Reddit reviews PORTER-CABLE Router, Fixed Base, 5-Speed, 3-1/4-HP (7518)

Hey OP depending on how much cash you got/What you want to make I can recommend you get this router here.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484624879&sr=1-1&keywords=bosch+router

It has sufficient power to handle most bits and has a super convenient height adjustment that can be used over the table with a hex key. It also comes with two bases (plunge and fixed) so you can just yank it out whenever you need it and not have to unscrew it.

Now if you want something that will handle anything you throw at it you can get one of those 3 1/4 HP monsters which will handle every massive 3 1/2 inch raised panel bits with ease.

Some good routers are:

https://www.amazon.com/Triton-TRA001-Precision-Plunge-Router/dp/B00779ND0Q/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625229&sr=1-4&keywords=triton+router

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7518-Speedmatic-5-Speed-Router/dp/B0000222V3/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625371&sr=1-1&keywords=porter+cable+3+hp

OR if you got the cash you can buy Festools best router:

https://www.amazon.com/Festool-574354-EB-Router-2200-Watts/dp/B0079XHISS/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484625654&sr=1-2&keywords=festool+router

As far as insert plates are concerned Kreg makes the for several routers our you can get them from the manufactures of the router themselves.

I don't know if this one blows the budget at around $300 for you, but my router table router is the Porter Cable 7518. Plenty of power, and adjustable speed so you can use wider bits (panel cutting, etc) at lower speeds. You can also buy this tool as motor only for use in a lift.

it will depend on what your thinking about doing. are you going to dedicate it to the table? answer these questions first.

generally people use a router table for work that would be dangerous if done by hand or requires very large cutter or cannot be done off the edge via a roller bearing.

making millwork for doors or windows, raised panel doors, stick and cope cabinet door construction, pattern routing...

I would start with the router table I wanted first? then work back to the motor/size brand that fits your budget.

your going to get all kinds of answers from /r/woodworking on tool brands. it's like a religious type of thing with most people.

Hitachi, Dewalt, Porter Cable all make very nice routers. my jess em table has a larger porter cable and it has run thousands and thousands of linear feet of material.
this one, it used to be the largest router they made. I don't know if that is true anymore but for a router table, go big.

http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7518-Speedmatic-5-Speed-Router/dp/B0000222V3

although I have only really been buying festool stuff for the last 3 or so years and would never go back to the other brands, but I know that is not an option for everybody and some like to just hate the festool stuff because it's very expensive. For me the $ is not an obstacle and they are the best production quality machines out there.

once again I'm a heavy user, as close to prosumer wood worker as you can get and have been doing it for a long long time.

edit:
also put one of these on your table router if you can

http://www.amazon.com/MuscleChuck-Camless-Change-2-Inch-Porter/dp/B00AO717HE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_8?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Z8N9WHXD921CHNBPEDP

makes changing bits super easy, no more busted knuckles. I think white side also has something like this?

this has been a great unit

When people are referring to the "industry standard " Porter cable routers, they are refering to the speedmatic line which are over $300. Those $100 routers do not have anywhere near the functionality of the festool.

Your point still stands though, the Speedmatics are still like half the price of a Festool 1400. Although I don't think the porter cable routers are easily obtainable in Europe, so it becomes a moot point for OP.