Customer Reviews

Freud FT2000EP 3-1/4-Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Plunge Router with Deluxe Edge Guide

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I've had this router for about a year now. I bought it to replace a PC690 in a table. It's vastly superior, not only because it can swing big raised panel bits, but because of the depth adjustment. With the Porter-Cable design, you need to twist the motor around the base when it's table mounted. A colossal pain. Also, when you spin the motor, the power cord tends to tangle around your arm. It's just really awkward. On the Freud, you just turn the big adjustment knob, which is easy to find and use under my table. Simple! Some other large routers have this same setup, but you need to pay extra for the knob, sometimes $20 or $30.

This router has everything you could want: electronic soft start, variable speed, depth control knob, and a powerful motor. As the big payoff though, compare it to the Bosch, Porter-Cable and DeWalt 3 hp+ routers. There's absolutely no price comparison!

As one of the above reviews mentions, the springs are a bit stiff for plunge cutting, but who uses a monster router for hand work? I was concerned when I read the review above complaining about side play. I've got only 0.001" over the whole travel. Maybe he just got a bad one? Mine is tight.

Something else that should be mentioned is the collar. It's at least a 1/2" longer than anyone else's on the market. I don't know if this makes a difference or not, but it's worth mentioning.

Also, like most of the other big routers on the market, it's got a large base opening. This allows you to run large chamfer bits, raised panel bits, etc... that can't fit through the opening on small routers like a PC693, etc...

This tool is everything I could want, plus reasonably priced. I've got to give it 5 stars.

I just recieved my Freud 3.25hp plunge and I'm impressed so far.

The Good- -This router is the Least expensive of all the heavy duty routers. -It has several standard features (height adjustment knob, 1/4" reducer collet, dust collection, edge guide, etc.) that will cost extra on the other brands like DeWalt, Porter Cable, etc. -It's relatively quite. -It has power to do any job, and then some to spare. -The on/off switch is large and easily within reach. -There are 3 adjustable depth stops which allows you multiple depth stops at the turn of the stop. -Variable Speed & Soft Start

The Bad- -The mounting screws (for router table plates like Rousseau) are a little short for me, and they're a metric thread. I thought the threads were 1/4" x #20, but I was soon proven wrong. This isn't the end of the world, it just means I have to run down to the hardware store for some longer screws. -This router is pretty heavy. I guess I can't complain much here, as mine will be mostly be table mounted. I think the Freud is lighter than most of the other brands in this power range. -The plunge action is a bit stiff. I can't complain much as this is a big router, meant for big jobs. You probably won't be doing any 1/16" freehand rounding over work with a big router like this. -The plunge lock lever works opposite what I'm used to on my old router - to lock the plunge, you lift the lever and to unlock, you lower the lever. Again this is not a major concern, just something I have to get used to. -The chuck wrench that comes with the router looks a bit flimsy, and I'll probably step it up to a heavy duty one.

The Ugly- -It's a lean, mean, routing machine. Solid black with a touch of gray. No pretty paint job like DeWalt or Porter Cable. But let's face it, who cares what color the thing is? It does the job and you'll save a pile of cash.

My 2 cents - Buy the Freud, take the cash you save and buy some bits, template guides, or a router table insert.

Happy Routing

This is one of the nicest routers I have ever used. There is plenty of power and the soft start is a dream to work with. I own 5 routers including some of the overpriced stuff and I have found the freud to be the best of the bunch. I am considering another Freud to replace a PC that isn't worth the space it takes up and costs almost twice as much. The only thing I don't care for is the spindle lock. It can be somewhat cumbersome.

I've never panned a tool before but after receiving and using this router I have no choice but to put it down. First off I own 26 routers in a commercial woodworking business so I know a lot about routers. I believe I own one of every router available for sale in the United States except for the Bosch plunge models since I don't like the way their plunge lock works. Bosch's 1617 is a great fixed base router by the way. Here is what I find objectionable about the Freud 2000E.

1) The tool has a [bad] base plate. It's not flat and it's way too thin.
2) Removing the springs for router table use is a hassle. It can be done but it's a lot more of an effort than taking them out of most other plunge routers. Also the screw that controls the router height can't be captured and locked between two nuts as it's enclosed. When spinning a panel raising bit this is a desirable feature as both posts are locked by using this technique. The post that has the plunge lock and the post with the height adjustment screw. The ability to do this is available on both the Hitachi M12V (a great bargain) and the DW625 (smoothest router on the planet)
3) The router is not smooth with large bits. I believe due to excessive run out of the arbor. If you can't turn large bits without excessive vibration why buy a router of this size?

