Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I bought this router to be a replacement for a Ryobi I bought when I was just starting out wood working. I had expected a lot from a Freud, but I was terribly let down. The spindal lock works, TO GOOD!! I can't get it to release unless I hit it genitally with a hammer. I have tried greasing it, but still no way but to tap it for about 30 secs - 1 min to get it to release. The fixed bases is almost impossible to get the motor in and out of. Because of this, trying to make hight adjustments a painstaking event. The plunge base isn't any better. The measurements are useless, unless you spend quite a bit of time measuring and re-measuring to make sure you have what you need and then set it. I should have stayed with a PC, I would have been better off!!

I bought this router thinking/expecting it would fit the insert on my Recently purchased Freud router Table (RTS5000). When it arrived I found that I still had to drill holes in the aluminum insert on my router table. I also discovered that the speed control was on the top of the router, which meant when I installed it, the speed control would be on the bottom. This is going to be difficult to adjust the speed control when I use it. I will either have to get on my hands and knees to adjust it or use a mirror -- in either case an inconvenience not expected with a top end product. I do like the fact that the height adjustment can be conducted from on top. I had no problems with moving the motor from one base to another. A plus was the carrying case that accompanied the router it accompanies a myriad of storage for router accessories and bits. Included was a vaccuum attachment for the router which is a real plus in a closed shop environment. Overall I would recommend this router, but not for table application.

When I unpacked the router, the fixed base was missing the piece that engages the lifting threads. I took it back to the store and got them to exchange the base for the floor model's. Other than that, the router has been very good. The soft start is nice, it has plenty of power and it works very well table mounted. The plunge base is not smooth at all, but I really only use the fixed base.

I used my friend's PC 690 mounted in a table and hated it. The adjustment screw on the Freud works MUCH better. His router may last longer, but I am very happy with my Freud.

I bought mine at home depot for $100 dollars, but if I had to pay full price (around 250) I think i would would go with a tried a true model by Porter Cable or Bosch. I really love my freud router- it has all the features that I would want in a top of the line model and I really like that you can change bits with one tool and without removing the base or taking the router from the table.
One problem though- I have to admit that the action on the plunge base is awful. When i took it out of the box it worked really smooth and not too springy. But now sometimes i go to plunge it down and it feels like its hitting a stop at two different points. And I mean a STOP. I have to press it down very very hard and it suddenly pops through whatever the obstruction is. Then if I plunge it a bunch of times it pretty much goes away. I have a feeling that one day it just plain won't go down, which will be a big problem. Hopefully they've fixed that by now.
So, other than that serious issue, the router itself is quiet, powerful, and easy to adjust. Fit and finish is excellent. Case is excellent. People who are trashing everything about this router must be working for competing tool companies. Check one out for yourself at the store and make up your own mind; it may be the perfect one for you (if you can get it at the price I got it).

I purchased this combo new thinking Freud was the way to go. TOTALLY WRONG!! The fixed base broke before it was even turned on. The Push button on the base that releases the adjusting screw on the motor from the base broke when the button was pushed in and released. So I am now waiting on a Triton to show up that I ordered, and this ones going back. Just out of curiosity I looked at one in Lowes and theirs was broke also. So what does that tell You! The plunge base is far from smooth and the dust covers on the slides do not cover the slides very well. The router motor was not run so I can not write on its performance. Thank goodness for returns. I suggest looking at one before purchasing or contacting freud to see if they fixed their poor design. Good Luck With this one.

Freud has been a manufacturer of woodworking tools for over 50 years...QUALITY.

The price is not necessarily the cheapest but you really get what you pay for. Good quality and excellent customer services when you have questions or need advice.

May not be the household word but they are at the top and this router out performs my other name brand router hands down. Value and QUALITY.

RJC

The plunge base screws rattle loose, requiring constant tightening. The plunge base has now become a 1/2 hour chore to remove from the motor, just to change bases. (gets stuck). Plunge base is not smooth whatsoever, very jerky, takes effort to start plunge, then it plunges too fast. Depth gauge is worthless. Fixed base has above table adjustments that worked for about a week, then started skipping and falling out of adjustment as I adjust the height. Try buying an edge guide for this router - hah, good luck. The motor is OK, nothing special, but is the only reason this got 2, not 1 star. Overall, disappointing purchase. I also bought a Freud bit - went dull after about 5 cuts into soft wood. Will never buy any piece of junk by Freud ever again.