Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router

by Fein

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

While there are plenty of solid and reliable plunge routers on the market, there are few that work as smoothly and quietly as this model from Fein. Featuring a soft-start motor that eliminates start-up torque and twisting, six speeds, and electronic feedback control, it's capable of producing great results in a wide variety of materials. The trigger is well placed in the grip, so turning the router on and off can be accomplished without trying to hold it with one hand, and the grips are nicely contoured to the hand and a little larger than those of most other routers. While it can be mounted to a table, this router is designed with plunge routing in mind, and the control it offers for freehand work is really unbeatable. Everything about this router is well thought out, from the easy-to-reach placement of the plunge lever and trigger to the precision of the height adjustment. For many people, the reduced noise level and added degree of control may not be worth the bigger price tag, but for more-discriminating tool buyers the Fein is worth the expense. --Brian Trinen

From the Manufacturer

The RT-1800 router, weighing only 12 pounds, features a powerful 3-1/4 horsepower motor. This phenomenal power to weight ratio gives the Fein router the ability to handle all your routing tasks. Thanks to sophisticated electronic feedback, soft start and six speed selections, a smooth vibration free cut is the result regardless of the material or the type of cut you are making. The router comes standard with a 1/2-inch collet, with a 1/4-inch collet optional. A maximum depth of cut of 3-inches is possible with the plunge mechanism. The micro adjustment is very accurate and precise. All controls and adjustment knobs are easy to read and use.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 11.5 x 12.5 inches ; 12 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004U5WX
• Item model number: RT-1800
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #327,522 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply put, this is the very best., October 18, 2001

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

First let me say that, no other tool in your arsenal will create such enormous beauty as a router.
I usually don't write a review unless I am passionate about something, and this router falls into this category
The thing I love about this router is the way it is made. It just feels right. It is so light and well balanced, powerful and quiet. If I can exaggerate, and only a little, this thing is about as quiet as an electric can opener. The soft start feature is shared among many of the better routers. It is wonderful not having to brace yourself for the kick at start up. Additionally the electronics compensate for resistance by keeping the rotational speed constant. Another advantage to having more than enough horsepower. This unit is light enough 12 lbs to be used as a hand held, yet sturdy enough to be classified as an industrial production router. The plunge mechanism is smooth without snagging on the way down.
Although someone else commented on the locking mechanism, I must say, it is properly designed. Think of riding a bicycle with brakes on the handlebars. When you want to stop, you grab the lever, pulling it toward you by closing your hand. That is the way the Fein works. Any other way you would be using your finger nails to lock the router, thereby having to slightly loosen your grip. Counter intuitive but I guess the other reviewer had grown accustomed to working a lever on a machine, which worked that way. He may have the Porter Cable or Bosch plunge routers, which has a spring built into it thereby locking it automatically when you release the lever. The feeling I get from that is, "I wonder if it is locked to the proper tightness?" I prefer to tighten it myself. The Fein is intuitive and easy to use.

It is important to match the bit speed recommended by the manufacturer. You will get a feel for this. This Fein router has six speeds, which is actually an infinitely variable knob, with six number positions on it, so you can perfectly match the speed to the task.
You also need plunge capabilities for making quick clean mortise and tenon joints. Some routers only plunge to 2 or 2 1/2", this one plunges to 3". This router comes standard with a 1/2" collet, with a 1/4" collet optional. Having a base which will accept 3 1/2" bits is nice, and this router accepts them. I noticed in a follow up edition of Fine Woodworking magazine, that they had a clip about the Fein RT-1800. They were amazed at the specifications they found for the run out. It was off the chart next to the other routers in their previous months router review.
One other thing that I noticed is that this Fein will accept 3 1/2" bits, which are not all that common, but you can not plunge a bit that size into the base. The bottom of the base will accomodate a bit that size, but the casting does not allow you to plunge it. The Bosch 1619EVS 3+ HP plunge does allow you to plunge a 3 1/2" bit into the base. You could argue that the opening is so large on the Bosch, so as to restrict you on stability, in the event you plan on using it for any kind of hand held work. So there you have it, build a small opening on the base, and gain a lot of control over the workpiece, or create a monster opening, capable of large bits, and your workpiece can fall into it. Get the Bosch, (even though it is louder than the Fein) Get the Fein, and get the Makita D-Handle. Each is a blessing for its own purpose. Oh and get a Porter Cable Laminate trim router as well, for those small light jobs. I'm not trying to spend your money, just that each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Too many to write here. The Makita D Handle is on its way, and I will be writing about some of the specifics on that one as compared to the others herein mentioned. Tune in over there soon.
Am I allowed to say that the German engineering on the Fein Rt 1800 is of the best. Simple, and effective. Engineered to simplicity. That is the way this router is made. Strong, simple, effective. If woodworking is your love, then this tool is worthy of your attention. Out of all of my tools, there is none other, that I am as fond of, as this Fein Router. Stay tuned the Makita D handle challenge is coming. Happy woodworking.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Router!, January 23, 2001

By 

john nanavati (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I spent quite a lot of time researching routers, bought this one (after hemming about the price), and love it! The other routers that I looked at, Porter-Cable and DeWalt, were uncomfortable to control, heavy, or lacked the flexibility that I wanted. I was a little concerned at first of the Fein's size and weight. Once I started using the router, however, I was surprised about how easy to maneuver it is. I use the router on and off the table and find it to have plenty of power and be very quiet.

If you are the kind of person who likes to read the manual cover to cover, don't expect much. This is a "no frills" router - It comes in a cardboard box, and essentially tells you how to turn it on and a couple other tid-bits. I figured out how to lock the power on after monkeying with it for a couple minutes (there's a "toggle" on the switch).

The only gripe that I have is that the mechanism to free-up the plunge feature feels backwards - you have to push it away to release it and it's not on a spring.

You know how it feels to pick up an item and it's clear that the manufacturer spent time thinking about their product? This router is exactly like that. It's well built, and very comfortable to use. I would buy this router again in a second.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice router, but worth the money?, February 1, 2004

By 

John W. Wendt (Lubbock, TX and Gulu, Uganda) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've owned several routers over the years. The Fein has a lot going for it--a great on-off switch, clearly the quietest of the 3+ hp routers, and relatively lightweight.

The only problem I have had with this router is that the screws that hold the plate used to hold the bit down during tightening keep coming loose. They usually drop out during routing--NOT good. Once one drops out, if you don't notice and try to tighten the collet, it can break the plate, and you are up for a new one (it happened to me). I finally stuck a couple of lock washers on it so I won't have this problem again. I hope Fein takes notice. Having a screw drop next to your bit during operation is not cool!

With that caveat--is it worth the extra money? Well, I'm not so sure anymore. Anyway, the price fluctuates, and if you see it below $300, I'd bite. I'm leaning slightly towards my big Dewalt after years of use, because of durability issues. The plunge mechanism on the Dewalt is as smooth as the day I bought it, while Fein's is getting sticky. And that collet holder has now broken twice on the Fein; it seems to be made of cast aluminum, but two breakages of the same part--not a good sign. Still, I love the Fein. I mean, you just cannot believe how little vibration you feel on this thing; it's just in a class of its own. Feels like driving a Ferrari. Not that I have ever driven a Ferrari...but, I did get to drive a Fein!