Fein RT-1800 3-1/4 HP 6-Speed Plunge Router | 
| Brand: Fein
Category: Home Improvement
This item is no longer available
Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 55538
Media: Tools & Hardware
Shipping Weight (lbs): 12
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 11.5 x 12.5
Model: RT-1800
UPC: 663695100037
EAN: 0663695100037
ASIN: B00004U5WX
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| Features:
| • | Powerful and strong motor for smooth cuts at any RPM | | • | Lightweight for easy of use | | • | 6 speeds to match any bit size with material being cut | | • | Quick change spindle | | • | Wide base opening for all bits |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
While there are plenty of solid and reliable plunge routers on the market, there are few that work as smoothly and quietly as this model from Fein. Featuring a soft-start motor that eliminates start-up torque and twisting, six speeds, and electronic feedback control, it's capable of producing great results in a wide variety of materials. The trigger is well placed in the grip, so turning the router on and off can be accomplished without trying to hold it with one hand, and the grips are nicely contoured to the hand and a little larger than those of most other routers. While it can be mounted to a table, this router is designed with plunge routing in mind, and the control it offers for freehand work is really unbeatable. Everything about this router is well thought out, from the easy-to-reach placement of the plunge lever and trigger to the precision of the height adjustment. For many people, the reduced noise level and added degree of control may not be worth the bigger price tag, but for more-discriminating tool buyers the Fein is worth the expense. --Brian Trinen
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| Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
 nice to use, expensive to repair January 17, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
this router runs smoothly and the handle mounted switch makes it easy and convenient to use for handheld routing. Plunge action is smooth also. The included height adjustment knob is small and difficult to turn if you want to use this router with a router table.
I got one of these for making some cabinet doors. I used it on miscellaneous projects (routing dadoes and other stuff, for which it worked fine) before getting around to making the kitchen cabinet doors. It worked fine for cutting the rail and stile parts of the doors. However, while I was routing the first pass on one of the panels, the router stopped suddenly and would not work again. A repair shop told me that the speed control switch had failed and a new one would cost $180 with another $45 to install. Because these routers are from Europe, parts are very expensive. This router had hardly been used, but was out of warranty. Needless to say, I did not have it fixed, but am shopping for another brand.
The bottom line - it is a nice router, but not necessarily reliable.
 The best but way over priced. August 23, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I tried this router and I will say it reminds me of the original Dewalt DW625 back when it was made in Switzerland the best and most balanced router even made.
But I must say not only this is over priced when you consider adding the collet for 30.00-40 a template for 33.00 a guide for 60,00 height adjustment for 21.00 you're in for way too much.
For that kind of money I would go with the New DW625 and a Hitachi M12v and still have cash left.or a 1619 and a M12v.
Fein needs to get greedy marketing strategy together and add the necessary things like collet and template and height adjustment to this package. After all everyone else includes those.
 $$$$ April 15, 2006
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
I bought this from amazon for $225 two years ago. It is a good router, but the Milwaukee or Bosch are just as good (I have all three) for a lot less money.
Nice router, but worth the money? February 1, 2004
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I've owned several routers over the years. The Fein has a lot going for it--a great on-off switch, clearly the quietest of the 3+ hp routers, and relatively lightweight.
The only problem I have had with this router is that the screws that hold the plate used to hold the bit down during tightening keep coming loose. They usually drop out during routing--NOT good. Once one drops out, if you don't notice and try to tighten the collet, it can break the plate, and you are up for a new one (it happened to me). I finally stuck a couple of lock washers on it so I won't have this problem again. I hope Fein takes notice. Having a screw drop next to your bit during operation is not cool!
With that caveat--is it worth the extra money? Well, I'm not so sure anymore. Anyway, the price fluctuates, and if you see it below $300, I'd bite. I'm leaning slightly towards my big Dewalt after years of use, because of durability issues. The plunge mechanism on the Dewalt is as smooth as the day I bought it, while Fein's is getting sticky. And that collet holder has now broken twice on the Fein; it seems to be made of cast aluminum, but two breakages of the same part--not a good sign. Still, I love the Fein. I mean, you just cannot believe how little vibration you feel on this thing; it's just in a class of its own. Feels like driving a Ferrari. Not that I have ever driven a Ferrari...but, I did get to drive a Fein!
The BEST plunge router, hands down. November 8, 2003
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
Turn it on, run it for hours on the router table and shut it down at the end of the day. This is a serious production-quality machine. Go ahead, just TRY to bog it down, nothing phases this brute. Depth djustments are simple and repeatable. The Fein is quiet and powerful, it doesn't scream at deafening pitch like most of the other 3+HP routers out there (a HUGE plus if you have to listen to it all day). Available accessories are pricey, I would have liked to see them included with the standard kit so I have to give this router 4 stars, otherwise it's a dream to use and holds up to the test of time.
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