Buying a router - what collet size?

grumpy_codger

I worked with a router, but not much and don't have my own. Decided to buy it at last and now see the variety of collet sizes - 1/4", 1/2", 3/8" - not to mention metric ones ...
For Makita RP0900X/2 Amazon says 1/4" or 3/8", but Screwfix says 1/4". How come? I can imagine 3/8 with an adaptor for 1/4, but not vice versa.
So, is it worth going for 1/2" and rely on adapters if needed? What bit size is most common?

Also, any recommendations are welcome. It must come with a case. I don't care much about the price, but I don't anticipate using it a lot to justify paying through the nose for overpriced Dewalt. 

The first job is joining laminated worktops with rounded edge (I'll buy or borrow a jig for this).

EssexExile

To add to the confusion the Makita site gives sizes in mm!

Section62

grumpy_codger said:

...

The first job is joining laminated worktops with rounded edge (I'll buy or borrow a jig for this).

This is where I would start the decision-making process.  To do worktops you need the right bits, which can be expensive.  For rare DIY use you might want to go with a budget set like these....

https://www.toolstation.com/kitchen-fitters-router-bit-set/p23229

...in which case you've made the decision to go with a 1/2" collet.  (TBH even if you find 1/4" worktop bits at a sensible price I'd be skeptical if they would be up to routing worktop full-depth with sufficient accuracy).

With worktop jigs you'll also need to have a guide bush of the correct size - one often comes with routers, but not necessarily of the correct size for the jig you have.  So choice of router make/model may depend on being able to obtain the right guide bush at a sensible price.

In my youth I made the mistake of buying a cheap router kit from B&Q which had an odd metric-size collet, with the right bits almost unavailable.  A cheap router is fine, they don't need many advanced features for DIY use, but it needs to be cheap and using standard-size accessories.

hareng

grumpy_codger said:

For Makita RP0900X/2 Amazon says 1/4" or 3/8", but Screwfix says 1/4". How come? I can imagine 3/8 with an adaptor for 1/4, but not vice versa.

I don't care much about the price, but I don't anticipate using it a lot to justify paying through the nose for overpriced Dewalt. 

The first job is joining laminated worktops with rounded edge (I'll buy or borrow a jig for this).

Maybe Amazon is selling with the Imperial collets, theyre usually not wrong.

https://www.makitauk.com/product/763637-1.html

Secondly it will be cheaper and a puka job if get local supplier to cut to length and do two joints with fixings, that alone is the price of a decent jig.

grumpy_codger

hareng said:

grumpy_codger said:

For Makita RP0900X/2 Amazon says 1/4" or 3/8", but Screwfix says 1/4". How come? I can imagine 3/8 with an adaptor for 1/4, but not vice versa.

I don't care much about the price, but I don't anticipate using it a lot to justify paying through the nose for overpriced Dewalt. 

The first job is joining laminated worktops with rounded edge (I'll buy or borrow a jig for this).

...

Secondly it will be cheaper and a puka job if get local supplier to cut to length and do two joints with fixings, that alone is the price of a decent jig.

I know, but I'm a keen (and experienced) DIYer and would rather spend extra on a tool and learn something new. Also, this works only if the walls are perfectly square that I'm not sure about.

Section62

grumpy_codger said:

hareng said:

grumpy_codger said:

For Makita RP0900X/2 Amazon says 1/4" or 3/8", but Screwfix says 1/4". How come? I can imagine 3/8 with an adaptor for 1/4, but not vice versa.

I don't care much about the price, but I don't anticipate using it a lot to justify paying through the nose for overpriced Dewalt. 

The first job is joining laminated worktops with rounded edge (I'll buy or borrow a jig for this).

...

Secondly it will be cheaper and a puka job if get local supplier to cut to length and do two joints with fixings, that alone is the price of a decent jig.

I know, but I'm a keen (and experienced) DIYer and would rather spend extra on a tool and learn something new. Also, this works only if the walls are perfectly square that I'm not sure about.

Practice on some offcuts, or the old worktop being removed, before attempting the real thing.

Walls are rarely square, even on newbuilds.  The worktop needs to be scribed in to fit properly.  Money spent on the expert gives you their experience of how to get the best fit.

rob7475

It depends what you want to use it for really. I have a 1/2" one which is great for larger stuff but I wouldn't want to use it for any detail work as the unit is quite bulkyt. It's fine for worktops etc. though.

If I wanted to do any sort of detailed work, I'd buy a 1/4" one as they tend to be smaller, lighter and can be controlled single handed.