I've got my eyeballs on this router (will be my first) too at 50% off. Any other opinions on if this is adequate or if there are comparable first routers to consider? Thanks!

Ric, I don't see a link. If I were buying my first router, I'd just get the cheapest one I could find, even used on Craigslist, then get acquainted with it and determine what your needs are. Then sell it on Craigslist and go out and buy the one that's right for you.

I would steer clear of any router that only has a ¼" collet. ½" shank router bits are safer than ¼" router bits.

Sorry for the confusion -- the one that I was eyeballing was the Craftsman at 50% off that Benchloader linked to above. For $60, it's tough to pass over!

I just read the reviews on Sears.com and it seems like there are issues with the depth staying put once you turn the router on.

As said below, the router can be one of the most versatile tools in the shop.. I would go for the fixed and plunge bast on,, I know! It costs more; but it's worth it!!
Practice makes perfect!!

I have both a router and a laminate trimmer (which is basically a miniature router). For most DIY repairs, I actually like using the laminate trimmer better. The reason why is that it's small and light enough to be held in one hand while you hold the workpiece in the other. For example, if you want to mortise a hinge plate into the edge of a door, you can nail your guide to the door edge and hold the door with one hand while you router out the clearance for the hinge plate with the laminate trimmer held in the other hand. Try doing that with a 5 pound router. Also, the base on a laminate trimmer is smaller so it's more stable on thinner edges. If you try using a full blown router on the edge of a door it's kinda like a hippo doing a high wire act. It's a piece of cake with a laminate trimmer.

A laminate trimmer wouldn't have the power to do any serious routering work on hardwoods, like oak or maple, but as a tool for DIY repairs, it's handier than a full blown router. It's got enough power to cut through fir easily, and the guide collars Porter Cable makes to fit their routers will also fit the bases of their laminate trimmers, so it's clear that Porter Cable figured people would want to use their laminate trimmers as miniature routers, too. Or, at least, Porter Cable doesn't see any good reason not to use a laminate trimmer as a miniature router.

Hearing and eye protection are very important with a router.

I have a Porter Cable router; I'm guessing it is around 1-1/2 HP. I use it a lot when I'm doing cabinetwork, and I use it mostly in my homemade router table.

My observations: Most routers are too powerful which equals too heavy. The next one I would like to get is a light weight trimmer router, and I'd bet it would do most of my work. A heavy router works ok in a router table but trying to use it free-hand on the edge of a board is tough, and somewhat dangerous. To the work piece more than to the person.

The first router I owned was an old Stanley and the depth adjustment was very hard to use. That is, I could tighten it but it would vibrate loose right away. I ended up having to tighten it with pliers to get it to work at all, and I eventually replaced it because of that shortcoming. The switch is the next thing to consider. The toggle switch on my PC is hazardous! You have to look at it to see what you are doing. But it works ok when in the router table because I switch it remotely.

I have never used a plunge router and I don't see the need for that feature. Some cuts might be easier with one, but I can do ok without it, and it would be a dangerous feature to me.

Sears tools are made by a variety of manufacturers I'm guessing, so the features probably vary. Check out the depth adjustment and switch on the one you like before buying.

Bob-
You're on the right track. I also own a PC router, the famous model 690. It's a good router, well made and all, but, more than I need most of the time.

So, for Christmas last year, my wife 'gave' me a Ridgid laminate trimmer. It's sized like the Bosch Colt and I picked it over the other models available. I really like it and love the soft start feature, way cool!

I used it on my bathroom cabinet door/drawer project as my wife wanted slab doors with slightly rounded over edges. The Ridgid was perfect and fun to use. I highly recommend this size router and the Ridgid was a good choice for me, no regrets at all.

Bob.

Interesting update...Model 17533 which is the 2nd router i mention above... is also on the "clearance" table...no box...for $57!!! That is the fixed and plunge base combo....but only 1/4" collet...and it would appear no user manual...

The 17543 is the one i saw in box that was for $100...includes 1/4 & 1/2" collets...and storage case....i looked at this was for several minutes...and i have never seen those guys at Sears so "forward"...4 of them approached me in a 5 minute span...normally, i can walk around for over 1/2 hour and nobody will even acknowledge me...