I want a router, need help choosing.

[quiet 0]

I built 2 boxes lately and I will be doing a 3rd soon, and I love buying tools so I "need" a router. I dont want to spend an arm and a leg, but I will spend what is required to have a decent setup(not harbor freight). I want to be able to do speaker hole cut outs with it, round the edges of the box and ports, and anything else that is usefull. Im not sure what bits I would need either, I was thinking 3 one to make cut outs, one for rounded edges, and one to flush mount on a double baffle. Also I think I need the jasper circle jig unless there is a better/cheaper alternative.

[Argent Audio 54]

Bosch 1617, great router for $100

Andrew

[///M5 2,833]

Bosch makes a decent one.

For around a $100 I'd go this way used though, Hitachi makes a serious workhorse: Hitachi M12V2 3-1/4 Peak HP Router, Plunge, Variable Speed

Hitachi M12SA2 3-1/4 Peak HP Plunge Router Single Speed

The other great option is the PC.

Amazon.com: Porter-Cable 895PK 12 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Fixed and Plunge Base: Home Improvement

That is the dual base which I own and it is definitely a nice unit. If I was budget limited though I'd grab the Hitachi and never look back.

[topgun 262]

For bits you want either Freud or Whiteside. You are going to want a 1/4" spiral upcut, large and small roundovers, and a 1" flush cut bit. Do not buy cheap ones!

[CadillacMatt 31]

RIdgid makes a good decently priced router we used to use in our shop.

And x2 on what Topgun mentioned about the bits... in my line of work I've witnessed two instances where the bit completely came apart and did some pretty good damage to people.