Other good routers than Porter Cable?

[myxpykalix]

I like the 4 I have but i can't seem to find a 7518 at a decent price (below $275.00) Does anyone use any other routers that are comparable and will fit in the carriage without having to modify it in any way? Thanks

[bill_l]

Jack,

Here is a post I put up last November:

I just finished the transition today. Purchased the Milwaukee from the Tool Crib at Amazon.com. Bought the complete router for less. The installation required removal of the adjustment screw and the addition of four 2 5/8" x 13" strips of standard .078 flashing around the router for mounting. The process took about 30 min and it was well worth it. Noise level is significantly lower.

As well, I replaced my PC bearings with 2 SKF double shielded bearings (6202 2ZJEM @ $11.46 and 6005 2ZJEM @ $25.92 from Applied Industrial Technologies - www.applied.com (http://www.applied.com)). Mike Richards outlined the procedure in another post (Porter Cable Heat), and when followed it can be completed in about 30 to 45 min.

This was a very easy transition.

Bill

[oscarg1971]

Jack, there is a Reconditioned one of ebay right now for $249 and brand new one for $269. Always good deals on these routers on ebay.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=Porter+Cable+7518&category 0= (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=Porter+Cable+7518&category 0=)

-Oscar

[trakwebster]

I had concerns about noise, so I bought a 2.5 hp Makita, which had reviews claiming it was (relatively) quiet.

It is.

And it seems to have adequate power for the cutting I'm doing in wood.

[myxpykalix]

Arthur does your 2.5 makita fit in the carrige without modification? What is the full model number?

[olecrafty]

Jack,

I have a rebuilt 7518 with new bearings and brushes that is for sale. Rebuilt by Porter Cable service center. $180 plus shipping. It's been on my shelf for a while. I just ran it and it checks out ok. Let me know if you are interested. I would rather sell it to a botter at a bargan than on ebay.

Kaiwa
olecrafty@charter.net (mailto:olecrafty@charter.net)

[kaaboom_99]

I have a Makita® RF1101 that fits in the mounts of my PRT. I have since made a series of wood "collets" that fit in a clamp mounted to my Z axis. These collets vary for I also mount a RotoZip® with an external speed control that slows my rpm down to ~300 rpm with fairly decent torque. Sometimes you just have to cut more than wood!

[myxpykalix]

Perry is that rotozip what you mount your 1/32 bits in? Can you use a rotozip on a shopbot?

[trakwebster]

Jack Jarvis asked: "Arthur does your 2.5 makita fit in the carrige without modification? What is the full model number?"

Jack, I think it's the RF1101, and no, it required a collet-like sleeve in order to fit. Right this minute, I'm darned if I recall where I got the collet sleeve. Maybe it was from ShopBot.

[kaaboom_99]

Actually Jack, No.
I mount my small bits in a custom made adapter that is designed to be setup in a 1/2" collet. a machine shop was very happy to help me out.
The adapter is a piece of 1/2"dia x 2.5" "drill rod" bored out in the center to fit a bit with a specific shank diameter. I have a number of these with different I.D. eg 1/8", 3/32", and 3/16". I use 2 flute carbide endmills and ballmills designed for metal.
These bits are held in place by (2) setscrews located a 1/4" from the bit end. the setscrews are located 180° from each other (for balance).
I hope this clears up a few things for you.

[myxpykalix]

thats very informative, perry. I have a machine shop that wants me to do some small stuff for them and i might trade to have them make me something like this. What did something like this cost?

[kaaboom_99]

Being an electrician also, the price was to hook up a piece of machinery (Bridgeport mill)