We have tested Craftsman’s new digital woodworking router (model 27669), and it left us with a fairy positive impression. The RPM recommendation function was a little wasted on us, but we can see how it would benefit beginners not yet familiar with how to match up router speeds with bit sizes.
Digital Controls
The router has a built-in library that offers speed recommendations in case you’re not sure which setting to use. Working through the library speed settings is absolutely painless and takes just a moment. First, you match up the shape of your bit to a very limited selection of bit styles. Then, you set the diameter of your router bit. While doing this, you will see the recommended RPM settings change accordingly.
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Next, you set the material type that you will be working with – hardwood, softwood, or plastics. After this step, the RPMs are set to one of 6 settings, with both the setting number and RPMs displayed on the LCD screen for reference.
There is of course a manual override as well. Without pressing the “set” button at the top of the spindle, simply press + or – to adjust the RPM setting. You can manually fine tune the spindle’s speed from 10,000 to 25,000 RPM, with a total 11 speed settings.
What We Liked
- Solid construction
- Quick and easy plunge depth settings and micro-adjust
- Soft-start motor
- Comes with edge guide and vacuum adapter
- Consistent power and performance
- Easy straight-in, straight-out spindle removal for bit changes
- Spindle lock, meaning that only one wrench is needed for bit changes
- Printed RPM guide at top of spindle
- Digital speed readout with 11 manual speed settings
What Needs Improvement
- Plastic chip deflector keeps popping off
- Power switch in a slightly awkward place
- Sub-base opening is too narrow to fit larger bits**
- No fixed-base kit option
**Update: as mentioned by Joe in the comments, an optional add-on sub-base kit is available, and includes sub-bases with a range of opening widths.
Summary
In the end, we were impressed by the router’s solid performance and neat feature set. Beginners will appreciate the speed recommendations, and intermediate users will appreciate the router’s digital speed readout. Pressing either the + or – button to change speeds is also a lot easier than rotating a tiny knob.
The $130 retail price seems a bit high for a one-base consumer kit, but it’s a great buy when on sale for $100. The router comes with an edge guide, vacuum adapter, and both 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets. There is also a depth adjustment wrench, but we do not recommend that you use a plunge router base with a router table.
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Buy Now(via Sears)
Thank you to Craftsman for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.
Benjamen Johnson
“Sub-base opening is too narrow to fit larger bits”
Isn’t this true on most routers? It’s a conundrum. You want to keep the opening as small as possible yet fit the largest number of bits.
Joe
The sub base opening was designed to fit bushings you may already own from Porter Cable (and other brands) in order to save folks money and not require they re-purchase bushings to fit their new router as with many other manufacturers trying to maximize a sale. Craftsman sells a 6 piece sub base kit with larger and smaller openings so you can match the size of the bit to the opening so you can keep the opening as small as possible while fitting larger (and smaller) bits. 64183 is the model # in the US and 70008 in Canada. Largest base opening is 3″ and smallest is 3/4″. Fixed base set is also available.
Stuart
You’re right, that is true. But generally I have found that the opening is too large for straight cutters anyway, no matter what. In this case I tried to put in a seemingly standard bit, maybe a 3/4″ x 1/2″ shank cove bit, and it was a no-go. The width of the base opening is about 1-3/8″, which is pretty darn narrow
I cannot reach my Craftsman/relabeled Bosch router at the moment, but I know that its base offers wider clearance. A not-so-quick google shows that the base opening is 3-5/16″ wide. During a quick project, when the digital router failed to accommodate the cove bit, I switched to my Craftsman/Bosch and it worked perfectly.
Benjamen Johnson
You said 1-3/8″? Ahhh, I bet they sized it so the router could use Porter-Cable guide bushings.
fred
I’ve seen folks comment, making light of others for their desire for precise language when describing this or that. Recently I saw some comments about “try squares” with the notion about who cares if it is a “try” or “tri” as long as it functions. Well in this case – we are talking about router “bases” and “sub-bases” in the same breath – although they are a bit distinct. It is the sub-base (typically a piece of plastic) that mates with guide collars – and is sized to the Porter Cable or other standard (like Bosch’s) opening (as suggested by Benjamin Johnson). Since the sub-base is typically affixed to the base with 3 or more machine screws – it is not a difficult chore to remove it and craft an alternative sub-base with a larger opening , a different size (e.g. for more stability) or different shape (e.g. to work with a jig) – So what you need to look at is the opening in the base – as well as the sub-base.
Joe
Why doesn’t the video show the router in operation, you know, shaping wood?
Stuart
Fred, you’re absolutely right. I was specifically referring to the screwed-on plastic sub-base. Also, the manual mentions a 1-1/4″ opening, which is a hair smaller than what I measured. There’s no mention of compatibility with PC or other collar/bushing standards. And you’re right about it not being difficult to swap sub-bases.
Joe, quite frankly, I did not think that there would be any added value in showing the router in action. Once you set the speed and turn it on, its operation is fairly straightforward. If there’s something specific you would like to see, let me know and I’ll see what I can do. The router is due to be passed off to a colleague next week for second opinion/validation before being donated.
Bill
This is the second video review of this router that complains about the looseness of the chip deflector shield. I have this router and it is a simple matter to take a Philips head screwdriver and tighten the deflector down until it doesn’t move
Luis Téllez
I have a Crftsman digital Router 320.50429, but in this moment not work, turn on a red ligth in display.
can you help me
Stuart
Unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done at this point.
J Daily
Is the router shot if the display turns from blue to red?
Stuart
What does the user manual say? I donated this review sample years ago and don’t know what a red display color indicates.
Jayar Daily
Thanks, No mention in the user manual.
RODNEY CHISHOLM
I am having the same problem. I have only used this brand new router twice. As I was using it today it just stopped and a red led light started to flash. I thought maybe it overheated. Let it rest and tried again. LCD display turns on fine when plugged in. Toggle the switch to on after about 10 seconds display starts blinking red. Motor never starts
Stuart
I’m sorry, I don’t know what to advise. This tool has been off the market for a while, and Craftsman changed ownership.
RODNEY CHISHOLM
Can this be repaired
Don
I have the same problem. ised it out of box for about 10 minutes. ran great. Then it won’t work. turn on switch and after few seconds display flshes red. Manual doesn’t mention anything about flashing red.
Rodney Chisholm
Got no help from Craftsman. I bypassed the complete circuit board/ LCD and speed control by wiring power directly to the switch and the brushes. I now have a on off router at full speed.