Router worth the extra $?

[Pasta Prime]

A high quality jig saw would certainly be nice but I to expand my router bit library before I dive into one of those expensive jig saw. The router is certainly the most versatile woodworking tool and I love it!

[tacomaguy1]

I've had a craftsman plunge that I've had for 4-5 years.....still going strong and I can't even start to count how many cutouts I've done with it

[Dwn4BassAlan]

If you have the money now, you might consider this one. I even considered adding it lol, 61% off a porter?? good deal if you ask me, great in fact.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-895PK-4-Horsepower-Fixed-Plunge/dp/B0000DCBKN/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933677&sr=1-4&keywords=porter+cable+router

If that's too much router for you to handle, then I'd get this bosch one for the same price.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=pd_cp_hi_0

[Soccerballzs]

If you have the money now, you might consider this one. I even considered adding it lol, 61% off a porter?? good deal if you ask me, great in fact.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-895PK-4-Horsepower-Fixed-Plunge/dp/B0000DCBKN/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933677&sr=1-4&keywords=porter+cable+router

That is a hell of a deal!!!! Nice tool to have!!!

[rockFord_Expedition]

As far as speed goes a router will usually be slower. More prep work to cut the hole and it usually takes a few passes to cut the hole too. But the quality is amazing. First time you cut a hole and the sub touches all the way around the edge of the hole you will be one with the universe.

I agree with most here except the speed thing, but maybe that varies by person.

Including marking for the cuts and everything else, my BEST work with a jigsaw will take longer than using the router.

With routers, like most other things, you get what you pay for. Plunge base is the way to go. Get a spiral upcut bit for making circles, a round over bit, and a flush trim bit and you will be happy you did.

[Dwn4BassAlan]

Or do what all the highest quality box makers do, turn your table saw onto it's highest speed, and just drop a sheet of MDF on top of it while it's at speed. It will surely give you the cleanest and finest circles without a doubt it's a special-secret trick most n00bs don't know.

(p.s: hopefully you know this is a joke, please don't try this unless you have money to blow lol, then I fully encourage it)

[Souldrop]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll definitely look into those, but trying to be budget friendly until I know that it's a tool I'll definitely want to have. I have a month or so to decide before I start to build the box. Thanks for the suggestions as far as bits. That gives me something to work towards over the next couple of weeks. I'm sure I'll pick up more bits as time goes on, but was wondering which couple would be most relevant to what I need to do now.

[Jessica]

As far as speed goes a router will usually be slower. More prep work to cut the hole and it usually takes a few passes to cut the hole too. But the quality is amazing. First time you cut a hole and the sub touches all the way around the edge of the hole you will be one with the universe.

I agree with most here except the speed thing, but maybe that varies by person.

Including marking for the cuts and everything else, my BEST work with a jigsaw will take longer than using the router.

With routers, like most other things, you get what you pay for. Plunge base is the way to go. Get a spiral upcut bit for making circles, a round over bit, and a flush trim bit and you will be happy you did.

I wont argue, but think about all the steps involved in what you just said and think about how much time it would take compared to stabbing a hold with a drill bit and byzzing a jigsaw around a line.

[n8ball2013]

A good router will not take long at all. you still have to find your center point. draw your circle and then drill through it then cut along the line and not screw it up.

for a router. find the center point pick the size hole you want on the jig. drill a center pin hole. stick it through the corresponding size on the jig. Plunge through and wood and away you go. I think it takes me longer to setup the jig on my router than it does to route anything.

[rockFord_Expedition]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll definitely look into those, but trying to be budget friendly until I know that it's a tool I'll definitely want to have. I have a month or so to decide before I start to build the box. Thanks for the suggestions as far as bits. That gives me something to work towards over the next couple of weeks. I'm sure I'll pick up more bits as time goes on, but was wondering which couple would be most relevant to what I need to do now.

See post #25