Fein Unveils its First Router: Tough, Gutsy and Worth it
Fein's first router for the U.S. market is a large brute in a tight package. Weighing in at 12 pounds, the RT-1800 generates a big 3-1/4 horsepower (15 amps) and feels smaller in your hands than other monster plunge routers. The RT-1800 offers variable speeds from 8,000 to 22,000 rpm, soft-start to reduce wear on the motor and improve router control, and electronic feedback control that maintains continuous torque under load. Also standard is a 1/2" collet (though a 1/4" insert is available as an accessory for $29) and a spindle lock for single-wrench bit changes. During our tests we were impressed with the ease of cut; the motor was unfazed while using a 3/4" cove bit in white oak. Torque is maintained throughout the speed ranges with no problem, and vibration is very low, making for pleasurable operation. The plunge mechanism is smooth, even when the router base overhangs an edge, such as when using a profile bit on a board's edge. Some other big routers will bind in this situation, but not the Fein. The router's fine adjustment knob works well, but you cannot adjust it while the plunge springs are engaged due to the strength of the springs. Also standard is a removable dust extraction shroud with a pop-out plate to adjust for large- or small-diameter bits. Chips are directed out the clear plastic shroud and through a 1-1/2"-diameter port that you connect to your shop vacuum. During grooving and mortising operations the dust collection was nearly perfect. During edge-routing, however, the dust collection did little good. As an added bonus, many woodworkers will be pleased to find out that their Porter-Cable template bushings fit perfectly on the Fein. We were a little disappointed that a 1/4" collet was not included as a standard item. But with a 3-1/4 hp router, the 1/2" collet will likely see most of the use anyway. One accessory worth paying for is the micro-adjustable edge guide, which has an 8-1/2" reach. Simple in design, the guide is easy to fine-tune and costs less than $60. With a price tag of $350 this is one of the most expensive routers on the market. The excellent performance of this router, combined with Fein's reputation for longevity under heavy work loads, makes the money well spent for any commercial application, as well as for the demanding home woodworker. However, we'd like to see Fein toss in the edge guide and 1/4" collet to make this an even better deal.
Back to the main tool review page Home |
||||||||
