do you really need a router?

[Diane in Chicago]

and if so, how do we feel about this one, the Bosch Colt Palm Router:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16819&filter=colt%20router

[Dan Watts]

Big time and arm saver!! I got one of these a few months back to shape the necks, works really well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html

[Randy S. Bretz]

Diane, thats like the one I use. Plus my dremel router base set-up. But when I did the pocket on the peghead for the bowed dulci I put a square shouldered router bit in my flex shaft and routered it out free-hand. It worked out great, just have to take away the wood in shallow passes. But yeah I use the "palm router" alot, actually it`s easier to use then a big base router. But the only other type I would like to have would be a plunge type.

[Diane in Chicago]

Wow! $25 vs $120!

Do you get what you pay for? Are you happy with yours?



Dan Watts said:

Big time and arm saver!! I got one of these a few months back to shape the necks, works really well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html

[Dan Watts]

very happy, and you have lots of $$ left over to buy the bits. you even get an extra set of brushes for the motor. They have lots of those also.
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=r...

[Dan Watts]

and you have to notice the company name....lol
Chicago Electric Power Tools!!!

[Gene]

beats using a file

[rodney fruits]

No!......... but it sure does help, so YES. if you dont have one, get one.

[jim]

NO!

[jim]

I never found a bit that fit my hand

[The Phrygian Kid]

I sure need mine...
but u ...
well if u dont have one yet..
how many instruments have u built without ??? :D

[Brian Parks]

Dan, I had that router in my hands today and wasn't sure it was applicable for cbg work.. could you post a vid or pics of how you use it? and what bits you use?

[ed wentling]

built 25 guitars so far and don't use a router. I find using a wood rasp files and sand paper very relaxing and I have total control versus a router ripping wood faster than my old tired eyes can follow !! lol for me speed is second to the feel of ripping down wood by hand and running my fingers across it to feel the imperfections and working them out. It's a Zen thing !! One with the wood grasshopper !!