Freud RTS5300 Router/Table Combo Package. Includes FT3000VCE Router, SH-5 Micro-Adjustable Fence, Aluminum Insert Plate and 16 Gauge Steel Stand

List Price: $1,055.55 Discount Price: $599.00

Features:

• Includes Freud's FT3000VCE router with above table adjustments and wrench. 3 1/4 hp 15 amp variable speed and soft start, 8,000 to 21,000 rpm, electronic speed control, sealed switch and regulator, and 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch collets included
• SH-5 micro adjustable fence to .001 inch. Includes dust collection port, MDF fence faces, chip guard, and mounting screws
• Premium 9 x 12 aluminum insert plate that won't sag under heavy weight router. Precision machined for flatness and an 8-point leveling system for a flush fit. Comes with two snap down rings and starter pin
• Sturdy 16 gauge steel stand. Height adjusts from 32 to 38 inches and comes with rubber leveling feet and a large 31 1/2 inch x 23 1/2 inch x 1 inch laminated MDF table top.
• 5 year limited warranty on the FT3000VCE Router. 60 days warranty on fence, table top, and legs

Accessories:
Fine Woodworking	Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship

Customer Reviews:

This European model: 230V with N. Euro plug [Posted on 2008-03-13]
The description does not state it either way, but I assumed that this was designed for use in USA, but it is not.

Some mistakes made, but a great product overall. [Posted on 2008-03-14]
I just received my 84lb. RTS5300 router kit yesterday in good condition via FedEx.

The quality of parts I received was very good, however I do have some issues.

First off, I did have the same problem as the reviewer before me; they sent a 230V router with a European plug on it. I immediately called Freud in North Carolina and explained what happened to a gentleman named Mark. He immediately took care of the situation and issued a call tag for the router to be picked up. Unfortunately, this delays my use of the setup for probably another week or so.

From the conversation, I assume this is not the first time this has happened, but I don't quite understand why they don't open up every box to verify the correct router is included. Hopefully they take care of it so it doesn't happen again. If their customer service is any indication, I think things will be OK from now on.

I put the router table together and was impressed with the quality of the parts included. I got the base together and made sure it was square before I went ahead and tightened all the bolts. There was one washer missing out of 40; not a big deal and I had an extra lock washer in my toolbox. Once done, the base is very sturdy and heavier than it looks due to the 16ga. stamped steel frame.

The router table top is very nice extra thick MDF with a nice rubber edge banding to protect it from daily abuse. It also has a white high-pressure laminate on top for work to glide easily without snagging. The top is pre-drilled for the included fence (with 3 sets of holes) and the top is also routed out for the included plate. The threaded inserts are all pre-installed as well.

The top is not pre-drilled for mounting to the base. A quick call to Freud for clarification answered my question. The gentleman I spoke to suggested that I center the top on the base. He also suggested going on the Freud website to download the latest manual. I did that and it turns out one of the instruction sheets was not included with my package. Another sheet had referenced it, but I couldn't find it anywhere. However, I was happy to see that Freud corrected the instruction sheet with the parts list to correctly describe the included hardware.

Be careful when drilling the pilot holes for the screws (1/8" bit, 5/8" deep). Make sure you are not drilling into the T-track! I began to on one of the holes, but luckily I stopped as soon as I saw metal shavings coming up. Hey, it's my first router table. I'm allowed one mistake. ;)

Note: I recommend setting the top upside down on some sawhorses and plywood. It will make your installation more accurate and easier on your back.

On to the router plate. It comes with two collars for different size bits and is nice, thick silver anodized aluminum. Installation was a snap using my level as a straight edge. I like it.

Now to the fence. The ST-5 fence comes in its own box and was easy enough to put together. There are no real assembly instructions, but some instructions on use, recommended bit speeds, etc. The back sheet shows a diagram of the fence put together, but not all the parts are the same. In fact, the included parts are actually *better* than what the diagram shows. Instead of wings nuts for the adjustment lock down, they include nice knurled knobs. Another change is in the diagram; they show some t-handles for locking the unit to the table. What they include are actually plastic knobs with metal shanks, a welcome substitute. One other small change is to the fence boards - they have one long adjustment slot as opposed to two like they show, no big deal.

Overall I like the fence. The paperwork needs to be updated, but the fence is very solid (heavy) and the adjustments work smoothly although I haven't verified their accuracy. The built-in vacuum port looks like it will do a good job for above the table debris.

So that's it for now. Once I get the correct router delivered and I use the system, I'll update this review.

Pros: Good quality components at a price that cannot be beat, easy to put together and versatile.

Cons: Freud needs to put more effort and thought into the written materials they provide. They also need to fix the Euro version issues before they lose customers. Some people make buying decisions from reviews alone!

With all that said, I would buy this again in a heartbeat.

Helder Cristovao

Great router [Posted on 2008-03-22]
I am a professional furniture maker and like this router. It has plenty of power, is easy to use and the Freud quality is unbeatable.

Nice table great router [Posted on 2008-04-25]
I too received the European router with my package and contacted Mark at Freud USA and found him to to exceptional and corrected the problem.

The router stand is solid and I give it high makes for an open stand. The table was slightly bowed in the the middle before the router was installed and I preceived that it will bow more after some time with the heavy router hanging from it. The black plastic edging around the table was slightly higher than the table and need to be trimmed down so projects would not catch as they went over it.

The fence is very nice and seems to be strong and stable to keep accuracy of settings. It is quick and easy to adjust the the split fence. Nice job Freud!

The router is wonderful but a bit weighty. It is smooth on start up and purrs at the set rpm. The grip and power switch are comfortable, (unlike the Freud 2 1/4 hp router). At 3 1/4 hp there is enough to tackle some larger bits with ease. Great router.

The instructions suck!

Recommendations: Predrill the router table plate to fit all Freud routers. Add an extra set of metric screws for mounting the router, (also the routers purchased by themselves should also have extra length metric screws included.) because in the USA metric screws are harder to find and causes even more delays if one screw is dropped and vaccumed up! Of course the instructions need to be completely rewritten or the original writer needs to share his wine.

All in all a very nice, workable and powerful package.

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