router all that often. But I have used it for 30 plunged dadoes if that's a correct term. No issues there. I had to add some thread lock to the depth stop adjuster. It was vibrating loose. I'd buy it again. Skil's looks the exact same so I'd shop for the best deal for your needs. I saw HF had it for $99 in a recent ad. Thanks for checking in.
Has anyone else noticed a gouge at the bottom of the milled cylindrical router body, where the milled section tapers in? I just purchased this router, and returned it due to this gouge... got my second one, same thing. (It's located at the bottom of the 3 milled indentations for height adjustment on the standard base). I can't wait to use this thing. But, I think I'm going to report this particular lot to HF... Maybe had a new guy working on the line that day. 🤷🏼♂️ Super frustrating that a brand new router has this kind of flaw.
@@thomaswatson3754 it was easy peasy. Functions like any other router I've used. I like using a skinny magnetic screw grabber thingy to pull the collet out of it falls down in there. I like using that same thingy to keep the 1/4" collet from sliding down in while I tighten it with a bit.
Nope. Just skipped it since this was more of a review and not a how to. If you're willing to try using a router you would have no trouble. Slides right in!
