Opinion wanted: Freud FT2000E Router
dwayne charles trego
recommending the DeWalt and Porter Cable brands, among others. However, I
don't recall anyone mentioning the one sold by Freud, and based on what I've
seen in a catalog, it sounds like a good deal. Could anyone give me some
guidance on this? The specs say its 3.25 hp, electronic variable speed
(8000 - 22000 rpm), 1/2" collet (with 1/4" reducer), and comes with a free
edge guide for about $205-210. Sounds mighty good at about $70 less than
the comparable DeWalt or Porter Cable models.
Thanks,
Dwayne Trego
tr...@cis.ohio-state.edu
Jim Morgan
I've owned the predecessor (single speed) model for several years, and IMO
the router is a good value. It has an excellent collet design (the 1/4"
Elu/DeWalt self-extracting collet also fits and for about $30 is a good
replacement for the crummy reducer that is supplied) and bearings as large
as those used on the top-rated models (according to FWW, large bearings
are correlated with longevity). OTOH, the plunge action on the Freud may
not be as precise as that on competing brands. If you purchase one, check
carefully to ensure that the plunge is exactly perpendicular to the base
plate.
Jim Morgan
Greg Van Eeckhout
>In article <3tsgst...@python.cis.ohio-state.edu>,
>tr...@cis.ohio-state.edu (dwayne charles trego) wrote:
>
However, I
>> don't recall anyone mentioning the one sold by Freud, and based on what I've
>> seen in a catalog, it sounds like a good deal. Could anyone give me some
>> guidance on this? The specs say its 3.25 hp, electronic variable speed
>> (8000 - 22000 rpm), 1/2" collet (with 1/4" reducer), and comes with a free
>> edge guide for about $205-210.
I have the above router and have used it quite a bit over the last year and have no complaints, although it sounds like you saw a be=
tter deal than what I got, I did not get the edge guide in the deal, also I think there is still a $30 rebate for this router and I =
thought with the rebate the price was about $190-200
Peter Smullen
purchased the Freud for use in a heavy duty router table, but I also use
it for plunge operations, such as mortices. I bought it about 18 months
ago and have used it a lot in my home workshop. Most of my freehand
work is done with the PC.
I agree that the 1/4" reducer is not good, but I only buy 1/2" router
bits so it has not been a problem. The router is excellent. Mine
plunges accurately, has plenty of power, and the lower speeds are
excellent for the large bits I use for raised panels, etc. It wasn't
advertised as having "soft start" but it does. The PC kicks a lot more
when started than the Freud. The micro adjuster is standard on the Frued
and extra cost on the others. I find this particularly useful when
installed in the router table as it makes adjustment of the bit a snap.
I also like the single wrench to change bits, rather than the two
wrenches needed to change bits on the PC. Also, when using it freehand,
while it is quite large, it is well balanced so that it is reasonably
easy to handle.
The owner's manual isn't much to brag about. It didn't even mention that
the router was variable speed !
Hope this helps.
Pete
Nobu M Nakamoto
If you decide to get the Freud, look around for the $30 rebate program
which they have had at least twice in recent years.
So far I have used my Freud only in a table, and have been satisfied.
I especially like the sort-start and variable speed features. In the
table, however, adjusting the bit height can be a hassle, as it requires
(at least on my table) me to remove the router (i.e., lift the insert
with the router attached), unlock the plunge mechanism, adjust the
depth of plunge, replace the router, and take a test pass, iterating
as necessary. I don't mind, but it can test your patience. So far
it has had more than enough power for anything I've tried, although
I have not used any bits larger than about 2.5" in diameter.
In a FWW article within the last few years, several large plunge routers
were evaluated. The Freud was near the top in terms of the size of the
bearings used, with the author indicating an expectation that the larger
bearings were more desirable.
Just my $0.02.