Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - New Router

I am a novice woodworker,just small household project, and am looking to get my first router. I see differnt types and brands. I guess my first question is what type (fixed or plunge), do I need a table ( I see that some come with a special table). Next what brands will offer a quality product for a reasonable price. Looking to spend around $150. Is this reasonable.

Plaease help.

Thnaks in advance

You should be able to get a good router for that money. I've got 2, a 20 yr old craftsman I bought new for $40? and a harbor freight plunge router $60 about 2 yr ago.

A plunge router is a nice feature but I still like my old craftsman - not as heavy, easier to handle. While a router table would definetly be nice, I've gotten by without one for a long time - I clamp the router upside down to my table saw or bench.

Your router choice and the necessary accessories will depend on what you want kind of projetcs you want to do.

There are all kinds of routers , I have everything from a laminate trimmer to a 4 hp plunge router and several in between.

Personally, I like Makita and Porter Cable brands,but thats just me.

Make sure you get a router with enough power to perform the intended task or you will risk burning it out. Read the specs carefully. Check web sites

And don't use cheap router bits - they are not worth it

I want to cut trim as well as scoll curved cuts in wood. I was looking at a porter cable combo.

Also what type of tips would work the best for scrolling curved cuts in wood, to make cicles as well as other non linear shapes.

I think a combo kit (fixed and plunge bases) is a good choice for the first router.

If i want to be able to cut differt shapes in wood, like s-patterns what would be a good bit to get.

Are you thinking of cutting grooves in the wood freehand?
Routers have a lot of power and work best if you either use a template/fence or a bit with a bearing on the outside edge.

I purchased the
Craftsman 2 hp Soft Start Fixed and Plunge Base Router w/Electronic Feedback, 11 amp

How important is it to get a router table or can I get by without one.

A lot depends on what/how you use your router for. I'm sure a table would be nice to have but I've always clamped my router upside down and use the roller bearing on the bit to help guide the piece being routed. Occasionally I've rigged up a fence to facilitate routing multiple pieces.

Basically a router table can make the job easier but you don't have to have one.

A table is nice when you're working on things that are small or unstable, but you can get by without it most of the time.

The easiest way to find out if you need a router table is simple. Build one, yep, simply build one yourself. Search the web for designs to get some ideas. Then if you use it or never use it will answer your own question, and it gives you some practice at making such things as cabinets, drawers, rabbits, dados, etc. all depending on the final design you choose.