Freud FT1700VCEK 2-1/4 Horsepower Variable Speed Fixed Base Router

List Price: $336.00 Discount Price: $159.99

Features:

• 2-1/4-horsepower fixed base router; above-table adjustable to 1/128-inch increments; 13-amp motor
• Electronic variable speed control (8,000-23,000 rpm); auto spindle lock for one-handed changes
• Plastic and steel construction
• Includes router, vacuum attachment, collet wrench, height adjustment knot
• 1-year warranty

Accessories:
Freud 97-210 3-Piece Cabinet Door Router Bit Set	Freud 91-100 13-Piece Super Router Bit Set with 1/2-Inch Shank and Freud's TiCo Hi-Density Carbide	Freud RTS5300 Router/Table Combo Package. Includes FT3000VCE Router, SH-5 Micro-Adjustable Fence, Aluminum Insert Plate and 16 Gauge Steel Stand	CMT 800.505.11 13-Piece 1/2" Shank Router Bit Set	Freud SH-5 Professional Micro-Adjustable Router Table Fence

Customer Reviews:

Disappointingly poor quality, broken too soon! [Posted on 2007-05-23]
It has been 6 months since I mounted it in my table saw extension. Despite only occassional use the RPMs vary wildly with loading and it seems to have lost some significant power. I am sending it to Freud for repair. Although changing cutters from above the table is nice, all the raising and lowering of the motor is done from beneath the table. I have found it easier to adjust the precise cutter height by reaching under the table as the adjusting hole plugs with sawdust almost immediately. In addition, the height adjustment is very crudely executed with tremendous play between the base and the motor which shifts when the crude locking lever is engaged. These combine to undermine any pretense at precision. For a company that makes such precise blades and cutters I had expected a much higher standard of execution.

Router Table Use [Posted on 2007-07-29]
The Freud FT1700 router is great for use in a router table. The ability to change bits without removing the router is a definite plus. Two options are available - either using the special adjusting tool above the table or actually looseing the router lock and raising it from below.

Freud FT1700VCEK 2-1/4 Horsepower Variable Speed Fixed Base Router [Posted on 2007-11-28]
I bought this specifically for a router table so the ability to change bits without a big hassle & adjust the depth & lock from the top without the need for a separate router lift (VERY expensive) was the main features I was interested in this. The built-in variable speed control is just a bonus. The fact I found one on Amazon for such a deal was even better! The power switch is a bit weird, but I plan to mount a safety power switch to the table so it will not be used other than to make sure it is locked on. As mentioned in another review, I too noticed the above table lock release did not tighten sufficient to hold, but tech support told me to lightly tighten the hex screw on the outter lock & it took care of that. I am looking forward to using this more after I get the table totally done.

Excellent router [Posted on 2008-01-11]
Delivery took just two days for free super saving.
This one has so many nice features that make woodworking a fun.
Bit can be changed above the table. Just push up the bit and lock it with auto lock. Because of extended spindle shaft with auto lock, I've never changed router bit this easy. Also height ajustments are a snap....easily done with one hand. I can do either way, just turn the adjustment knob or use above the table adjustment knob that provided. It starts real soft and runs very very quiet even in 20k rpm.
I found two cons though very minor. It doesn't have a light. And the location of screw holes for table mount are different than those of 3-1/4 HP Freud router. So I had to make two more holes in my router table plate.

disappointment [Posted on 2008-02-11]
purchased for mounting in a table--my mistake. at 2.25hp, it is underpowered for that use. overall, the tool seems cheap--terrible switch, imprecise fit to base causes difficulty in depth changes, above the table feature misleads you into thinking this tool is ok in a table. and, the adjustments are only possible by reaching under the table and helping the lift both up and down. removing the motor from the base is nearly impossible after it has been used, as it gums up the already too tight tolerances--tried "opening up" the cast base to no avail. mineral spirits followed by silicone spray works briefly. do not try to use a panel raising bit (my bad, again). did fine on sticks and copes and it seemed to work ok for about two panels, then the motor slowed erratically, followed by a lot of smoke--not from burning wood, from burning motor. toast. admittedly, i abused it, but even for small work in keeping with its design intent, i disliked and regretted buying the router from the start. cant say i regret its demise. will be buying the correct 3.5hp milwaukee. already have a 2.25 milwaukee and love it. all said, though, the price was attractive, at least.

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