DH wants a router...

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

(the tool kind)and I don't know anything about them . Is there something basic I should look for before I pick one, or should I just get him a Sears gift card and let him pick one? Anyone have a good one they could recommend? TIA

 

[NMAmy]

I don't know anything about routers but I have purchased one before for DH (along with many other tools that I know nothing about.)

I just ask him to write down which one he wants, which model, and where I can find it at. I have him trained now and he scours the Sunday circulars and finds what he wants and cuts out the picture for me. That way he has something to open and I don't have to go the gift card route.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

I don't know anything about routers but I have purchased one before for DH (along with many other tools that I know nothing about.)

I just ask him to write down which one he wants, which model, and where I can find it at. I have him trained now and he scours the Sunday circulars and finds what he wants and cuts out the picture for me. That way he has something to open and I don't have to go the gift card route.

Yeah the gift card thing really turns me off too. He mentioned it without actually asking for it so I just thought it would be cool to get one without asking him what model # etc so it would be a surprise, but I may have to ask him if I can't figure it out.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

I have a variable speed 1 3/4 hp Craftsman router and finds it does everything I need it to.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Go to Sears and when you hit the tool department find a clerk that actually uses a router. Ask them which model they recommend and the accessories that go with it.
If for some reason your DH wants something bigger or smaller, Sears will give him no hassles in exchanging it! Craftsman tools are great quality too. Pretty much all we buy.

 

[QT Pooh]

There are a couple of things you HAVE to know about what his router requirements are before you purchase one - whether he needs 1/4" or 1/2" depth (some do both), whether he wants a plunge or mounted, whether he wants a barrel grip or a regular handle and what he needs to use it for - which will determine the horsepower. My husband's a big woodworker and I usually buy most of his tools (all the tool catalogs come to the house in my name - but hey, I get furniture out of it - I'm not complaining). I've found amazon to be a good source for power tools and they're very reasonable. Around this time of year, they also give away freebies. I think we got a free sander with the router I bought last year, and the router was on sale. You may want to sit down with your husband and page through the routers on Amazon. He'll know what he's getting, but he can also read the reviews to determine exactly what he wants as well. My husband had always had Craftsman tools but now he's really into the Bosch tools.

Just a thought. Good luck!