-
drill vertically straight holes
Not very deep ones, and you'd ideally need an upcut/spiral bit and they are not cheap. You can plunge straight down with a normal straight router bit but it doesn't have a nose/web so for pecking straight in it's a bit of a bodge. You can splunge straight in if you're doing slots or pockets as you then move around to clean up the spot you just plunged into. Or as I find, you kind of have to plunge down and start moving at the same time or because of the dull centre, it won't go any further.
I'm still a fan of my trim router, that came with a plunge base as well as the normal trim base. Although I have yet to actually use the plunge base. I also bought a second trim base to use as the mount on the underside of a homemade router table.
I would think (and this is for the stuff I have done, YMMV), that a full sized router would have been too big and cumbersome. I have yet to find the trim router lacking. Of course, if I had more space, then a full sized one might have allowed me to do more stuff. Like you suggested, a flattening jig would be hopeless with a trim router.
-
I had an Erbauer briefly before taking it back. I got it to reshape some Ipe decking planks but I didn’t bother to find out how to use it properly. I was gouging off 1cm of 2cm thick hardwood at a time. The vibration was something to behold. At some point the router bit fell out, fortunately not while it was running. The experience scared me so much I returned it. In hindsight, in proper use, it’s probably a great router. I have since learned how to use a router properly and have a Bosch palm router.
You are reading a single comment by @hugo7 and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
stevo_com
deleted
Sharkstar
@hugo7
I've been asked about an Xmas present and was wondering about a router as I still haven't sorted out my outhouse/workshop so a track saw seems like a waste - as well as possibly being a bit expensive.
Any thoughts on this erbauer?
https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-er2100-2100w-electric-router-220-240v/535fx
Anything else I should suggest looking at?
My main use would be cutting slots in things, and maybe level a couple of things using a jig. A plunge one also appeals as I assume you can use it to drill vertically straight holes.
Cheers