I’m tell ya, Harbor Freight is really stepping up their game in quality. Reason why I became a Inside Track member. It paid for itself on the first purchase of being a member. This Router will be my next purchase along with the 10 gallon ultra quiet Fortress compressor.
I have been buying from HF since the 90's, before online ordering and stores. You actually had to write down what you wanted and mail them a check. I still have some of the tools I bought back then. Being the only large tool supplier I know of that is a private company, they can do what they feel is best. Also, they don't have to make higher profits just to give to investors. Just a few days ago, I bought a $130 tool for $44. Not a knock-off or similar tool. The same tool, made in the same factory. They are getting more and more of gems like that.
Great review/tutorial. They're priced at $99 today . . . with a special 15 percent discount for this weekend. Sounds like a GREAT deal . . . I'm going to get one this afternoon. Thanks again.
Was waiting for someone to review this. I got this router when it came out. I was replacing an old craftsman. I'm really happy with the quality and power of it. Well done review, thanks.
I am glad my review matches your experience. I did get two, but sometimes, if you only have experience with one, it can be different than the majority. I had not expected it to be as good as it was at that price. I have a router. I paid 75% more for. It is even close to having the features this one has.
@@ShopRamblings I think HF is stepping up their offerings in a lot of areas. They offer good value for people who can't or don't want to spend a lot on tools. I appreciate someone giving them a fair look instead of automatically passing them off as cheap or inferior.
Many people equate lower prices with lower quality. What most don't know is that Harbor Freight is a private company. They don't have share holders that only care about making the most profit they can as soon as they can. Just look at how much they give away. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Smidt Secondly, you are not forced to pay for a two or three year warranty. I many cases, the tools are made in the same plant with the same materials. Manufacturers have even said that HF will pay more than other "name brand" companies to get a better product but just sell it at a lower mark up. I think of them more of à la cart. Most tools have at least 3 levels of quality. If you want an extended warranty, pick how many years you want and pay accordingly.
I just picked mine up yesterday. Did a ton of research on routers. This one seems to be the one with really good reviews. Your video was very informative and detailed! Thanks for the review. Harbor Freight is definitely stepping up. As soon as the planer goes on sale , I'm getting that as well!!
Nice review covering the available features of this Hercules router. Now, since I don't need it immediately, will wait for the next sale. Just liked and subscribed. Looking fwd to more of your videos.
Thank you. Very informative. Ive already bought the Herc. I figured they made a table for it... They dont! This router in my mind is a Skil router. They look almost identical. Im gonna buy a Skil router table and hopefully it works! Enjoyed the video.
The Skil router and the Hercules router are identical in terms of their bases. Both are manufactured by Chervon, although the Skil router has a different electrical and electronic package.
If that’s the only gripe, I’d say $129 well spent!! Full of features and that hidden feature for the height adjustment when mounted into a router table is awesome!! Glad I chose this router after watching this video! I will find out if milling with this router in my router sled is an issue. Great video
Be sure to let me know what you think. I like to make sure my reviews are honest and accurate. It helps when viewers give feedback, so I know I am covering what people want to see.
Thanks for sharing this. I just bought mine today and wanted check reviews befor i opened it. I spent xtra and bought the 15 month warranty. Looks like i made a good choice.
This is literally the only review on this tool at this time. So if it ends up letting the smoke out on me, it’s all your fault. 😂😜 Thanks man. I’ll be picking it up in the morning.
Very nice review, love how you spent some time on each feature, good sound, LOVE that there is no music. Just got an email that this is $20 off for the next couple of weeks, I think I am going to get one
Thanks. I normally have to cut a lot of what I have to say. If you are playing music, you are not giving information . I feel if you run out of things to say, make the video shorter .
Great review. Definitely a lot of tool for the buck. I've never used a router before but trying to try new things and hobbies this year. Building and working around the house. Gonna grab one of these later today. Really want to get into some lettering and personalized signs for friends and family.
If they still have them, harbor freight sold a set of router bushings cheaper than any other place I have found. If you want to do templets, I would pick up a set when you are there.
