Customer Reviews for Skil Factory Reconditioned Corded Electric 1-3/4 Horse Power Corded Fixed Base Router Kit

I was looking for a router that was commensurate with my needs and budget and found this well within my price range and am discovering that is is adequate for my specific needs at this time. it was easily attached to a particle board shelf -with- some very minor modifications, for example, tapping the screw holes to accomodate slightly larger screws, as a makeshift router table conversion, which is shown in the photograph. when using quarter inch shanks, you may want to take several little bites as opposed to taking a large bite all at once, as the bit -can- throw itself up from the collar even when very tight. aside from, and even including this, user error will probably be the source of most difficulties. it functions quite nicely...and watch your fingers. yes, i still have all ten. i hope it lasts through my present project, but would even consider buying an identical backup at this price. i just can't justify -me- buying a $300 version at this time. if it breaks down during my present project, i'll cry about it in private. enjoy you have to buy bits...$$$ there are some useful start-up bit sets. i'd recommend starting with straight bits to get used to it. if you're en expert, you probably already have a more expensive router with expensive bits, so, this may not apply to you.

Worked great for a few weeks then started cutting out and spring for locking in place to put in bits.

I just got my Skil router a few days ago and was eager to practice some. The router was.ready to use straight from the box. No hunting for assembly parts etc. I especially like the LED lights. They make seeing your cut very easy. However, I need to upgrade my learning curve on locking in the bit depth. I thought I had it tight, but it tended to drift down as I worked. A little bit of study should solve the problem. Powerful enough for my home jobs as an amateur woodworker.

The Skil 1817 is a 1/2 inch router with a 1/4 inch adapter. It is quite easy to use and is powerful enough to tackle all but the hardest routing jobs. It may take a little bit of fussing with all of the adjustments to find out what is really adjustable. But an intermediate do it your selfer like me can scope out all adjustments fairly easily. The owners manual could be better written and more comprehensive but the router is recommended for all but the most advanced woodworkers.

Brought this a month ago when I needed a router with a 1'/2" collect router being short on cash it was the least amount of money but has preformed well the handels are comfortable andd the Led task light is a nice feture

I like the fact that this is a 1/2 collet router. It is easy to use and the soft start is really nice. It came pretty quickly and everything was there. I was routing within 20 mins of getting it home. You can't beat the price.

NOT AS DESCRIBED: This router is an excellent value but does not have the variable speed as described by Home Depot. The online listing's specifications say: "Variable Speed Yes", but it is a lie. Other than the disappointment at receiving a lesser quality router, it is still an excellent value. The reconditioned router shows no signs of previous use. The 1/4" collet adapter was installed in the router and the instruction manual and wrench are included. If you don't need the variable speed, I would recommend this router.

This is my first router. Reading the manual and watching some Youtube videos really made this fun to use. I've routed edges of shelves and cut grooves to mount book shelf features.

read some of the other reviews, said that the fine adjuster knob moved while working...found no evidence of this with the unit i got.matter of fact, once locked the knob didn't budge..great little router for a reconditioned tool..the price was right on for $45.. good power,soft starting motor..handles 1/2 inch shank bit with no problems..chip guard is nice and clear and the base glides along the workpiece nicely...motor lock for the bit change is a little awkward, but not bad...HAPPY CAMPER !!!!

Although refurbished, this router looked new coming out of the box. Haven't used it yet, but looking forward to my first project. Has a nice feel, from rubberized grips to beefy collet and other mechanicals. One thing to note: this is labeled as a 1/2 collet, all the way down to the placard on the machine. But it's 1/4. Be sure to buy the right bits!

router starts slow but revs up and works well. I don't know if this is normal or it is still defective

bought this because it accepts 1/2 inch router bits....and i was in the middle of a project and didnt have 200 dollars for a high end router....this machine has surprised me in that it has power is smooth and handles my cabinet raised panel bits ...will buy another

For the last 6 week ends I have used it for everything from round-overs to dove tails and it has handle everything great. Easy to set-up.

I used my "brand X" for many years so I was comfortable using it. (There is little room for error with ANY router) With my new 1817 it was only a matter of a couple of cuts and boom, back in the "groove".

got for my husband he loves this thing and it works great