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My 20+ year old Makita 3hp is too far gone to repair and I would like to replace it with one that can be adjusted from above the table. I am not using a lift. I have read the various reviews in Fine Woodworking and elsewhere, but I would really like some feedback from folks that have been using one of the new models for a while. I am looking at the 3hp Milwaukee, Triton, and possibly Freud. The big P-C is not in consideration as I do no not want to buy a lift. I don't care if I have to take the router out of the table to change a bit, I just want the accessible height adjustment.

Thanks in advance for any comments,
Brook

I love my Bosch 1617 which comes with a plunge and fixed base. It's 2-1/4 HP with variable speed. Has fine adjust height from the table.

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I also like my Bosch 1617.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I did some research on the Wood net forum and went with the Milwaukee mounted directly to my mdf top per Pat Warner http://www.patwarner.com/selecting_router.html. He seems to have done his research and has a stellar rep on the wood net forum. One thing about the above the table adjustment, it's only a coarse adjustment. You really need to use the below the table knob for fine adjustments. And you have to unlock the motor from the base before you can make any changes.

I've got a Bosch 1617 and hate it. While it is in the table, I have to adjust it from the bottom because it likes to bind while it is being adjusted from the top. Once set up, it's a good router. Another issue is that dust will get sucked in around the switch housing, getting in the switch itself and blocking the contact points in it. Another issue I have is that it is difficult to get the thing into and out of the plunge base. This is my second one. The first quit working in a month. So did my second one. I took the switch apart because it would not turn on, and it was full of dust from it being sucked in through the switch housing. My next one will probably be a PC.

I won't knock it without pointing out that it is a strong router, and I have used it to raise panels in oak (several passes of course) and do rails and stiles.

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Brad Tucker

I like the 1617 EVS, but as a plunge handheld router, and not in the table. I've been using it for a good 9 months now, and it still runs as smoothly as it did the day I got it. I've got a Triton (big one) in the table, which adjusts from below, but easily, auto locks for bit changes above the table, and has a ton and a half of power to spare (significanlty more than the bosch).

I have the Milwaukee 5625 and am very happy with it.