Craftsman  12-amp, 2-hp Fixed Base Router with Soft Start Technology

I looked at one review regarding raised panel doors, I run 3"+ bit on my doors and set the speed to low while taking 3-4 passes. Works fine for me, like it so much I'm planning on using them for my cabinet door set up. Also used it to flush trim birch at 1 3/8" thick again worked fine. Like the work light and speed chart vs the Porta Cable, to Sears keep this tool keep putting it on sale. She's a beast and the sale price makes it worth buying several at a time if you work with them day in and day out. This is the quality that kept my old man comming back time and time again, this is old school Craftsman quality (just use it right).

Purchased this to replace an older model and expect it to work in my Sears router table. Apparently the base plates have changed slightly; I was able to make it work, but cannot access the lift adjustment. Will probably work fine if you buy the newer router table that is recommended for this router. Satisfied all other aspects of this little router. It was a good buy.

I purchased this to use with a Porter Cable dovetail jig (4210). It is the perfect size for this application; accepted the needed bushing guides and allows the precise depth of cut needed for dovetails. It is a nice mid-sized router. Being able to adjust the depth of cut from the top means I will use it in my router table later. I noticed some people had problems when using larger diameter router bits. My understanding is the 2.5"-3.5" diameter bits are designed for use in routers over 3 H.P.

Very pleased. Bought it with a coupon and on sale so it was less than $70 shipped. Used it to make countertops had no problem with a 3/4" trim bit with 1/2 shank cutting thru particle board and flushing up the build down. Not too sure about the clear plastic base plate yet, hope that lasts but dont use this too often.

I purchased this router 5 weeks ago because I planned to make a number of freehand routed wooden signs for a national scenic trail in my state. I finished the 5th sign today and I'm very happy with the results. The features I wanted for this work were: a clear subbase and built-in work lights, so I can see and follow the stencil transfers. This model has both and is ideal for the work. I took a router class and the instructor said he thought this model is made by Porter-Cable. For a beginner in the router game, this is a great value.

I really like the soft start and led lights. This router has all the power you'll need, and the base, and the base is very precise and easy to adjust.

I just bought this model in Sears last week. I hooked it up to my router table and had an overheating issue within 30 mins of use. After letting it cool off I attempted to use it again. In this attempt I smoked the motor and had to return it. I'm growing very disappointed in the Craftsman name on power tools.

I bought this router, after smoking 2 others, that were less powerful. I had a used Craftsman 6.5 amp, and a new Craftsman 9.5 amp that smoked within minutes of use. This router rocks! Plenty of power with nice features to boot. I am impressed and would highly recommend.

Had a "beginner" Craftsman router/table combo and the router finally wore out after many projects. Was always kicking myself on the original router about lack a 1/2 colet and plunge capability - now I knew what to look for. Choice came down to this router and an equally priced, buy 1/4 less hp, plunge router. Questionable if the plunge router could be mounted on the table to work in a fixed capacity - reviews said no, but had appropriate placed screws on the baseplate. Since I use a table more than plunge, went with the fixed base. Plus, I found a safe way to "plunge" with a fixed base - drill a pilot hole just larger than the bit with the excess in the waste area.

Enought of the decision logic - how does it work? GREAT! Love the slow start bringing up to speed limited by the variable setting where the old one was instant on full single speed for all materials. also like the fine tuning adjustment - which the plunge lacked.  However, proof was in the cutting. The the old one died I was in the middle building drawers, of ripping a groove on popular where the floor would be inserted into the sides. Whith the half done rip as a guide, setting the depth to match was a cinch and with the same bit, the cut was far smoother.