I own and have used many routers and this is currently my favorite in the 2.5hp class. I wish it had actual RPM like the PC does. There is just one big pocket with no dividers. I wish the bag had better provisions for the collet wrench, extra collet, and edge guide storage. It is also pretty easy to make your own sub bases if necessary. Bits bigger than that should really be used when the router is in a table. This isn’t a huge deal but I thought I would mention it. The included base plates will only accommodate a bit 1-1/4” in diameter. I like it to be near the handle but with the soft start, this is forgivable. ![]() It’s at the top of the motor and in the middle. I don’t like the location of the power switch. The handles on both bases are in good, low positions and are comfortable. It’s a little on the heavy side, but I prefer that. Did I mention it has electronic feedback? That is almost unheard of in this price range. I’ve intentionally tried to bog the router by feeding a little too aggressively and it keeps up. The Electronic feedback is nice and actually does work. I haven’t used this much in a table, but I have done a lot of mortising and router planning using fairly large diameter bits. I have yet to have an issue where I need more power in a handheld application. I also like the “hot tool” indicator next to the removable power cord. I always thought LED work lights were a gimmick, but I must say they are appreciated on this router. The soft start is nice, producing startup with no torque twist. Changing bases is done without tools in seconds – literally. There is also a stepped wheel for coarse adjustments, making multiple passes to final depth simple. The depth stop can be adjusted with a knob graduated in 1/64 ” increments. The plunge base action is very smooth and even, and setting the depth of cut is a simple procedure. The adjustment on the fixed base can be performed over the table if it is mounted in a table with the included wrench. I really like this feature and it makes adjustments simple. The fixed base has a button/slide for coarse adjustment, and a knob for fine (1/64”) adjustment. The height adjustment on both is very easy to operate and very accurate. Finally, the included edge guide is on par with any aftermarket edge guide I have used.įixed and plunge bases are included, both of excellent quality. It also includes a 1/4” and 1/2” collet, collet wrench, over table height adjustment wrench, dust extraction hoods for both bases (that work!), and chip shields. The Router Kit included a very nice soft case I actually use. Also a nice surprise is the sub bases on both the plunge and fixed base take Porter-Cable style bushings without any adapters. The adjustment mechanism on both bases is completely different from their other offerings. This isn’t your standard craftsman router. The Craftsman Professional 27680 is rated at 2.5hp, and realistically I would say it is a solid 2.25hp to a full 2.5hp. Still, I felt I needed a good, moderately strong router that I can feel comfortable using by hand. ![]() ![]() I also have a Porter-Cable 7518 mounted in a table. ![]() It is very close in the running to the most used tool in my shop, with a slight advantage to the table saw. I use a router in some fashion on nearly every single piece of wood I cut, and I own several. Craftsman Professional 27680 2.5hp Fixed/Plunge Router
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |