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Removing Dents From Furniture -  June 2012

One of the easiest ways to remove a dent from your wood furniture involves using an iron and a damp piece of cloth. First, you need to put the iron at the highest setting. Then, place the damp cloth over the area on the wood that has the dent. Iron over the damp cloth several times, working it back and forth. If the cloth gets too dried out, you may need to dampen it again, and continue ironing until you see the steam rise.  By doing this, the steam will raise the grain in the dented area right up.  At this point, if the dent is still apparent, you can use your woodworking skills to even the area out even more.  As a rule of thumb, the sooner this is done, the better.  Also, this technique will typically only work on a compressed type dent and not one that cuts deep into the wood. Good luck!

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Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

The Bosch RA1181 Benchtop Router Table is one of the most popular tables on the market today. It’s design will accomodate a wide range of routers which makes this router table a versatile piece tool for any woodworking shop. Receiving a 4 (out of 5) star review, this Bosch Router Table is our #1 pick for high quality, versatility, and affordability on the market today. For detailed customer feedback on this router table, click here

Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table

The popular Bench Dog 40-001 ProTop Contractor Benchtop Router Table is one of the smaller tables on the market, but it is designed to provide as much quality workspace as other tables on the market. It’s unique size does make it very versatile and easy to move around on the jobsite. This router table has received an astonishing 4.5 (out of 5) star review. To see what customers are saying about their purchase of this amazing router table, click here

Wood Router Reviews Home

Look for the following features in a wood router when comparing models as a beginner.

• 1/2 inch Collet: This is important as it will work with both 1/2 and 1/4 inch router bits.
• 2 to 3 Horsepower: A  router in this range can do a great number of tasks, and is not too unwieldy for smaller projects.
• Variable Speed: You need a router that allows you to vary the speed for different sized router bits. Remember, the larger the bit, the lower the speed.
• Fixed/Plunge Base: As a beginner, you will probably only have 1 router. Choosing one with the versatility of fixed and plunge bases is the more economical way to be able to tackle a variety of projects.

Looking at these key features, you can use this Comparison Chart to help narrow your choices down. There are 2 models that we recommend for the beginner looking for a versatile router that is suitable for most hobbyist woodworking projects:

#1 Hitachi KM12VC

The Hitachi KM12VC is a very smooth, stable woodworking tool that fits the bill for the beginner router. As far as cost, the price is right on this model as well. Also, Hitachi is a brand known for its quality and durability, and with Hitachi’s 5 year warranty, you can’t go wrong with the KM12VC. To watch and read our full review including real customer feedback and expert advice, visit Hitachi Router KM12VC Review

#2 Bosch 1617EVSPK

The Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router is a very popular, great all-around woodworking tool. There’s a reason why this Bosch router is at the top of our Top 10 Best Selling Wood Routers list. This router has the perfect combination of power and speed. While it is a little more costly than the above Hitachi model, the beginning woodworker still can’t go wrong with the 1617EVSPK. To watch and read our full review including real customer feedback and expert advice, visit Bosch 1617EVSPK Review

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To see a side by side specification comparison of the plunge base routers mentioned here, visit our Best Router Comparison Chart.

DEWALT DW618PK Plunge Base Variable Speed Router Kit 

The Dewalt DW618PK is currently ranked in the top 5 for the routers category according to Amazon.  Dewalt has always been a household name as far as quality and durability.  This tool is no different. This plunge base router has been designed to provide a depth adjustment ring that is capable of ensuring precision up to 1/64^th of an inch. The plunge base can be adjusted up to 5 different positions due to the turrent stop mechanism. Also, the design of the base is designed in a way to ensure easy changing of router bits.  After reviewing customer feedback on this model, there have been a few complaints about the plunge feature of this wood router, but these complaints are minimal compared to other models.  Overall, we rank this plunge router #2 on the list of available wood routers with the plunge base feature.  To find the best price on this router visit Dewalt DW618PK.