I just got one and set it up on my Skill router table (old one). I took the plastic off the fixed bottom because the table has it's own plastic hole for the bit (different sizes). If you don't remove the plastic plate on the bottom when attaching the router, the collet doesn't come up as far. Also, I didn't have to drill any holes, it just fit using screws in the holes used for the plastic plate.
Good video. Thank you. Was trying to find out of it coukd be used at a table mounted router. Hit so many features and potential uses that others have not.
I wish I had seen this sooner. I just bought this router and like you I’m impressed with all the features and the power. However, mine gets really hot very quickly. I haven’t used it a lot but if it continues I will trade for another one. If you or anyone else has noticed this please let me know.
Great review and not a bad router comes with some great features. I would love to know where you got that crazy green router bit though, I'm a guitar builder and am always looking for giant pattern bits like that, the last really cool one I got was a 6 flute spiral bit from Willian NG that hogs hard wood like a champ even end grain but I'm always on the hunt for something different!
I just bought this router a few days ago, haven't used it yet. My only quibble was that since it has two bases, it should come with some kind of case, like the Bosch 1617 and the Makita trim router do. I'd be willing to pay thirty dollars or so more for that.
For me, I hate tool cases. I am glad that companies stopped including them with every tool. I am in the process of building a custom holder for this router. It would be nice to offer them as an accessory so people who want them can buy them and other people do not have to pay for something they don't want. If you add another $30 plus the cost of a 2 year warranty, now you are at the same price as the name brand tools. That is what I like about harbor freight, I don't have to pay for extras I don't want.
@@carlcox7332 - Good idea. So good, I already tried it. Unless you go tot he full rifle-sized Apache 9800, the biggest thing they have is the 4800. Didn't work.
So as long as I dont go routzilla on this hardwood, it should be a great router to get me started. 😂 Great video. And I'm glad you showed that it does have some limitations.
I am currently completing a video about a router lift. While it is priced similarly to an Incra lift, I believe it offers superior features. It should be public shortly.
Could tell from your review. I want to mount the router in my table saw extension. You mentioned it could be adjusted from above with an Allen wrench, but I didn’t see if the clamp had to be opened when adjusting by the adjustment knob. Thanks in advanced.
It works better if it is open. I loosened the clamp just a little. It made it some it could move some without opening the clamp, but thighs enough not to move when cutting.
Great review,packed with a ton a relevant information👍🏻✅ The fixed base reminds me of the old school Craftsman router. I still have it but it’s only 1 3/4 HP and I’m looking for a 2-2 1/4HP router to replace it. Think I may have to consider this one seriously. Thanks!
@@ShopRamblings I went over to HF and bought this router. It is a duplicate of my old craftsman router. The wrench is identical, the base plates are interchangeable, the same notches in the motor to move it up and down. This old router came with a router table (which I tossed in the garbage) but still have the wrench to raise the bits up and down. It fits in the fixed base Hercules and moves the bit up and down in it too. The collets are interchangeable, the edge guide is identical and fits both bases on the Hercules router and the craftsman router. Both the dust shrouds on the fixed bases are interchangeable. It’s the very same router. I’ve had this craftsman router for 20 years and it’s still a beast to this day. As I was saying before I just wanted a more powerful motor with a plunge base. My old craftsman is a fixed base router. I hope this one lasts that long too! Thanks again for this video! 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing. Chervon makes the Craftsman routers and sell them under a couple of different brands. The Skil router is the same router with an updated control package. I am confident the Hercules router is also made by Chervon. What I like about the Hercules is I paid less than half what I paid for my Ridgid router and it works better.
Triton plunge router was a nightmare in terms of plunge action. I found it to be really difficult to go smoothly. Could only get good motion if I pushed down only on one side. It's so highly recommended that I bought two, thinking the first was defective. But they were both like that. May need to try this one.
Yeah, I bought a Ridgid one for twice the money. I was very disappointed. I bought a Wen for $80, which was much better. I bought this one because it took bushings. It has become my most used router.
