Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - What type of routers

I went to the local hardware store to look at routers. There are a lot of features now, even on the most basic. I need an education in what to look for, what to stay away from, etc, etc.

I know I need a plunge router, but that's about it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Luthar28,

You may eventually end up with two routers, a plunge and a fixed base for a table. Check out the Porter Cable combo - has two bases, fixed and plunge. I think the model is 691, not positive.
Shop around for the best price, maybe even online at amazon.com

fred

The current cream of the crop has soft-start and variable speed as a minimum. You'll want to start with a mid-size 2HP router and maybe graduate to a 3HP on a table.

The DW621 is top choice in a mid plunger (and the one to have in a one-router-only setup). I have this and recommend it.
The top plunge/fixed combo honors go to the Bosch-1617evspk.
DeWalt is soon to realease their combo in the DW618pk:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006JKXE/qid=1031753936/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-2532812-4913718?v=glance&s=home-garden&n=507846

Check out www.patwarner.com and read on.

I recently purchased the PC 691 referenced in this thread. The combo of bases made it a great deal. A little weak for some applications so you may need to make several passes, but overall a good tool.