Hitachi KM12VC Plunge Base Variable Speed Router Kit

The Hitachi KM12VC is our top pick for for a router with the plunge base option.  The Hitachi does overall rank very similiar to the Dewalt based on customer feedback and performance.  Our reasons for ranking the Hitachi KM12VC the top plunge base router over the above mentioned Dewalt model are simple .  First, Hitachi offers a 5yr warranty vs. a 3yr warranty on the Dewalt. Second, the price of the Hitachi is about 15-20% less than the Dewalt model. We don’t feel that the consumer is really getting any additional value out of that additional 15-20 markup, except name recognition. And finally, the Hitachi KM12VC is a perfect blend of performance and affordability. The name of Hitachi is enough to create a sense of trust and the product has been strongly recommended by over 90% of the people who have used it. To find the best price on this router visit Hitachi KM12VC.

Our Pick: Hitachi KM12VC Router

To find reviews of the best wood routers on the market, check out Best Wood Router Reviews
 

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Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed base wood router is the top seller for several reasons. Firstly, the router has popular self center and soft touch features.  Also, this router is the perfect combination of power and speed, capable to be used on a router table, and smooth quietness that comes with some of the less powerful models. People trust the Bosch name to deliver on quality, power, and performance when it comes to their power tools, and the Bosch 1617EVSPK wood router is the prime example of this. Overall this is a great option and its no wonder why this router is the #1 bestseller on retail giant Amazon.  To learn more about what real customers are saying about this Bosch router and our expert reviews, read the details at Bosch Router Review: The Bosch 1617EVSPK

The Top 10 Bestselling Wood Routers For March ’13

1.) Bosch 1617EVSPK 12 Amp 2-1/4-HP Plunge / Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit

2.) Bosch PR20EVSK Colt Palm Grip 5.6 Amp 1-HP Variable Speed Router w/ Edge Guide

3.) Dewalt DWP611PK 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Router Combo Kit w/ LED’s

4.) Porter-Cable 690LR 11-Amp Fixed-Base Router

5.) Bosch 1617EVS 2-1/4 HP Variable-Speed Router

6.) Porter-Cable 7310 5.6 Amp 3/4-Horsepower Laminate Trim Router

7.) Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable-Speed Router

8.) Porter-Cable 7518 Speedmatic 15 Amp 3-1/4 HP Fixed Base 5-Speed Router

9.) Dewalt DW618PK 12 AMP 2-1/4 HP Plunge / Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit

10.) Milwaukee 5616-20 2-1/4 Max-Horsepower EVS BodyGrip Router

The above list is the bestselling wood routers right now according to Amazon.  All of the routers listed above are available at discounted prices via the bolded links. Just click on them for more information, and specific reviews.

The selection of bestselling woodworking tools above covers a diverse range, from compact fixed routers, to full plunge / fixed router kits with carrying case. This is a great starting point if you are looking to compare the different options that are available on the market. It will also provide you with information on which routers are currently the most popular. For a full detailed review of our recommendations, please check out our wood router reviews

When searching online, as mentioned above, these wood routers are available at incredibly low prices via Amazon,  and you can check each one out via the bolded links.

 Please also check out our side by side Best Router Comparison Chart

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Features	Milwaukee Router	Hitachi Router	Porter Cable Router	Bosch Router	Porter Cable Router	Bosch Router	Milwaukee Router	Dewalt Router
Model	5616-24	KM12VC	690LR	1617EVSPK	7518	PR20EVSK	5625-20	DW618PK
HP	2.25	2.25	1.75	2.25	3.25	1.0	3.5	2.25
Base Type	Plunge/Fixed	Plunge/Fixed	Fixed	Plunge/Fixed	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed	Plunge/Fixed
1/2″ Collet Incl	x	x	x	x	x		x	x
1/4″ Collet Incl	x	x	x	x		x		x
RPM Range	10000 to 21000	8,000 to 24,000	27,500	8,000 to 25,000	10000 to 21,000	15,000 to 35,000	10,000 to 22,000	8,000-24,000
Variable Speed	x	x		x	x	x	x	x
Total Weight (lbs)	26.1	22.8	9.7	19.5	14.5	3.2	11.8	22.8
Collet Wrench	2	3	1	2	1	2	2
Amps	13	11	11	12	15	5.6	15	12
Carrying Case	x	x		x		x		x
Soft Start	x	x		x	x	x	x	x
Edge Guide						x
Warranty	5yr	5yr	3yr	1yr	5yr	1yr	5yr	3yr
Overall Rating (0-5 Stars)	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.0	4.5	4.0	4.5	4.0
Amazon Price	$226.99	$167.90	$127.99	$203.25	$313.99	$103.25	$309.95	$198.25