Hi thanks for the great review. Question… I’m looking for a heavy duty router to use with a slab flatting bit.since these bits are large diameter do you feel like the tool would tend to shut off lie it did with your carving bit? Thanks
I have not used this router in my flatening jig. I use a 2 inch surfacing bit but try to only move 1 inch per pass anf 1/8" depth. It doen't feel like it puts much strain on the router. It would just depend on how aggressive of a cut you make. I am making a new flattening jig for a video in the next 2 weeks. I may use the Hercules and see how well it works. This is the router I am using now. It is a beast. amzn.to/40clJbU
Great video: helpful, concise, practical, explanatorily accessible. Would you be able to tell us which particular Rockler product was used in the "hose locks" section? In particular, the blue coupling that connects the 1.5" vacuum hose to the router port?
I just went to Rockler to find the kit number i purchased. It looks like they don't sale it any more. That is a good thing. It was the Flexport kit with the expandable hose. The hose is heavy and pulls. the connectors can stretch to fit many ports but would easily slip back off while using. I often would tape the connections. I noticed they have new connectors that are similar but have retainers. They look like they will work better. I liked the idea of not having more hose stretched out than needed but would not buy the expandable hose after using it. If you search there site for "flexport" you will find all of their current options.
I saw a review from a guy that had this and the BOSCH 1617EVSPK and he said the bases were interchangeable. I would think this would hold true for the BOSCH RA1165 Under-Table Router Base. I am getting the Hercules router this week. I think I am going to have to pick up the Bosch RA1165 and check it out.
I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. This was my first Hercules product to buy. I normally get the Bauer brand of power tools at HF. So far, it is still working flawlessly.
I stopped in the store to look at this router. The catch lever for the three adjustment slots was loose and floppy on the display that I looked at. Did you notice that on yours or was the display damaged or needing tightened? Nice video; I am going to go look again. Thanks a bunch!
When you say the catch lever, are you referring to the black button you push to release the router? I want to honestly answer the question but don't fully understand what you are asking. I think you are asking if if you have the gray locking lever open (unlocked), can the router slide up and down some. If so, the answer is yes. It is also yes on my Ridgid, Kobalt, and Ryobi routers. All routers that I have used that have the push pin style keeper have movement up or down. When the router is sitting on a surface, the weight holds it to the bottom of the slot. You can then rotate the adjustment screw. Once you are at the desired depth, you lock it into position with the gray lever. My Kobalt router moves about 1/32" when it is locked. I always have to recheck it after I lock it I position. I did not notice any issues with the Hercules moving when locking it. I will try to double-check it tomorrow. If this is not what you are talking about, let me know. Thanks
I had a chance to visit the store and check out the router again. The lever I thought was plastic is actually steel so that’s a plus. You are right if the router is adjusted in the upright position the slack doesn’t mater as much. Better than I had thought on my first visit. Thanks again for the great review!
@@ShopRamblings Skil can be found cheaper, 1lb lighter, 14amp vs 12 Amp motor, has 2 1/4” plunge depth compared to 2” and digital display. I’d have to catch the Herc on good sale to pick over Skil.
I'm barely pushing this thing and its cutting off unless I go really slow. Doing a 1/4" roundover on mdf. Gonna take it back tomorrow and swap it out. Got an electronic smell coming out of it so it could be a dud.
@seamushyland8199 I get it. I had to understand the electronics. Once I understood the shut-off was a safety feature, I liked it. It could have been in the manual, but you love and learn.
You are right. Time is the best test on any tool. I had a person this morning waiting to show what they had done. They could not believe how easy it was. I had told them about a product that had been out since 1980 that people not in the trades don't know about because they don't advertise. They don't keep selling something for 40 years if nobody is buying it.
It depends on the bit and what you are doing. Sometimes you can lower the router and install the bit under the dust chute. I some instantes you may not be able to use the dust collection. You can also make the hole larger but that may reduce the effectiveness if you go back to a smaller bit.
I have been using this router for several months. I have never had the overload protection kick in while using it. It only kicked in when I was testing it to see how far I could push it.
Man this is one day looking router. I'm just scared to spend 120.00 on only a chance of a 90 day warranty. But if that had say at least a year I would get it right now. Ryobi has one at home depot for 99 with a 3 year warranty but it's not as fancy as this one.
