You still owe me $$ for being the subject matter.

But my photographer's fees outweighed (ahem) your modeling fees....

You charge a lot, don't you Mark?

Enough that I need to expand my workshop feetage.

Sorry, I did not realize that the unit could not be left in an [on] state then just activated by applying power when I suggested an X-10 solution.

And yes, it is one of the most "insulting to our intelligence" web pages ever made, but sometimes it is a really cheap solution to a remote on/off issue, but not in this case. Although, if you bypass the IR receiver as per the post you read, it should work. At least until you lose the little keychain sized remote.

Actually, why don't you get the electrician to wire it up so that it automatically turns on anytime a circuit dedicated to a powertool is turned on. There could even be a timer that leaves it on for x seconds after you turn the powertool off.

YES, this would be the solution you need to avoid all that undue exercise that walking all that distance to flip a switch.

A guy in a woodworking forum has had luck with a "lawn and Garden" remote that will handle the load, but it's got the same problem in that it switches power on to my DC, but then the "soft" buttons or remote is still needed.

On another topic Murph, did you ever buy that router? I'm still going back and forth and back and forth.

I have a Triton 2 1/4HP mounted in a Rockler table, and would like to get a second router for handheld and dovetail jig use.

I have been playing around with this purchase for 6 months now, and keep changing my mind (the stupidity of THAT is pi**ing me off!)

I can't help but wonder:

Frequently I see sites (stores) that help narrow your choices down to some final items for consideration. Does anyone know of a site that does this with routers?

For instance, there are 244 models available (probably not far off, which is why the "finder" would be helpful):

The questions could be:
*Do you intend to mount this in a table? (Now down to 118 choices)
*Do you need a 1/2" or 1/4" collet? (Now down to 56 choices)
*Do you want variable speed? (Now down to 22 choices)
*Do you like D-Handle style? (Now down to 4 choices)

Yadda, yadda, yadda..... eventually finding your way down to a single, few, or "best match" choices.

Anyone know of anything like that for routers? Coincidentally, I know several other people that are in the same exact situation, and find the number of choices dizzying.

I'll probably get a PC 690LRVS. If I don't , I'm gonna build that freakin' website! Well, pay someone to build it for me at least!

Yeah, honestly, if I remove it's "remote" capability and just wire a heavy 3-wire plug on it, all my options open up. That's probably what would need to happen. Then there are RF controlled "outlet" switches that would work.

The "auto on with tool on" thing won't work because I'll have tools on three different circuits when the electrician is done.

Your X10 solution still might be the best... with a little DC surgery on my part!

Of course, I think I posted above that JET now uses RF-remotes with their units. For all I know, I can just buy that as a part that will replace my infrared part perfectly?? (Probably $150!!)

Yes I did. I was playing with it last night as a matter of fact. I think I mentioned in my PM that my budget got shrunk so I had to scale back my list of higher end models. I ended up with this one.

Mastercraft Maximum Router

I normally shy away from Mastercraft tools but their Maximum lines are usually exceptionally good. It had reviews on several independent woodworking sights comparing it to much more expensive models like Porter Cable and Dewalt (Dewalt'scontractor grade line, not their new consumer line junk.)

Might not be the right choice for a daily user like yourself but I'm confident it will do my half dozen projects a year quiet nicely. Also with the 80 dollars off sale and my 79 dollars in Canadian Tire rebate coupons I've been hording for years, the price was too good to be true.

Daily user? HA! My router gets use once every few weeks... I don't get down there nearly as often as I'd like.

Sorry, I DO remember you telling me that you got that router. I guess I was just hoping you'd be the first patron of the website!

Patron or developer?

Hey, I just noticed that my new router fits all of your criteria, including both choices in all the 'either or' questions. Well, except the D-handle but I fall in the not liking those category. I'm even happier now.

Now if my wife would just settle on a design for the plant stands she demands be my first project, I could actually get to work.

Second project will be a nice storage box for my rather large chess pieces made from sand. I wonder if it should be waterproof in case the tide comes in....