The Best Budget Router and Router Table for Woodworking

I have that skil router as well. But I can't find a base for it with a larger diameter for larger bits. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Yes, please do a beginner video for routers. Thank you!

Where did you buy the combo? I can’t seem to find it

I own the same one. The worst thing about it is the pin that locks the router to the housing and allows the router to move up and down is made out of cheap plastic. It was only a matter of time for it to fail. Why SKIL would design and place a plastic pin at a major stress point is beyond me. Now I have to figure out where to get another one so i can make fine adjustments to the router.

Ha! I ordered this combo from Lowe’s and it arrived today. Looking for how-to videos so I don’t have to pull out the manual yet lol

You was using a starting pin but you was feeding the wrong way 😂 beside the fast speed.
We all make mistakes that is why it will be safe to use push blocks at all times because an injury is no joke when the material surprises you by pulling your hands towards the cutter. 😮😢

The Dewalts are great, because they are very similar to the gold standard Porter Cable routers. The adjustment on the PC 680 is better than anything currently on the market other than the Dewalt which is a copy

When removing fence could you build a boom arm for dust collection?

👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍

Can you change the bits out once the router is connected to the table or you gotta remove the whole thing out?

Under $200 in the USA. $663 in the UK. no wonder there are so few tradesmen in the UK

Your "check thyself" shirt should say "before THOU wreck thyself," I think

We have the skil router except we have the one with the screen on top for speed settings and have been relly impressed with it.

Have one already, thinking of a second for permanent bits to make sliding dovetail joints instead of having to change fence locations. Would love a video on router use as I'm hoping to get real busy soon.

Great YT! Please do a how to use a router.

What is your opinion on the Kobalt combo router table set with above table adjustment. I was looking at that one too.

This video couldnt have came at a better time. Looking fir a table right now for building my first grandsons crib. I wanna put raised panels in the head and foot board. So I would absolutely like ro see a router table instructioal video. A video on raised panel doors to go with it would be great too. Lol for sure.

You're routing the wrong direction when using the edge guide.

When Sears died, I bought a 12A router kit from them...both plunge and fixed base. It is the spitting image of this Skil, although neither Sears or Skil will confirm or deny. I have about 100 hrs on the router and I must say I was/am pleasantly surprised. Good power, soft start, power indicator, variable speed...all features found on many of the "good" routers at a budget price. It accepts the universal template guides (formerly known as PC) and it just feels good in my hands.

Now, the router is my favorite tool, and the 2d "stationary" tool I would recommend for any sawdust manufacturer behind the table saw. I have owned several brands of routers, and used several other brands extensively. I am comfortable in saying very few folk would be disappointed with purchasing this Skil unit. I currently own two Bosch 1617VS, the afore- mentioned Craftsman (Skil...tell me it's not), a PC 690, a Makita cordless trim and a Makita corded trim. So I feel like I can say with surety that the Skil is a very good choice for an entry level unit, or as a second unit as you advance in skills and needs.

I do not own, nor have I ever used the Skil table. I build my own tables to my specific wants and needs, and while not as fancy as Matt's, they serve my purpose well.

I cannot stress enough Matt's suggestion about quality bits. Bits make the actual cut or profile, not the router. Please don't get caught up in the 15pc $25 sets you see on Amazon. All they will do is bring you heartache and grief...and the likely ruination of your project. At the very minimum, buy bits from Diablo or Rockler. Better yet, Amana or Whiteside. I know. The best bits are dang expensive. So was that piece of cherry that got burned beyond recognition by that cheap bit. Just sayin'

Since Skil was bought out by Chervon it has been steadily increasing in quality. I have an older version of this table and quickly upgraded. I see they have fixed many of the things that I didn't like about the version I have. I now use the Kobalt set sold at Lowe's for the same or slightly lower price point and probably also made by Chervon. It has better dust collection and an aluminum table top that could be inserted into a workbench pretty easily. I think the new Skil router has a few more features though. I would love to see a side by side of the latest version of each.

See you in Nashville 👊🏻

Great advice on the router. I usually buy Milwaukee. But this router looks great

Joining in as I have that same router. Great machine for DYI and even semi-pro I'd say, providing one keeps its usage within limits. Flattening a countertop with a big 2.5" bit for hours on end will kill it. This would kill most routers on the market though.

Router usage video would be great

Great video, too bad I'm boycotting Lowe's for eliminating their veteran discount on just about everything.

Can you compare this one to the Hercules router from Harbor freight? I've heard it is 98% the same router.

Would love a how to properly use a router, fixed and plunge, and router table video. That would be awesome!

Hey Matt, have you seen the Bosch RA1141 Benchtop Router Table? So much about it seems so right, and so wrong! If it were a different company than Bosch, I'd assume it's junk... But Bosch usually makes a quality product. I'd love to see a review!

Key words "for the price".

I’d love a how to router video

So…. I have 2 of these ganged together back to back with a Y pipe for dust collection. Both mounted on a single rigid stand that I can wheel around the shop. Works well for setups that require 2 bits like tongue and groove so ones it’s set up you just do both parts with no tear down needed.

Great video

😂that new tool smell!! And yes I would like to see a video on how to properly use a router

fun fact on amazon this product is 657 dollars, not even close to 200 ?

I don't need the motor, I've "inherited" my father in laws, but I don't think it's got a speed adjustment. (I think he bought it in the 1980s) it's in a little metal table and there's no fine adjustment to it, so it's impossible to dial in. I'd make a cabinet for the router if only I could afford a router lift. I've been looking at them all (LOVE the Kregg) but just would never see myself affording one.

It would be almost a waste for me to spend the kind of money to buy this set-up while the one I have still works (and it's likely to never fail, especially because I'm afraid of it and don't use it)

Yes, please create a how to video

yes to router video

Thinking of buying two. Keep a set of shaker cab bits in them. Thoughts anyone?

I also would like to see a how to use a router table...maybe you could do your own video on how to make a fence for that table and then show the how to use it part.

Can’t help but notice that router is identical to a Craftsman that I bought in 2011

I would like to see a video on how to use a router you could cover things like speed and different types of bits and how to use them I feel like you would do a very good job with a video like that

Matt I do not have grip in my right hand and 40lbs in my left, would a smaller handheld router be better than one on a router table? I only work on small jobs.
Thanks
Randy Wallis

I have this as well, a gift from my brother. Built some cabinet doors for bathroom renovation. Would be nice to have a seperate base so you wouldn't have to disassemble it to use it by hand.Otherwise i like it

I like the LED light! I tend to lean over the router. Most of the time with my light source behind me!!

I can use a router how to video!

Mr outlaw yes please make show to video fora router

B...b....but it's not Festerooolllllllll.....!!!!!

Great, honest video. I like the fact that the flaws are pointed out as well. Who doesn't love the smell of new tools.