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Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router | List Price: $430.00
Discount Price: $332.99
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Brand: Fein
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - Powerful and strong motor for smooth cuts at any RPM
- Lightweight for easy of use
- 6 speeds to match any bit size with material being cut
- Quick change spindle
- Wide base opening for all bits
The BEST plunge router, hands down. [Posted on 2003-11-07]
Turn it on, run it for hours on the router table and shut it down at the end of the day. This is a serious production-quality machine. Go ahead, just TRY to bog it down, nothing phases this brute. Depth djustments are simple and repeatable. The Fein is quiet and powerful, it doesn't scream at deafening pitch like most of the other 3+HP routers out there (a HUGE plus if you have to listen to it all day). Available accessories are pricey, I would have liked to see them included with the standard kit so I have to give this router 4 stars, otherwise it's a dream to use and holds up to the test of time.
Nice router, but worth the money? [Posted on 2004-02-01]
I've owned several routers over the years. The Fein has a lot going for it--a great on-off switch, clearly the quietest of the 3+ hp routers, and relatively lightweight.
The only problem I have had with this router is that the screws that hold the plate used to hold the bit down during tightening keep coming loose. They usually drop out during routing--NOT good. Once one drops out, if you don't notice and try to tighten the collet, it can break the plate, and you are up for a new one (it happened to me). I finally stuck a couple of lock washers on it so I won't have this problem again. I hope Fein takes notice. Having a screw drop next to your bit during operation is not cool!
With that caveat--is it worth the extra money? Well, I'm not so sure anymore. Anyway, the price fluctuates, and if you see it below $300, I'd bite. I'm leaning slightly towards my big Dewalt after years of use, because of durability issues. The plunge mechanism on the Dewalt is as smooth as the day I bought it, while Fein's is getting sticky. And that collet holder has now broken twice on the Fein; it seems to be made of cast aluminum, but two breakages of the same part--not a good sign. Still, I love the Fein. I mean, you just cannot believe how little vibration you feel on this thing; it's just in a class of its own. Feels like driving a Ferrari. Not that I have ever driven a Ferrari...but, I did get to drive a Fein!
$$$$ [Posted on 2006-04-15]
I bought this from amazon for $225 two years ago. It is a good router, but the Milwaukee or Bosch are just as good (I have all three) for a lot less money.
The best but way over priced. [Posted on 2006-08-23]
I tried this router and I will say it reminds me of the original Dewalt DW625 back when it was made in Switzerland the best and most balanced router even made.
But I must say not only this is over priced when you consider adding the ¼ collet for 30.00-40 a template for 33.00 a guide for 60,00 height adjustment for 21.00 you're in for way too much.
For that kind of money I would go with the New DW625 and a Hitachi M12v and still have cash left.or a 1619 and a M12v.
Fein needs to get greedy marketing strategy together and add the necessary things like ¼ collet and template and height adjustment to this package. After all everyone else includes those.
nice to use, expensive to repair [Posted on 2007-01-16]
this router runs smoothly and the handle mounted switch makes it easy and convenient to use for handheld routing. Plunge action is smooth also. The included height adjustment knob is small and difficult to turn if you want to use this router with a router table.
I got one of these for making some cabinet doors. I used it on miscellaneous projects (routing dadoes and other stuff, for which it worked fine) before getting around to making the kitchen cabinet doors. It worked fine for cutting the rail and stile parts of the doors. However, while I was routing the first pass on one of the panels, the router stopped suddenly and would not work again. A repair shop told me that the speed control switch had failed and a new one would cost $180 with another $45 to install. Because these routers are from Europe, parts are very expensive. This router had hardly been used, but was out of warranty. Needless to say, I did not have it fixed, but am shopping for another brand.
The bottom line - it is a nice router, but not necessarily reliable.
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