Customer Reviews

Skil 1840 1-3/4 HP Plunge Router

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I didn't expect much from this router since it is priced so far below the competition. But I looked at it in the store, and I couldn't find any obvious problems, so I purchased. I have been pleased in every way. I'm a weekend worker, but I am a pretty heavy user in that category, using this tool to make trim and moulding for my hundred year old house. This router gives me more than I need, and hasn't been weak with cherry or oak. It moves smoothly, plunges with fairly high precision, and is not overly loud. I'm very happy.

This Skil plunge router is a great buy for the money. It moves freely and does not bog down, even in hard, dry white oak. Easy to handle, good viewing capabilities, and is quieter than some I've used in the past. You definately get your moneys worth and then some!

The Skil 1840 is one of the least expensive plunge routers you can buy, but the low price tag is not reflected in the quality. The router handles smoothly and doesn't feel "cheap" in any way. The low price does make itself felt, however, in the lack of bells and whistles that are found in higher-end routers. There is no dust extraction system, no soft-start, no multi-position turret.

The most serious flaw with this router, though, is its depth gauge. In a nutshell, depth adjustment is far from accurate, and is best described as "eyeball and guess." If accuracy of depth is important to you, you'll have to make several practice cuts in scrap followed by minute adjustments to get it right. In fact, if accuracy of depth is important to you, you're better off with a different router.

Still, you can't beat the Skil 1840 for value. If you're on a budget and just want a quality router without the extra features, this is the one for you.

This router has done everything we have thrown at it without any trouble. Our only complaint is it's lack of a larger collet. We are looking for another router now because of that very reason. We need 1/2" capability.