Jack,

As for router favorites in a table, Porter Cable's 3hp models are the ones I use. Soft start, variable speed, the meat to carry any bit you will ever need, and a solid tradesman reputation for dependability.

I buy virtually all my tools at pawn shops. A friend of mine owns a shop and I hit his place every two weeks or so. I typically buy brand new stuff (can't imagine how it gets there) and walk away having laid down something around 60% of the lowest street price from Amazon.

With normal preventative maintenance, I use 'em till they blow up. If it's an expensive tool I have it fixed (within reason) otherwise I give it to one of the young worker dudes in my neighborhood and go get a new one.

I do, however, still have a trusty Makita 4x24 belt sander that I bought new in 1980. That sucker rocks and only needs occasional brushes, bearings and a rare graphite friction pad.

Don't hassle with cheesy tools unless you like to revisit your aggravation as a therapy mode.

Chris Ostlind