I have a 2 hp Ryobi plunge router. I also have a table for it too – it is a good tool.
I totally agree with da5id on the ryobi mentioned above and pictured here:
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/power_tools/router_rotary/RE180PL
I like the control you get with a full sized router… This one has lots of power, a non-wobbly plunge movement, and MOST important to me, a switch located right beside your thumb so you don’t have to take one hand off the router to start and shut off the tool, which could make for a very dangerous experience!! I don’t know why so many I looked at had the switch near the top which required removal of one hand ???
I used to have a Sears Craftsman, that had a variable speed thumb wheel and a finger trigger on the same right/side handle, but I burned it out…
The Ryobi was the closest I could find with a switch in a safe enough position for my liking, plus it features variable speed, 1/2" and 1/4" collet sizes… This is a 10amp router 2hp peak so it should last also… You can lock it out in 2 places as well which I liked better than just having a flip-lever lock-out…
The switch can’t be seen on the photo I’ve supplied…
Sorry for sounding anal, but, I’m seriously into tool safety…
Howzit kiterider, Have you ever used a router with a trigger switch, love them. Aloha,Kokua
Hey kokua…
Yeah ,the Craftsman used to have a trigger switch, as well as a vari. speed thumb wheel right beside it… That was a great router, but as you know routing fiberglass, carbon, kevlar, just chews them up, although it did last over 10 years…
The Ryobi was the closest I could find in such short notice, most modern routers have the switch in a goofy, hard to reach location…
I forgot to mention : The “soft start” feature on the Ryobi is a really nice touch…")
What current model comes with a trigger, I couldn’t find one??
KIterider my big dewalt has the trigger not sure of the model I will look. Its the one lokbox recomends.
Howzit kiterider, That is a good question and I think I saw a skill that had a trigger switch but Skills quality is a so so thing and I like Porter Cable routers, but to each his own when it comes to tools.Aloha,Kokua
this is my big ryobi i use mainly ERT2100V this is the one lokbox recommends in europe
has a trigger switch on the right arm also nice and heavy 6.5kg and has a livetool indicator which is handy
also have a ryobi trimmer i use for side fins and a tr 50 ryobi aswell