Quote Originally Posted by McCreed View Post
Simon really covered things very well with the operational stuff.

The only thing I'd add is about safety. Routers spin at stupid high rpm's and s**t can go wrong fast. I'm not saying to be afraid of it, just be very aware of everything you're doing while you're doing it.
I have three routers and a rotary cutting tool and I am a bit afraid of all of them. I learned the hard way the wisdom of Simon's advice about a base for the trim router. Light routers are also squirly and it does not take much for them to jump. I like the big 3 hp plunge router the best because the heft and 1/2" bits seem to make it smoothest and easier to control. But anything you hold in your hands that has a half inch bit turning at 23,000 RPM with that kind of power is intrinsically scary. I thought the least scary was the 1.75 HP router mounted in a table...until I piece of maple tear out hit me in the chest hard enough to raise a welt... They are also my loudest tools. 1+ on the safety gear.