Skil 1830 120V 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router Set

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Product Details

Item Weight: 14 pounds
Shipping Weight: 15.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
ASIN: B004SKY73O
Item model number: 1830

By : Skil
List Price : ~~$206.85~~
Price : $99.00
You Save : $107.85 (52%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Tackle advanced home-improvement projects--whether it's cabinet building or intricate woodwork--with the Skil 1830 combo-base router. The tool comes with both a fixed base and a plunge base, which allows you to pick your preferred method of routing, depending on your project. A micro-fine depth adjustment enables you to make precise, professional-quality cuts. Other highlights include soft-grip handles and an LED SiteLight for increased visibility.

1830 120V 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router SetAt a Glance:

Designed for advanced woodworking projects
Comes with both a fixed base and a plunge base
Micro-fine depth adjustment lets you make precise cuts
Backed by a one-year warranty

The Skil 1830 combo-base router features soft-grip handles for optimal comfort and support (click each to enlarge).
Professional Features for Advanced WoodworkingEquipped with a powerful motor, the Skil 1830 combo-base router is well suited for advanced home-improvement projects, such as counter-top installation, cabinet building, and detailed woodworking. A micro-fine depth adjustment allows you to make precise cuts for professional-quality results. This model also offers variable speed and is equipped with a depth rod and an adjustable turret for repeatable plunge routing applications.
The Skil 1830 comes with a fixed base, which enables you to set the cut depth before you turn on the tool, as well as a plunge base, which allows you to place the tool and turn it on before lowering the cutter into the wood. This makes the router more versatile and allows you to choose your preferred routing method, depending on your project. Both bases are made of aluminum.
Built for Comfort and ConvenienceThe Skil 1830 combo-base router is designed to provide optimal comfort and control for smooth and professional-looking edges. Comfortable soft-grip handles reduce fatigue, while an LED SiteLight improves visibility and provides a powered tool alert. A dual-position on/off switch offers greater convenience and control. The router is also equipped with a quick-release lever that makes it easy to adjust or remove the motor.
Less Kickback with Soft Start TechnologyThanks to Skil's signature Soft Start technology, the Skil 1830 combo-base router starts smoothly and gradually increases in speed, rather than jumping right to top speed like other routers. The result is less kickback, better control, and a longer motor life, allowing you to complete more projects.
The Skil 1830 combo-base router features a 1/2-inch collect capacity and comes with a 1/4-inch collet adapter for larger profile applications. The tool weighs 10.7 pounds.
About Skil Power ToolsSkil Power Tools is a leader in portable electric power tools and accessories serving the consumer do-it-yourself and professional construction markets. Founded in 1924 with the invention of the worm drive SKILSAW, Skil now delivers a complete line of power tools designed and engineered to help DIYers achieve home project success, while providing professionals durable, cost-effective tools for the jobsite.
What's in the BoxOne Skil 1830 router motor unit, one fixed base, one plunge base, one chip deflector, one 1/4-inch collet adapter, one collet wrench, and one carrying bag.
Includes 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router Kit w/ Soft Start - 1830, Aluminum Fixed Base, Aluminum Plunge Base, Chip Deflector, 1/4-in Collet Adapter, Collet Wrench, Carrying Bag
See all Product Description

Technical Details

Soft start technology-for smoother start-ups and increased motor life
1/2-Inch collet capacity - for larger profile applications
Micro-fine depth adjustment-for precise depth measurements
Dual position on/off switch-for user convenience and better control
Quick-clamp release lever-for easy motor adjustments and removal

Skil 1830 120V 2-1/4 HP Combo Base Router Set

Customer Reviews

Most homeowners own an electric drill and/or an electric circular saw, but an electric router is relatively rare in a homeowner's toolbox. A woodworking professional, however, would tell them that a router is one of the most, if not the most, versatile tool in a woodworking shop. I am not a professional wood craftsman; I am just an average homeowner who is moderately handy with tools and prefers to do minor jobs around his house. Occasionally I round the edge of a piece of woodwork with a router or cut out a recess on the doorframe for a swing lock. That is the extend of my experience in woodworking with a router. I am an amateur.
This Skil router is perfect for an amateur woodworker. It comes with two bases - a fixed base and a plunge base. Both bases have coarse and fine height adjustments. Both have knob handles. The difference between a fixed base and a plunge base router can be explained as follows: With a fixed base, the router bit enters the wood from the side, whereas, with a plunge base, it comes down from above. However, a skilled wood craftsman can run a router either from the side or from above with either base. The motor can be easily switched between the bases by undoing a quick-release clamp. The motor comes with variable speed (although the webpage does not say so). There are 6 settings - from 10,500 rpm at setting no. 1 to 25,000 rpm at setting no. 6. The speed dial is at the top of the motor. There is a built-in electronic speed control which "soft-starts" the motor and gradually increases to full speed. This soft-start feature and the variable speeds make this Skil router user friendly to amateur woodworkers. The on-off slide switch can be operated at two different locations at the right side of the motor - one on top, the other below. Two LED lights at the bottom of the motor turn on automatically when the router is plugged in to illuminate the work piece. It is a nice touch. The collet accepts ½" bits; a ¼" adapter sleeve comes with the router for ¼" bits. A one-inch wrench is included for the collet nut. Tighten the collet nut with this wrench while holding the shaft in place with the collet lock lever. Verify that the router is unplugged before bit installation. There are four holes at each of the bases for edge guides, which are not included. Both bases have transparent plastic chip deflector. Nevertheless, eye protection is highly recommended. A black bag with a zip-top and a red embossed Skil logo comes with the purchase. It conveniently holds all the parts in one place.
I have this router only for a few weeks. I cannot speak to its durability. I will update my review on the performance of this router when appropriate.

I have used both bases and most of the features on this router. For a beginner, this is a great router. The 3 things that make it good for beginners are soft start, the led lights, and the depth adjustments system. Soft start helps by giving you time to get both hands on the router after hitting the switch and makes you feel in control. The LED lights are very useful as they help you see where the bit is cutting. The depth adjustments were easy enough for my to cut within 1/16 of inch to the depth I needed.
I have used this router on one project so far, so durability is not something I can rate yet. But, it is made by the Bosch company, and they make good routers. I would have given it 5 stars, but the plunge base is not perfect, it sticks a little. This did NOT impact my project, its just that when you use a router, you need to be able to be comfortable and in control. Also at higher speeds, this router does vibrate a little, all routers vibrate. at a high speed, it can try to move on its own if you do not hold it firmly. Once again, nothing that impacted my work.
For the money, there are few routers that offer the above features I mentioned and is so far a good choice for entry level wood working.