That is what I like about HF. You don't have to pay for a warranty you will never use. You can pay extra, and HF will give you a warranty. I have 100's of tools. I have only had a few tools break. The way I look at it, if I buy 100 tools and I save 10% average, as long as less than 10 tools break, I am ahead. I am a deal hunter. I try to get 25% or more off most tools I buy. This router is better than the Ridgid one I bought for twice as much. I have bought 3 of the Hercules for $300. The Ridgid one would have cost $600. If two of the Hercules had to be replaced I would still be ahead but I doubt I will have a problem with any of them. If there is a defect, I would find it in the first few weeks.
Do you have comparisons to any other routers you’ve used? Thanks for the video! This seems like the cheapest plunge/fixed package now and looks solid. My main concern is fitting any kind of extras.
I currently own Hercules, Ridgid, Kobalt, Grizzly, Wen, and Ryobi routers. I have used several other brands. What king of comparison would you like, and what accessory would you want? I will say that out of the 4 plunge routers, the Hercules has the smoothest plunge. The Wen has 8 - 1/16" stops. Other than that the Hercules has any feature found on any other router I have.
I believe they are the same, made in the same factory, but each company ordered them with a different electronic package. I bought the Skil one to compare, but I have not had a chance to open the box. I hope to do a side by side video when I get a chance. For now my opinion is to base your decision on which one is cheaper at the time. They both go on sale for around $99. I used a coupon for the Skil at Woodcraft. They also go on sale at Lowes. The Hercules drops if you are an Inside Track member. Second decision factor would be if you want the digital read out or a knob that rotates. Be aware Skil has a lower horsepower model that looks the same. And the third decision factor would be your opinion on which warranty you like better. I hope this helps.
Ok, so this is literally a copy of an identical skil router. Only, you can get the skil for the same price, and it has a digital display for the speed settings.
Was considering the smaller Bauer compact to get started but I see the Hercules also accepts 1/4 collets. Might have to pick this one up while it’s on sale.
I never said the router was underpowered. I said I was taking a way bigger cut than I should've. Making normal cuts, it did great. This is actually a good thing. Instead of letting you push it until it burns the motor up, it stops. I said 1/2" but I a 1" round over in pass. It didn't have any issues. It is a surprisingly great router even if it was double the price.
I have mounted several routers. Most routers have 3 or hole that mount the bottom plate on. You remove the screws and use those holes. This router has 3 threaded holes holding on the base plate and an additional 3 threaded holes that can be used to mount the router. If needed, you could remove one or more of the screws to give you additional options for mounting. The best option I have found is to get a Kregg insert and build your own. Kregg insert amzn.to/3WCpVhN Kregg levelers amzn.to/3BUgfrb I have also used this one, and it worked good for the price. amzn.to/3PIRML4
The name of the channel is Shop Ramblings because I can ramble on. I had shot footage over several days I didn't use. My older tool reviews were around 30 minutes. So it may not be short, but let's just say shorter than it could have been.🙂
At the beginning of the video, you show the lack of individual adjustment screws to the 3 step base compatibility of the plunge feature. Therefore making many adjustments to a 3 step process of plunge routings that now make it 6 steps. Unacceptable. I have an older Craftsman professional 3 piece set that has this and many other features that is probably 15 years old if not more, that would blow that Hercules out of the water. Biased opinion. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Thanks. It looks like it trying to copy my old Craftsman professional from 15 or more years ago. Plus it had a reputation that you could count on from years ago.
I only have 5. I haven't yet got to the point that I don't need another one. This router surprised me at how well it worked. For the price, I was expecting a lot less. The Ridgid router I reviewed costs over twice as much. It has fewers features and did not work as well.
It is a $20.00 trim router, not a production shop or contractor grade. You never gave it a chance running backwards, over tightening the depth gauge and throwing it around on a 200.00 kreg table top. I have never had a router and never needed one, buying a 100.00 dollar router would be a waste for what I needed. Review that Kreg table as critical.
Different people use different tools. I never use a plasma cutter in my shop. If you are referring to my work bench I have a couple of videos on it. I am sure many people find the Kreg table better. For me this one is a lot cheaper and is more functional but I don't alway function like other people. 😀
