TiggerToo
Well-known member
... are they any good? Like the Titan for sale at Screwfix, for example.
I mean, for relatively simple DIY jobbies
I mean, for relatively simple DIY jobbies
Cheapo Routers
- Thread starter TiggerToo
- Start date
DownWest
Well-known member
Yes. If you don't mind noise and a bit of crudity. Axminster sell some good cheap stuff and they tend to choose reasonable quality, esp for DIY. My Ryobi 1150wt. was about €80 but accepts 1/2" bits. I needed this as I wanted some of the Axminster 'biscuit' cutters and window stuff that only comes in 1/2". You should wear earmuffs anyway, so the noise is not so important. (neighbours??)
All the kit I have from Axminster (planer/thicknesser, bandsaw, japanese saws, assorted jigs for dovetails etc.) have all felt like value for money.
And, no, I don't work for them...........
Humm.. did you read the reviews on the Titan? Not great. Also not clear what size collets are supplied. 1/4" is very limiting and pretty small for the watts.
Avoid. IMHO.
All the kit I have from Axminster (planer/thicknesser, bandsaw, japanese saws, assorted jigs for dovetails etc.) have all felt like value for money.
And, no, I don't work for them...........
Humm.. did you read the reviews on the Titan? Not great. Also not clear what size collets are supplied. 1/4" is very limiting and pretty small for the watts.
Avoid. IMHO.
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skyflyer
Active member
I have some Titan tools and now wish I had paid more for better. Yes, the price is good but they are not robustly built and in particular you will find that they often use plastic where it should be metal, particularly with accessories like guide fences , depth gauges etc
I have found recently that Machine Mart's 'own brand' Clarke tools usually represent a good compromise between price and quality. They have a good technical helpline also.
I have found recently that Machine Mart's 'own brand' Clarke tools usually represent a good compromise between price and quality. They have a good technical helpline also.
maxi77
Active member
I have a couple of cheap routers and they have done me well for what I need, but I only use then occasionally. I am not sure if they would be man enough for the likes of worktop jointing but they trim laminate very well.
doug748
Well-known member
It looks a whole lot better than some of the 25 quid efforts you see in cheap shops. I notice Axminster do a Bosch for 75 pounds, which must be worth consideration.
Black and Decker also have a 1200 watt model for about £70, including collets, one or two cutters etc. I have similar, and it is excellent for the uses you outline
Black and Decker also have a 1200 watt model for about £70, including collets, one or two cutters etc. I have similar, and it is excellent for the uses you outline
alahol2
Well-known member
I bought an Aldi router last year, never having had one before or even knowing the full range of what they could do. I have used it several times since then for several different projects and it has been ideal for what I wanted. I have no idea how long it will last but it's still running fine and giving me another option on how to attack jobs onboard and at home.
Cloven
Active member
I have three routers - a very heavy duty Erbauer one for kitchen worktops etc, a lightweight Bosch one for fine work and a Ryobi one in a router table.
It really depends on the work you are planning to do as each of the above has a specific place in the joiners armoury. All of the above work well and have done me years of service with no problems.
Whatever you choose, make sure you have good sharp router bits. I ususally start off any new job with new bits unless I know the bits have had very little use.
Hope this helps.
It really depends on the work you are planning to do as each of the above has a specific place in the joiners armoury. All of the above work well and have done me years of service with no problems.
Whatever you choose, make sure you have good sharp router bits. I ususally start off any new job with new bits unless I know the bits have had very little use.
Hope this helps.
fisherman
Well-known member
If you want a good one, get Makita. I sent back two Erbauer routers to Screwfix, they refunded without question: being relatively cheap I blamed them immediately. The problem was that the spindle ran off centre, resulting in a 10mm groove being 12mm. Then I found it was the cutter that was running out of true........after ruining two expensive fire doors....
electrosys
New member
18 months ago I needed a router for just one small job, and couldn't justify the expense of a Makita or similar. After looking around, I ended up buying 2 basic 1/4" routers at a boot sale. £15 for the pair - one complete, the other missing one handle and the guide.
They're the same as the Screwfix's Direct Power 1020W Plunge Router (£37) - and I don't think routers come any cheaper than this.
Verdict - absolutely excellent - one of my better purchases. I don't expect they'd last too long if I was a contractor, or working with oak or suchlike - but for the occasional diy job they're perfect.
They're the same as the Screwfix's Direct Power 1020W Plunge Router (£37) - and I don't think routers come any cheaper than this.
Verdict - absolutely excellent - one of my better purchases. I don't expect they'd last too long if I was a contractor, or working with oak or suchlike - but for the occasional diy job they're perfect.
PeterGibbs
New member
Hints for a good outcome, whatever the brand used: take pains to keep the pieces sharp, and coax the router along - leaning on it will rip out chunks.
You will inevitably have your face close to the work, so do the right thing and wear good eye protection. I wear ear protection too. Some routers have spoil extractors - a godsend!
More expensive brands will hold their edge longer, of course.
PWG
Csail
N/A
No idea , never used it so brand new, half price?