Lee,
I'm a high school woodshop teacher and part time boat builder. I believe the best deal on an average size router is the Porter Cable 690 with the two different bases. One is just a fixed base that lets you adjust the depth by screwing the router in/out of the base. The other is a plunge base, allowing you to preset various depths and "plunge" to that preset depth.

On the other hand I bought 6 Ryobi routers a few years back for my class. My thought was to have all the routers available with different bits already in place preventing the kids from causing potential damage while changing bits. The other instructor thought I was crazy to buy such "cheap" equipment (59.99 each). We have had NO problems with these units and it was a great investment.

Evaluate your need/useage and buy accordingly!

Lance

: I never professed to be a craftsman but the time has come to get a router,
: any recomendations for those who only have one?