Freud FT2000EM 3-1/4 HP Variable Speed Plunge Router with Case

List Price: $410.00

Features:

• Covered by Freud's limited one year power tool warranty
• 16 amp 8000 to 22000 RPM electronic variable speed motor
• Extra large micro-adjust knob
• 1/2 inch collet and 1/4 inch reducer
• Includes chip guard, dust collector attachment and carrying case

Accessories:
Freud SH-5 Professional Micro-Adjustable Router Table Fence	Kreg PRS3020 True-FLEX Featherboard - Twin Pack	CMT 800.505.11 13-Piece 1/2" Shank Router Bit Set	Rousseau 3509 9-Inch x 12-Inch x 3/8-Inch Deluxe Router Base Plate	Freud 91-100 13-Piece Super Router Bit Set with 1/2-Inch Shank and Freud's TiCo Hi-Density Carbide

Customer Reviews:

A Router For The Diesel Engine Set [Posted on 2001-02-18]
When I purchased this router, I was looking for something that I could table-mount which would have the power to swing large raised-panel bits. I own several Freud tools, and have generally found them to be a good value, although some did not initially meet my expectations for quality. These expectations were formed by my positive experience with Freud's blades and router bits. Freud's machinery is usually not up to the level of their cutters.

After experimenting for some time, I've found it to be a darn good machine on the table and freehand.

This big router is a well crafted machine. It takes some getting-used to, but someone obviously put a great deal of thought into the design. In the Amazon reviews, objections have been centered upon the collet and the springs. Some routers shipped with an undersized Euro collet, which wouldn't comfortably fit half-inch bits. My collet is like butter - obviously not of the small ones. Half-inch bits fit nicely and lock up tight. I threw out the quarter-inch adapter-see below. While changing bits, there is a collet lock that lets you change out with only one wrench. It's a much better design than my other pet router, the Porter- Cable 1 1/2 horse, which always makes me cringe at the thought of knicking an expensive cutter with one of the two wrenches required.

The plunge springs are a little stiff, and this requires attention on certain cuts. I wouldn't say the spring pressure is excessive, however. This machine in in the heavyweight class, and the springs are appropriately sized.

What sets the Freud apart is the intelligent location of the power switch, the height-adjustment knob, and the plunge lock, which you may hate intitally.

The power switch is on the bottom of left handgrip. When things get ugly (don't they sometimes?) one can turn the ponies off with a flick. It's convenient, and works well.

For table use, the burly height adjustment knob is a God-send, and has a fair amount of utility in other situations. Some competing companies charge twenty-plus bucks for a piece of plastic and a nut. It should be a standard feature on all plunge routers. (Listen up, Porter-Cable!)

And the plunge lock, which is bass-ackwards from most routers, allows you to lock up with the strong muscles in your hand. It requires a moment of thought for those accustomed to the other system, but works well after that moment.

However, this is not a router for everyone. If you don't need as many horses in your router as your table saw, or are a beginning woodcrafter, it would probably be best to look at something a bit more sedate. It's a large machine. The soft-start helps as there is relatively little initial torque, but if your motif is small work, the problem could be too much mass.

For bigger stuff, like large moldings, cabinet work, or deep dadoes and rabbets, you' ll appreciate the reserve power. Get a good set of half-inch bits (ever seen a quarter inch bit explode? Get thee behind me!) and make some chips. Oak, maple, it cuts right through. It's well-built. Just remember, BIG.

A Great deal for the money [Posted on 2001-11-20]
I just received my router and I am very pleased with it. I have never owned a plunge and so the weight took some getting used to. When I was shopping for a plunge router all the other 3.25HP routers were selling for about ... more the the Freud and since I would Freud router bits and the reviews at the time were positive I went for it. Amazon was offering a $15 coupon and a free edge guide at the time. So I paid a little of ...I believe. Nice going Amazon and the router is great.

Blue Light Special - Freud FT2000 [Posted on 2001-12-30]
A 3 1/4 HP plunge router - at this price point - with the features this one has. It's like a blue light special!

I bought this router approximately 4 years ago because I needed a large plunge router to table mount. The Frued FT2000 seemed to be a logical choice because of the standard features (especially the extra long height adjustment knob) and the price.
I have never regretted this purchase.

During those four years I have built numerous projects using this router. It remains table mounted approximately 95% of the time and has all the power and adjustment I need to turn even large panel raising bits.

I have used this router as a hand held, but it IS large and heavy. While these attributes are actually desirable in a table mounted router (large mass = reduced vibration), they can be tiresome for hand held use.

If you are looking for a light weight router for freehand use, look at something smaller. However, if you are looking for a powerful, heavy duty router to table mount, you could pay much more, but.. why would you want to?

Powerful, Easy to use. [Posted on 2002-01-04]
After looking at many routers, using several, I bought a Freud. For the price, you cannot Go Wrong. When it arrived, the Left handle was broken/cracked, but still usable. The next day I called Freud (not the number in the manual, Use 800-334-4107)and they promised to send me a replacement immediately. I cannot say how long it will take to get here, I just talked to them an hour ago. Will post parts arrival time when it arrives. Anyway, the soft start is great, and it plows through oak with ease. The collet reducer they ship..throw it away and buy the 1/4 collet and another nut. The edge guide (I reviewed it as well), don't waste your money if you are doing precision work, buy a Micro Fence if your budget can afford it. I would buy the router again, but I don't think I'll ever need to.
Added 5 days later: New left grip arrived uneventfully via US mail, fit perfectly.

Heavy Duty Equipment [Posted on 2002-05-14]
I've used my new Freud FT2000 a few times now (all freehand), and can confirm what the others have written. The power that this router has is impressive, but comes at the expense of being a bit heavy. However, I don't think any other 3 1/4 HP router has overcome that problem either. On the plus side, this heft gives the impression that this router will be in my workshop for many years.

My major complaint about this router is the depth-stop mechanism. It has a "quick-set" feature that allows you to press a button which releases the threaded stop rod, allowing you to quickly move the rod up and down. Once you release the button, the threads are reengaged and you can then turn the rod to make fine adjustments. The problem is the button that releases the rod, doesn't hold the rod well once it is engaged causing your depths to vary after several cuts.

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