I am going to start working on the bucks for my bodywork in the new year and I think I would like to router out some of the shapes in mdf.
So, does anyone know of a good and cheap router? Also any advise on what to look for in terms of features would be useful.
Cheers.
Steven.
I would say get the best bits you can. Mdf will kill the cheapies off pretty fast.
Was going to recommend a Netgear as a good and cheap Router but I see that is not the sort of Router you want
quote:
Originally posted by Hammerhead
I am going to start working on the bucks for my bodywork in the new year and I think I would like to router out some of the shapes in mdf.
So, does anyone know of a good and cheap router? Also any advise on what to look for in terms of features would be useful.
Cheers.
Steven.
just to confirm: the router I want has NOTHING TO DO WITH COMPUTERS 
IMO the Ferm stuff from screwfix is cheap and does the job. Had mine 2 years now and it still works. Only has 1/4" shank bits though which can be a little limiting.
I use cheap TCT bits and they last ages on 19mm MDF but if you buy a set you will probably only use the rounding over bit for the edges of your panel moulds unless you use a straight bit for actually cutting out. Mine is a £30 1/4" router and easily does any diy jobs I've tackled. Look for a small machine which is easier to handle as mine is a bit bulky for some things and also the plunge lock is a good feature so find one that works and is easy to operate.
some years ago I bought a £20 1/4 in router from B&Q - it still works well and can be strongly recommended as a first router.
However, I have bought a 2nd hand Makita 3612C 1/2 inch router for £100 - this is much better. The features I like are :
I find the bigger, heavier router easier to handle than a small one
Soft start
Fine adjustment on the parallel fence
The plunge action is very smooth.
Near infinite power.
[Edited on 19/12/06 by JonBowden]
I have a couple, 1/4" and 1/2" both are ELU's and I have had them for quite some years, (poss 20), excellent kit. BUT almost any router
will serve for DIY type use, its the cutters that make the difference, always buy TCT, high speed steel is just a total waste of money. Why do I have
two, well check my handle. 
Ray.
quote:
Originally posted by JonBowden
...
Near infinite power.
quote:
Wow
I bought a "Performance Power Pro" 1500 Watt router kit from B&Q a couple of years ago and used it loads since with no problems. Takes
1/4 and 1/2 bits, nice smooth plunge and decent plunge lock, vacuum attachment (very handy if routing indoors), soft start and a decent selection of
bits.
[Edited on 20/12/06 by MikeRJ]
Just been to B&Q for a few bits and noticed the same router I bought is being sold under their "MAC" brand, and with the current 20% off is only £39.99 which is a pretty good deal for the spec I reckon.
I recently bought one of these:
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=102022&ts=54858&id=95675
Well specced for the price.
Ian