Customer Reviews

Skil 1845-02 2 HP Classic Series Variable Speed Plunge Router with Quick Change Collet

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

 

 

Now I have had the opportunity to use many brands of routers andrecently I bought this model to play with.

Well after going to a. .. store near work; I went home and unpacked my new and shinny router. I loaded it with a bit and went to work. After about 15 minutes of use, the motor started to fade in and out. So after my second trip to [the store], [this time by my house] I again unpacked my second new and shinny router. This time after 15 minutes of use, the bit kept falling out and again the motor faded in and out. Seems the wrenchless collet did not want to hold any bits. So off again I went to [the store] but this time I bought a Porter Cable #7529. No problems with that one!

Now in all fairness if the motor worked properly and if the collet would hold a bit, this would have been a great buy. But instead, after shop testing two of these from different locations, I view this router as a BUST!

I have used many brands of routers over the years and recently added this model to my arsenal. The router is very easy to use and offers many features offered on models costing twice as much. The motor is all ball & roller bearing for consistent operation and long life. The hand actuated switch on the right handle is very convenient and easy on the hands. This router offers a speed control which will lengthen the life of your bits and enable you to avoid most burning. The power offered by this router is 10 amps which in my experience is ample for all but heavy commercial use. I've used this on one inch hard maple and oak and it doesn't skip a beat! The guide arms for the plunge action are covered with a flexible boot which offers added protection and ensures trouble-free smooth function. The icing on the cake is the new Jacobs WRENCHLESS chuck! This is the best idea to come along in quite some time. If you thought that the keyless chuck for your drills was nice, this is the best thing since sliced bread! You insert the bit (1/4") and simply push down on the collar. When ready to remove the bit, simply pull up on the collar, its that simple. No more wrenches, no more knuckle busting, and no more time wasted. This item sells for around $50 separately, so factor this into the value of this package and I think you will see what a deal this really is. I highly recommend this as a good buy.

I didn't read the reviews before purchasing this router and I'm glad I didn't. I looked for the best combination of features and this was it. The quick release does take a bit of muscle behind it to lock into place but I still consider it easier that a wrench. I love the soft start and have had no problems with the motor. I have had the unit about 30 days but have not had any regrets yet.

OK, so I ignored the other reviews and bought it. What a mistake. You know the "Greed" thing that some humans suffer. It got me. I thought: variable speed, quick collet....what a deal. FORGET IT. The collet requires the fingers of a gorilla and the variable speeds are not what you think. The speed varies of its own desires. Very annoying until it completely stops. I took mine back and got the DeWalt 621. Right, Should have initially and saved the gas money. Believe the reviews....DON'T waste your time on this piece of junk.

I read the reviews of this router before I bought it. I figured that the reports of dying motors and bad collets wouldn't get the best of me. I was wrong. After about a month and a half I am having huge problems. Cutting in soft pine, which should be no trouble for a router such as this, proved to be impossible for this pathetic machine. The engine faded and then died completely. After a few hours I got it running again, but the same thing happened again and again. This is about this most worthless tool ever, most Skil tools have proven to follow this trend. I am now waiting for a refund check (luckily this happened within the first 90 days) so that I can get a descent router. Take it from me, don't buy this router. I thought that I would save some money but get just a good of a router, doesn't happen. Spend some more money and get a good one, you will save in the end.

This router works great but my Quick Collet went BAD after about 1 hours use. The Bits would work there way out while cutting. I would purchase the model below this one that uses a wrench to tighten the bit in place.