Skil 1825 1/2-Inch 120-Volt Hybrid Router

List Price: $198.48 Discount Price: $89.97

Features:

• Hybrid router with interchangeable fixed and plunge bases
• 2 HP, variable speed motor 8,000 to 25,000 RPM; micro-fine depth adjustment for precise cuts
• Soft-Grip handles for comfort and control
• Carrying Bag, router motor unit, 1/4-inch collet, 1/2-inch collet, collet wrench
• 2-year warranty

Accessories:
Freud 89-152 6-Piece Round Over and Beading Bit Set	Porter-Cable 42000 9-Piece Template Guide Kit	Freud 88-100 9-Piece Router Bit Set, 1/4-Inch Shank	Bosch RA1200 Deluxe Router Table	Skil 91801 Deluxe Router Edge Guide

Customer Reviews:

Skil 1825 router set [Posted on 2007-07-18]
This is a great kit, sure the $200+ routers are no doubt better, but for a DIY-er like me that doesn't use it everyday it's hard to justify that price tag.

It's very easy to switch from the fixed to the plunge base. Operations and power are good. Overall I'm very satisfied. I've had the router for about 2 months now and have had no problems. I've used it 4-5 times working on some cabinet drawers and other items.

Horribly Conceived Product [Posted on 2007-09-26]
I purchased this router only to have it break 2 months later.

In the brief period of time I owned this router I used it for light tasks such as creating decorative edges on furniture pieces I built. I also used it for heavier tasks such as routing 3/4" grooves in solid wood.

Even if it had not broken this router would still have not earned a higher rating because of the poor design.

First and foremost the depth adjustment with either the fixed, or the plunge base is very inaccurate. The design of the router also precludes you from being able to see the section of the work piece you are routing. Another negative is that with the plunge base you do not have an adjustable depth stop turret like what you would see on a higher quality router. This makes it a difficult and time consuming process to route deeply into a work piece.

In the end I paid the extra money and purchased a higher quality tool, I would recommend you do the same.

Here's the fix for the depth consistency issues others have had [Posted on 2007-10-01]
I recently purchased this product and found it to be powerful enough for weekend projects and the built-in light (which comes on when you grab the handles is a nice touch), but I was experiencing the depth consistency issues that others have reported and decided to return the unit. Before I did, I called Skill to see if they were aware of the issue and they noted that the base clamp lever isn't always adjusted appropriately before shipping the router.

If you remove the router base (either fixed or plunge) and look inside where the motor housing is inserted, you'll find a small hex screw on the back of the Base Clamp Lever. Turning this screw clock-wise increases the pressure applied by the Base Clamp Lever when in the locked position. One full turn was all I needed to ensure the Base Clamp Lever was able to lock the base into the motor housing and COMPLETELY ELIMINATE all of the play in my routing depth. I went from over 1/8th inch slop to zero play.

With this issue solved--I give it 5 stars. Great power, good ergonomics, nice light and a great price. Yes, the trigger lock isn't well designed--but for the price, that's an acceptable compromise.

This router is a solid performer for the price... [Posted on 2007-11-09]
After reading some of the other negative reviews I was kind of leary but I've always learned to try something yourself...

Here are a few tips:

I find the micro depth adjustment works just fine...But you do need to pull the motor itself down (when used on a table) a tad to align the adjustment...Then tighten the clamp...Also make sure the clamp exerts enough pressure and if not adjust the allen screw as others have noted...

Also make sure the base lock is securely in place or the router will try to change its position...

Also make sure the collet is clean and use quality bits or either may cause the bit itself to slip...

I find the unit has plenty of power and will hold the adjustment just fine with a little user intervention...

Frankly all of these quirks if you want to call them that are normal for a piece of mechanical equipment...Especially for a router that costs only $89 with both bases...

Some posters had mentioned their units broke but they didn't say what happened...More expensive items aren't immune from such failures as well...

This is my second Skil 1825 as my first one is going strong after one year and about 200 hours of use...That's plenty good for me on a $89 router...

MADE IN CHINA [Posted on 2008-07-05]
I strongly urge you NOT to buy this product. I have used it one time and am taking it back to the store tomorrow. It is very poorly made. It has 2 built-in, white LEDs to shine on your workpiece. They are very nice, but they do not stay on. They flicker on and off. Also, the bases are very poorly-made cast aluminum. The one had a huge grinding in it so the motor could fit on it. Also, the plunge base sticks, meaning that, as you want to come up from your workpiece, you have to lift the whole router off. That doesn't sound like a problem, but when you're 1/16" off the wood and the springs decide to work, you mar your workpiece. Also, the plastic body is very flimsy and won't take long to break. Spend the extra $50 to $100 and get yourself something good that's made in America. I'm going to buy the Milwaukee.

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