Freud FT1700VCEK 2-1/4 Horsepower Variable Speed Fixed Base Router | 
| Brand: Freud
Category: Home Improvement
List Price: $336.00
Buy New: $149.99
You Save: $186.01 (55%)
New (5) from $149.99
Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 19472
Media: Tools & Hardware
Shipping Weight (lbs): 14.3
Dimensions (in): 16.2 x 14.2 x 6.8
Model: FT1700VCEK
UPC: 008925043768
EAN: 0008925043768
ASIN: B000BVB1MO
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 2-1/4-horsepower fixed base router; above-table adjustable to 1/128-inch increments; 13-amp motor | | • | Electronic variable speed control (8,000-23,000 rpm); auto spindle lock for one-handed changes | | • | Plastic and steel construction | | • | Includes router, vacuum attachment, collet wrench, height adjustment knot | | • | 1-year warranty |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
If you're looking for a do-it-all router, then look no further. The Freud FT1700 is the perfect combination of power and versatility; it can handle virtually all of your routing jobs from simple edge shaping and wood joinery, to cutting raised panels and trimming laminates. This fixed-based tool has a 13-amp, 2-1/4-horsepower, variable-speed motor that operates between 8,000 and 23,000 rpm. And because it's an electronic motor, it starts softly and then slowly ramps up to full speed, thus eliminating any wrist-wrenching torque. The FT1700 is compact and comfortable enough for freehand routing, yet it's powerful enough to be used in a router table. It features a convenient above-the-table height adjustment mechanism that permits micro-adjustments as small as 1/128 inch. The Freud FT1700 comes with a dust-vac attachment, collet wrench, height adjustment knob and instructional booklet. This is an excellent all-round router at a very competitive price. -- Joseph Truini
Product Description
Freud's combo router package is loaded with convenient features, including both plunge and fixed bases for optimum routing versatility. Bit changes above the table are simple with the extended spindle shaft and locking feature. With above-table micro-adjustment, as well as the standard micro-adjust knob on the motor housing, you'll be able to hit exact measurements for precise cuts and well-fit joinery. Ergonomic handles rotate to 8 positions to suit your angle of approach and routing height. To power it all, the 13 amp motor provides plenty of muscle, with variable speed from 10,000-23,000 RPM and features soft-start for safety and durability. Includes carrying case.
Features:
* Includes 2 bases, one fixed base and one plunge base.
* Includes 1/4" and 1/2" collets and above table height adjustment knob.
* Above-table micro-adjustability accurate to 1/128" increments for quick, easy, and precise adjustments (fixed base only).
* Extended spindle shaft with through-base locking feature for fast, easy, bit changes above the table (fixed base only).
* Powerful 13 amp motor for extreme strength and durability.
* 10,000-23,000 RPM with soft-start for reduced start up torque.
* Unique ergonomic design for better balance and control when cutting.
* Sealed electronic regulator and power switch for superior protection from dust and debris.
Specifications:
* Amps: 13
* Volts: 120
* Watts: 1500
* RPM Range: 10,000 - 23,000
* Speed Controls: Electronic Soft Start
* Collet Diameter: 1/4" & 1/2"
* Plunge Capacity: 2-1/2"
* Fixed Base Diameter: 6"
* Plunge Base Diameter: 6"
* Weight: 7.5 lbs
FT1760 Plunge Base:
* Designed for use with the FT1700 2-1/4HP Variable Speed Router.
* Includes 3 position depth stop turret for fast settings and repetitive cuts.
* External spindle lock lever allows for one handed bit changes.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 disappointment February 11, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
purchased for mounting in a table--my mistake. at 2.25hp, it is underpowered for that use. overall, the tool seems cheap--terrible switch, imprecise fit to base causes difficulty in depth changes, above the table feature misleads you into thinking this tool is ok in a table. and, the adjustments are only possible by reaching under the table and helping the lift both up and down. removing the motor from the base is nearly impossible after it has been used, as it gums up the already too tight tolerances--tried "opening up" the cast base to no avail. mineral spirits followed by silicone spray works briefly. do not try to use a panel raising bit (my bad, again). did fine on sticks and copes and it seemed to work ok for about two panels, then the motor slowed erratically, followed by a lot of smoke--not from burning wood, from burning motor. toast. admittedly, i abused it, but even for small work in keeping with its design intent, i disliked and regretted buying the router from the start. cant say i regret its demise. will be buying the correct 3.5hp milwaukee. already have a 2.25 milwaukee and love it. all said, though, the price was attractive, at least.
 Excellent router January 10, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Delivery took just two days for free super saving.
This one has so many nice features that make woodworking a fun.
Bit can be changed above the table. Just push up the bit and lock it with auto lock. Because of extended spindle shaft with auto lock, I've never changed router bit this easy. Also height ajustments are a snap....easily done with one hand. I can do either way, just turn the adjustment knob or use above the table adjustment knob that provided. It starts real soft and runs very very quiet even in 20k rpm.
I found two cons though very minor. It doesn't have a light. And the location of screw holes for table mount are different than those of 3-1/4 HP Freud router. So I had to make two more holes in my router table plate.
Freud FT1700VCEK 2-1/4 Horsepower Variable Speed Fixed Base Router November 28, 2007
I bought this specifically for a router table so the ability to change bits without a big hassle & adjust the depth & lock from the top without the need for a separate router lift (VERY expensive) was the main features I was interested in this. The built-in variable speed control is just a bonus. The fact I found one on Amazon for such a deal was even better! The power switch is a bit weird, but I plan to mount a safety power switch to the table so it will not be used other than to make sure it is locked on. As mentioned in another review, I too noticed the above table lock release did not tighten sufficient to hold, but tech support told me to lightly tighten the hex screw on the outter lock & it took care of that. I am looking forward to using this more after I get the table totally done.
 Router Table Use July 29, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The Freud FT1700 router is great for use in a router table. The ability to change bits without removing the router is a definite plus. Two options are available - either using the special adjusting tool above the table or actually looseing the router lock and raising it from below.
Disappointingly poor quality, broken too soon! May 23, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
It has been 6 months since I mounted it in my table saw extension. Despite only occassional use the RPMs vary wildly with loading and it seems to have lost some significant power. I am sending it to Freud for repair. Although changing cutters from above the table is nice, all the raising and lowering of the motor is done from beneath the table. I have found it easier to adjust the precise cutter height by reaching under the table as the adjusting hole plugs with sawdust almost immediately. In addition, the height adjustment is very crudely executed with tremendous play between the base and the motor which shifts when the crude locking lever is engaged. These combine to undermine any pretense at precision. For a company that makes such precise blades and cutters I had expected a much higher standard of execution.
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