SKIL 10 Amp Fixed Base Corded Router —RT1323-00

I bought this as a dedicated router for my SKIL RAS900 Router Table. It fits the table perfectly and all of the controls for speed and height adjustment are at the front if one puts the plate on the proper way. On my first install I had all of the controls at the back and realized that was not handy. I then saw that I could turn the router 180 degrees on the plate and as such all of the controls are at the front of the router table. It is very easy to adjust the height from huge adjustments to minor or micro ones. I am able to change any bit with the router installed so that is a plus. No need to remove the router or reach under the table as the bit can be installed or removed with the included wrench at the top of the router table. When I first turned on the router in the house with no bit attached I did a speed test and one could hear the huge difference from the 1 to the max 6 adjustment on the speed dial. For those interested in how much voltage this router uses, my tests showed it used 105 volts on the lowest speed and 535 volts on the highest speed. Now that was tested with no bit attached. Now with a bit cutting into wood creating a workload one would think that all of my voltage numbers would be a bit higher. It comes with an edge guide and all of those cheap ones are next to useless, unless one just wants to cut a dado straight down the board with no concern of an exact measurement in distance from the edge. The included 1/4 inch collet that plugs into the 1/2 inch collet is solid and a perfect fit for 1/4 inch shank bits. For the price this looks to be a really good router and will handle most tasks that one will ever do with a router table.

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

I've been woodworking and building for 60+ years. Lots of tools; lots of brands. SKIL was never at the top of my list.... ....it is now. They have seriously elevated their game. Loaded with features not found on much more expensive brands: soft start, RPM control (0-25,000), LED lighted clear base, vacuum port, safety light so you remember to unplug before changing bits., Heavy-duty, solid build, no undue vibration. Very ergonomic; feels balanced, not awkward. Would prefer the two-wrench method of changing bits, never cared for having to hold down a button, but that's just me. These features at this price is hard to believe. Great router. Just ordered another! Having said that, the seller page states 2HP, but the box states 1.75 HP. (10 amps = about 1.61 HP +/-) That's fine, no complaint there. Just sayin'. Plenty powerful enough for any project.

Nice little machine easy to use