Freud FT1702VCEK 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router with 2 Base Combo Kit - 1 Fixed base and 1 Plunge Base

by Freud

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Freud's Ultimate 2-1/4-horsepower variable speed router now comes in a 2 base combo kit. This is the same FT1700VCEK variable speed fixed based router only this kit includes the plunge base. This router features above table micro-adjustability accurate to 1/128-inch increments for quick, easy, and precise adjustments. Extended spindle shaft with through base locking feature for fast, easy, bit changes above the table (fixed base only).powerful 13 amp motor for extreme strength and durability. Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load. 10,000 to 23,000 rpm with soft start for reduced start up torque. Sealed electronic regulator and power switch for superior protection from dust and debris. Ergonomic design for better balance and control when cutting. combo kit includes 2 bases, one fixed and one plunge, 1/4- and 1/2-inch collets, above table height adjustment knob, Instructional video-CD for routing tips and techniques, and carrying case.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 22.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000REMAJI
• Item model number: FT1702VCEK
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,488 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #98 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Routers
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good table router, February 3, 2009

By 

Craig MW (Irvine, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Freud FT1702VCEK 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router with 2 Base Combo Kit - 1 Fixed base and 1 Plunge Base (Tools & Home Improvement)

I think the reviews on this router are a bit harsh. My major beef with it is that the on/off switch is a little funky and hard to operate with gloves on. I much prefer my PC 893 switch. A minor beef is that both bases use black acrylic plates instead of the clear acrylic used on the current PC 893s, making it a bit more difficult to see what you are cutting. But, there are lots going for this router. It is pretty quiet for a 2 1/4 HP router, even running at 23k rpm, and the soft start eliminates any kick back during startup (like the PC). I didn't find the switch over between the fixed and plunge bases to be all that difficult, you just have to push in the spindle lock and no problems. The plunge works fine. I used one to trim a bunch of OSB sheathing on a construction project with a straight cut bit and plunge base and this router just blew through the job without any trouble. I probably trimmed through about 50' of OSB and the router didn't dog once, thanks to its electronic speed control. The fixed base is very nice for placement in a table. In this configuration, the router really shines because bit changes and height adjustments are just so easy. To change a bit, you raise the collet with an included above table adjustment knob. When you raise the collect above the table, it automatically engages a spindle-lock, meaning that bit changes are accomplished very easily. The kit includes the fixed and plunge bases, a dust collection adapter, the above table adjustment knob, 1/2 and 1/4 collets, 22 mm collet wrench, a nice (single) storage case and outstanding operators manual (much better than what came with the PC 893 kit). It also includes a mini CD to run on your computer that demonstrates various routing techniques, both by hand and table mounted. Overall, a very nice setup. Plus, certain unnamed big box stores are currently selling this for way below its normal street price. I picked one up to have a spare router for my table and am very pleased with this very nice package.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm satisfied and think the router is worth the money for several reasons., March 9, 2009

By 

Sharon S. Narayan "treebones" (Austin tx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Freud FT1702VCEK 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router with 2 Base Combo Kit - 1 Fixed base and 1 Plunge Base (Tools & Home Improvement)

I just picked up my new Freud from Woodcraft. I read all the reviews I could get my hands on but this was after prepaying for it. I was concerned. Am I going to open the box and end up unsatisfied? NO! I could tell immediately that it was well made and fussed with all the mechanisms and adjustments, and they all did what they were supposed to do and in a sturdy fashion. I was impressed by the adjustable depth knob and the over table adjustments that can be very expensive if bought seperately. I thought that the springs inside the plunge router were of a tension that allowed it to drop without to much resistance(makita and Ryobi) but still lift when evenly instead of popping back up. I figured the only thing left to do was try it out so I went out to the shop and grabbed some ear protection. I put it to the lowest speed 12,000 rpm and started it up. A big grin immediately crept onto my face. So quiet! I took of my ear savers and I can honestly say, it is the quietest router I have ever heard. I own a Bosch palm router and I love it but it's louder than this thing. The motor on the Freud is solid and smooth. I would buy it again and again. If I had one complaint it would be that they do not include a plate adapter for bushings. Amazon's got it though, as usual. Only 15.00 bucks.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Spindle Lock I have ever Seen!, January 13, 2010

By 

pintodeluxe - See all my reviews

This review is from: Freud FT1702VCEK 2-1/4-Horsepower Variable Speed Router with 2 Base Combo Kit - 1 Fixed base and 1 Plunge Base (Tools & Home Improvement)

Great table router with true above-the-table adjustability. You can lock / unlock the spindle, lock / unlock the height stop, and raise/lower the the bit height all from above the table. So easy. So nice to use. Best router I have ever had (this is my 3rd ranging from 1hp on up to 3-1/4 hp)
Power is great, with nice soft start feature. Variable speed. The switch takes some getting used to. You have to press it in then slide switch to turn off. I use it in a router table with an auxillary switch to turn on my shop vac at the same time -so I don't actually use the switch. I used a Bench Dog aluminum mounting plate.
Height adjustment is accurate with above table adjustment. This router is so much easier to use than my Hitachi M12V. The spindle actually extends far enough through the table to easily change bits with a single wrench. Better yet, the spindle lock stays locked allowing you to change the bits easily without fumbling to keep a lever depressed with your thumb. The height adjustment knob is quick - unlike the FT3000 , which features a tedious fine adjustment.
Love it. You will too.