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Be sure to read our Wood Router Reviews to find expert advice and real customer feedback on each of these Milwaukee, Hitachi, Bosch, Porter Cable, and Dewalt models. Also, check out our Top 10 Best Selling Wood Routers List

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If you’re looking for some serious power and smooth operation during your woodcutting, then you’ll want to have the Milwaukee 5616-24 wood router. This Milwaukee Router boasts an incredibly powerful 2-1/4 motor that will truly do the job quick and easy. It also uses a precise macro/micro depth adjustment to get your cutting right. There’s even an adjustable pointer. With this Milwaukee Router, you get a premium plunge system with a four-point PM bushing design for fluid motion. Right after you take it out of the box, you’ll see that it has been built with the utmost sophistication because of its touch aluminum housing and base.

The Negative Reviews
While it may have gotten a whopping 4.6 out of 5 stars in Amazon, the Milwaukee 5616-24 still isn’t save from some criticisms from the reviewers, customers and clients. Don’t let this fool you about the product though, as the complaints mentioned here are mostly minor and do not mar the experience of using the Milwaukee 5616-24 as your router.
Many reviewers think that the case that comes with the router is a tad bit too big. This makes it a hassle to carry around or store in the corner or someplace where it won’t attract attention (or make someone trip).
Another reviewer said that removing the bits and replacing them is quite a chore and could take a long time. Apart from these complaints, the reviewers haven’t seen anything too big that would ruin overall use and they still found the Milwaukee 5616-24 to be a pretty solid product.

The Positive Reviews
Many reviewers widely viewed the Milwaukee 5616-24 to be one of the best, if not the best, big sized router in the current market. They loved the fact that it already includes a plunge base that works very smoothly during operation and a body grip fixed base for the user’s convenience. Others say that the power of the router is the real show stealer with a 2-1/4 horsepower motor that makes jobs and finishes them quick and easy. They also found that the motor is easy to change.
Customers of this Milwaukee router also found other conveniences such as a great dust control attachment to keep that pesky dust at bay. Most also loved the fact that the router has excellent balance – this only means that the manufacturers did their homework right and took the production process very seriously.
Finally, the thing that the reviewers unanimously loved about the Milwaukee 5616-24 is that it operates at a very quiet level – this is perfect for those who work all day and wouldn’t want to experience any hearing damage from the operation of such power tools.

Conclusion
The reviewers of Amazon have had their say on the Milwaukee 5616-24 – and its time that you’ve had yours too. We definitely recommend getting this wood router if you’re serious about your carving or would like to take it to the next step. Small inconsistencies like a big case or challenging bit exchange don’t overshadow the fact that this Milwaukee router is a smooth, powerful and quiet tool.

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The Hitachi KM12VC Plunge and Fixed Base Router Kit is specifically made for camphering, shaping, trimming, window cutting, groove cutting, and pattern cutting. This wonderful Hitachi Router is an asset for any workshop. The powerful motor of the router is well protected inside a nickel casing. The speed of the motor can be adjusted between 8000 and 24000 to provide perfection to different types of application. The most amazing feature of this wood router is the electronic speed control device that helps it maintain constant rpm. Quick changes of base can be accomplished with the specially designed clamp for motor release. The router is easy to handle because of its light weight and ergonomic design of the handle. This Hitachi Router can work with both 0.5 inch and 0.25 inch bits.

This awesome tool has been ranked amongst the top 50 routers by Amazon. The overall user rating is 4.5 stars, thanks to the fantastic response from the customers.

