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When it comes to buying power tools that I know we won't use very regularly, I always opt for Black & Decker. They are always competitively priced, usually towards the bottom end of the market, but work well and fit the needs of a DIY enthusiast.
The Black & Decker KW900EKA plunge router is no exception, and so far it hasn't let us down. Our motivation for getting a router in the first place was to be able to finish off wooden projects and structural work that we were undertaking for a DIY publication. Having photographed a specialist using a router to bevel the edges of a wooden deck, we realized that it would help us create items with a much more professional finish. Subsequently we have used the router not only to bevel the edge of railings and similar structures, but also to cut recessed grooves and housings, and to make rebates. We have found it incredibly useful when cutting the wood before fitting hinges.
The Black & Decker KW900EKA 1200 watt router is supplied in a kit box together with six router bits and three collets that will suit all bit shanks that are smaller than about half an inch (12 mm). In fact there are 11 accessories in all, including a template guide, an edge guide, a copy follower, a distance plate that is invaluable when it comes to trimming off bits of wood that stick out, and a spanner.
The voltage of the machine is 230 V and it has a variable speed, which gives the control needed to prevent the router from burning the material that is being shaped. The no load speed is 8,000 to 28,000 rpm and it has a plunge depth of two inches (or 55 mm) which is quite adequate for most DIY jobs. Its maximum cutting diameter is also quite acceptable at 1