SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router —RT1323-00

A high quality piece of equipment, worth the expense. Had not previously owned a router. Constructed/installed an in-the-wall-between-studs spice cabinet. Will be using router extensively to modify/construct pull-out drawers (really just flat trays) in an existing kitchen - for all lower cabinets - 2 pull-outs each). I am eying the SKIL SRT1039 Benchtop Portable Router Table, but have not confirmed a pressing need for it yet.

I purchased this router after checking several reviews on YouTube and the internet and most of which were very positive. I was originally looking at the 14 amp combo kit, but there has been several issues with the control panel malfunctioning and causing the router to change speed all on its own or failing to work correctly or failing to work at all, so decided to stick with the 10 amp version. I wanted something with comparable specs to my old Porter Cable 6902 combo kit but with variable speed, soft start and electronic feedback for use with larger diameter 1/2" shank router bits that would not break the bank and this fits my expectations very well. The first thing I did was replace the sub base for a MilesCraft with a larger opening to accommodate the larger diameter bits that I will be using. Then I put a 3/4" straight cut bit in a cut a dado on a piece of 2 X 8 spruce and it cut through with ease. I then put a 1-1/2" 45° chamfer bit in and cut the same lumber at full depth in a single pass and again it cut with no problem. I then put a 3/4" rabbet bit in and cut a full depth rabbet with no problems. The only issue I had was the 1/2" router collet would not accept my 1/2" shank bits (collet seemed to be too small), but I watched a video on YouTube tube that showed how to resolve this issue by removing the collet completely and this would allow the collet to open back up again and it worked perfectly. If there is one negative about this router that I have found, its the very cheap and basic 1990s on/off toggle switch, it makes the router feel cheaper than it actually is. Apart from this minor issue, the router is built extremely well for the price and comparable to machines a lot more expensive. It's very easy to set up and use, I really like the macro adjustment, rubber overmold on the comfortable handles and top cap (stops the motor from sliding when doing bit changes). I like the solid construction, the 3 LED lights, the color scheme, the power of the router, the soft start, and how quiet it is compared to my Porter Cable and Bosch PR20EVS Colt routers. All in all, a great mid size router that should last a long time (if looked after properly). I would recommend this machine to anyone looking for their first router, or even someone looking to add a second or third router to their collection, way to go Skil.

Powerfully and easy to use. Soft start

Es tal cual como dice en la descripción me encanta buena calidad el motor arranque suave buena calidad y acabados el detalle que no me gusta es que no es fácil cambiar el collet

This router has everything one could ask for. I had asked the question about the hole diameter in the sub-base as I wanted to be able to use my CMT guide inserts. The replies were not helpful as they may have been based on the dual base router, but the online manual showed 1-1/4" diameter for the fixed base model. As it turns out there is also a 1-3/8 diameter recess in the base which accepts my router guides perfectly, with a few thousandths of an inch recess to prevent the guide from catching on the part. (See photo) The variable speed, soft start, dual chuck and large range of depth adjustment are all great features in addition to the light weight & easy handling. I noted a complaint about the switch type, but it’s location directly above the right handle make it easy to flick on or off. I also have a 3 HP Craftsman (Ryobi made) plunge router weighing about 12 pounds and as such, has become permanent in my router table running cabinet-making bits up to 3-1/2 inch diameter. This SKIL router is a vast improvement over my old fixed speed Craftsman used previously and so far has been a real pleasure to use. Highly recommended. Update: I was asked whether the router was suitable for use in a router table. Since I had intended to do this anyway, I installed it in my table. In terms of adjustment, it was much easier to set the collet position and bit depth than my larger router. Though I would not normally recommended this amount of load, I set it up with a 3-1/4 inch diameter raised panel bit at the lowest speed and tried it out (3 increasing passes) on a pine scrap. See the photo - it worked just fine. (note that I have removed my safety bit guard in order to show the setup) . I think it would be too high a load to use a bit of this size for hardwood such as oak with a 1-1/2 HP router, but for a softwood such as pine quite OK.