...I couldn't send it back to Amazon.com since I had removed the shaft lock and ground off the tabs on the bottom of the router that had previously held the shaft lock. Shaft locks incidentally [stink] on plunge routers because with only one wrench when a progressive collet (like the one on the Freud) breaks loose you'll end up banging a plunge post with the wrench and nicking it. Once this happens no more smooth plunges for you. Using two opposing wrenches this never happens.

Here's the real deal.

For the buck the M12V simply can't be beat if you need variable speed so that you can turn panel raising bits. If you don't the Hitachi TR-12 is the best plunge router deal on planet earth [and is available] here at Amazon.com. I own four of them and beat them to death every day and they never complain. The DeWalt (Elu) 625 is the best plunge router period with absolutely the smoothest plunging mechanism (critical for mortising) but has an issue with not projecting the router bit high enough in a router table. I don't like the Bosch plungers since I feel that the router should free float until locked not the reverse which is how Bosch does it. Makita's plunger is way too loud (their new fixed base is quiet so I don't know why their plungers are so loud). This is the opinion of a man who uses routers every single day and I offer it without any ax to grind.

I've owned and used my FT-2000E for over 3 years. I love this unit. The soft start is great for large diameter bits and eases torque twist at start-up for hand held applications. I use mine 80% as a mounted unit and like the fine adjustment. It has a huge bottom bearing which limits side loading damage during heavy cutting. I've done many,many raised panel doors, a few entry doors, and endless edge planing with mine. I seldom use my old shaper anymore because of the high cutter head prices. My only complaints would be the stiffer plunge action than some routers I looked at and the plunge lock is kind of awkward. As far as plunge accuracy, my shaft runout through full plunge range is very, very low. In my opinion, this thing can't be beat for the power/$$ value.

After shopping for several weeks, I found this to be the best value for following reasons:

1) Most powerful- 3 -1/4 HP (15 amps!) motor
2) Soft start / electronic control
3) Height adjustment
4) Vacuum accessory
5) Sturdy 1/2" collet (instead of les robust 1/4" collet)
6) Spindle lock arrangement
7) Great for table mount

A comparable Porter Cable / Bosch machine with above specifications would cost about 50% more than what I paid, I believe.

On the negative side:

1) The finish does not compare with PC or Bosch.
2) The manual is extremely basic and is almost useless
3) There is no case
4) Pay attention to collet design during assembly this is NOT FLAW)
5) 6mm * 12mm metric screws are too short for table mounting (you need at least 6mm x 25mm long screws for table mount). Home Depot has it!
6) Not very convenient to switch between hand use and table mount (like the 2 HP Bosch 1617 combo set)

Even though I read several warnings about the collet, I still could not figure out how to slip the bit into the collet. After 30 minutes of frustration (the collet internal diameter measured less than .48" and will not receive a 1/2" diameter shank), I finally understood how to do it. Please see below:

1) Remove collet and nut from router

2) Push collet into collet nut with your finger till it snaps in completely. Now the collet springs open fully and is a tad over 1/2" diameter. The bit (shank) will slip in without a problem. In other words, make this assembly outside the router.

3)Push this collet / bit/ nut assembly into the router; tighten the nut with collet wrench (spindle lock mechanism will hold the spidle; you need only 1 wrench). I could do this very easily even with the router mounted inside the table. You only need to learn how to do this once.

If you are a practical type of a person (looks and frills do not matter) person, you will love this machine because it is a great value. Even though this is my first router (and I am a novice wood-worker), I am having fun with it. I know I do not have to upgrade to a bigger or more powerful machine (like with my other tool purchases). Though it weighs 12 plus pounds, it is fairly easy to do hand routing because it has very ergonomic handles and is well balanced. The switch is easy to use (in hand routing mode) and so is the height adjustment. The soft start feature is probably the best feature (I did not ruin even my very first trial piece).