The Negative Reviews

Unfortunately, some of the users were disappointed by the performance of Hitachi KM12VC Router.

Some customers had mentioned that the plunge base of the router is very stiff, and they had to work on it for several hours before it started working properly. There have been complaints about the two collets that are supplied with the kit. Customers have alleged that their bits have come out suddenly and ruined their work piece on several occasions.

In some cases, the bit and collet have gotten stuck in the router permanently. It could not be removed in spite of all possible efforts. The collet and nut design is also defective. The nut tends to slip off with the slightest amount of torque. One person also mentions that the bearings are of poor quality, and the motor makes a loud noise. Another drawback of this Hitachi router is that the speed control is not labeled with the rpm of the motor. Some customers have serious doubts about the durability of the plastic parts.

The Positive Reviews

More than 90% of the users have strongly recommended this Hitachi Router for any type of precision work. Some of the most significant points mentioned by them are summarized below.

Most users have told us that the quality offered by this router is unthinkable for a product with such low price. The start up is very smooth, and it gains speed quickly. The overall unit is very stable and operates without any noise at all. It can plough through thick wooden planks and blocks without losing speed or straining the motor. The electronic speed control works perfectly and provides ease of operation.

The customers love their new Hitachi router because it gives them the options of both fixed and plunge base. The great power of the motor has also been appreciated my most users. Almost all users have thanked the manufacturer for providing a three year warranty for the product.

The Conclusion

The Hitachi Router KM12VC Plunge and Fixed Base Kit  is a perfect blend of performance and affordability. The name of Hitachi is enough to create a sense of trust. Moreover, the product has been strongly recommended by over 90% of the people who have used it. This can be the end of your search for a perfect router.

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The Porter Cable 690LR Router is an 11-Amp Fixed Base power tool that effectively cuts and shapes grooves with ease. This porter cable router boasts a 1-3/4 horsepower motor for an incredible 27,500 rotations per minute that will precisely cut your medium. It has two handles that are ergonomically designed for convenient use. These handles are also placed in strategic points of the tool to make routing easier than ever. If you want to work all day, this will keep your hands comfortable. It gained an excellent 4.5 out of 5 star rating in Amazon, which means that you can trust this Porter Cable Router to finish your woodworking jobs right.

The Negative Reviews

Despite all the praise, there are still a couple of things that prevent the Porter Cable 690LR wood router from being a perfect tool. First of all some complained that the unit won’t work well with rail or stile bits as it may be too small for them. They might’ve overlooked the fact that you’ll need a variable speed router for that job and should’ve gotten the 690VSLR instead. This, however, is another matter all together.

Most reviewers complain also about the inconvenient placement of the machine’s switch. They say that they could’ve just stuck with the previous designs and not bothered moving or changing the switch’s design or placement. It’s definitely a good thing to know then, that, despite its bad placement, it won’t hamper your work.

Other than the aforementioned, the reviewers, customers and users of the Porter Cable 690LR Router have not found anything of significance to fall under “complaints”.

The Positive Reviews

If you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the Porter Cable 690LR Router is a great tool for you. This has been agreed upon by over 80 reviewers in Amazon who tells us that the device is just great for routing work.

First of all, reviewers say that this Porter Cable Router is very versatile as it can be used with several bases. These include, plunge, d-handle and fixed base for the table. This is great if you wish to work on different types of woodcarving jobs.

Most of the reviewers also agree that changing the bits used by the Porter Cable 690LR is a breeze. All it takes is two wrenches and you’re done. They even contend that changing the motor is easy. Most liked about the Porter Cable 690LR Router is that it remains to be a standard of all routers in the market. Its quality as one is quite unparalleled. If you want to expand its use, you only need to look for other parts in the market as its compatibility with other brands is great.

Conclusion – Porter Cable Router 690LR

If you are looking for power and efficiency, the Porter Cable 690LR Router is the right tool for you. All its features including the 1-3/4 horsepower motor, 27,500 rpm capability and ergonomics all the cons mentioned above. This Porter Cable router is highly recommended if you’re either a professional or hobbyist in the field.

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