Some people have compared the noise with a 747 taking off. Its more like a 747 cruising! Strangely, I found it most uncomfortable (audio level / frequency) at setting # 3 (out of 6). However, I do not believe this machine is any noisier than any comparable router (or some teenage drivers).

I have rated this machine at 4 stars (instead of 5) because:

1) poor cosmetics / industrial appearance.
2) poor manual
3) no case.
4) I do not know how well it is going to hold up over time
5) Not sure of availability of Freud accesories (unlike PC)

Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. I got the router, router table (a must have, in my opinion) & a 12 piece (1/2") bit set for a marginal amount over the cost of a comparable Porter cable machine.

I was looking for a router that I could mount under my table, and had alot of power. After reading the reviews here, I decided to buy Freud, and it was the best money I spent. It is perfect for table mounting. The adjustment knob is big, and easy to make fine adjustments, the plunge is smooth, and it has more power than I will ever need. I seen a few complaints about the half inch shank bits not fitting in the collet, but I did not have a problem with that. I can see how the collet could have worked loose from assembly, but it is easily put back into the nut. All the controls for the router are just in the right place and easy to get to. It also handles smooth and is well balanced. I also like the soft start of the motor, which starts up real smooth.
I give this router 5 stars for price, power and a well made machine. I am very happy with it, and I am also happy that I bought it from Amazon. I ordered it Monday, and had it by Wednesday. Great doing business with you.

Have not had this router for very long, but after a short timeI'm glad I didn't listen to some of the gripes listed here. Metricscrews are easy to find. More importantly, the collet IS 1/2", and longer than most, so bit retention is very positive.

From earlier experiences with large routers that didn't have soft start, this feature is a pleasant surprise. There is power to spare (argh, argh, argh to all the Tim Allen fans), setting the depth is easy, and everything works as it should.

Maybe the plunge action isn't as smooth as ELU, PC, or Dewalt, but it is certainly acceptable, especially when doing template work. The springs are firm, but then again they should be for such a heavy and powerful tool.

It's a very good tool, but without some of the fit and finish, or cost, of the premo brands. My recommendation is buy it, then take the money you save and buy some good bits (that's what I did), then get some nice wood and have fun! I rate it 4 stars, but gave it 5 to follow with the love / hate extremes already expressed here. END

Let me start off by saying that I am not the greatest woodworker in the world but I have been doing it for more years then I can remember. I have used several brands of routers (Porter Cable - Bosch - Makita - even Sears and Black & Decker) and when I first saw this router here on Amazon I couldn't believe either the manufacture or the price it was selling for. Freud makes some of the best router bits I have ever used and I thought that if their ROUTER was of the qualty of their bits I would be getting a heck of a buy, but I hesitated. I asked several woodworkers I both knew as well as worked with if the knew anything about the Freud Router and none of them were aware of it. Oh well more research, this time on line. To make a long story short I purchased the Freud and upon receiving it I took it to my comercial woodworking job and put it up against the Bosch and Porter Cable routers we use and it did as good a job if not better then the others. Set up as well as micro adjustments were easy but what several of my co workers liked most were what some people might consider the backward plunge lever as well as the on & off switch. They as well as I found it rather nice and not at all ackward both above the work as well as when mounted under a table and everything worked fantastic. All in all I don't think anyone could go wrong with this ROUTER both for workmenship and job abilty and if in the long run it holds up (which I'm sure it will) any buyer will be money ahead. One other thing I will mention is that the PEOPLE at Amazon were very helpfull when I called to ask questions about the ROUTER before I bought it. I am VERY PLEASED, 5 STARS both for the ROUTER and AMAZON.

I have had this router in my shop for just over 1 full year. It has seen duty as a handheld plunge router as well as a table mounted router. This router has the power to do anything that you throw at it. Large raised panel bits are no problem for this router. For hand held use it is a bit heavy, but once you get used to the weight it is a great tool to own. The main complaint I have seen on this router is in the plunge springs. But a router of this size and weight needs stiff plunge springs. There are stops that you can set to the final depth that you intend to go and then just plunge to that depth. I have heard about problems with the collets getting stuck and I talked to freud about this. It is usually when the first bit is put in and then taken out. After the collet nut has run through all the treads the problem goes away!! I personally never experienced it I have just heard of others with this problem. I have bought two of these to date, one for myself and one for my fater in law and we both have been extremely pleased. I would like to have another for dedicated table usage.