Reply by Stewbot

I know a lot of people would advise you to go with a plunge router because its more versatile than a palm router, and can do everything a palm router can as well, but if this is not your end all router purchase then I would recommend the Bosch colt palm. It small but has a lot of zip to it. I paid $80 for mine, but i believe it was a sale price. I think that plunge routers (with strong motors) can be a little intimidating at first if you have not used a router before. If you dont operate a plunge properly, it can jump away from you. A palm router can as well, but is easier to hold onto. I will always use my palm router even while owning a plunge router. I think they just feel nice in your hands, you can see the bit very well, and are just nice to work with. (although not advised, and im not recommending this, im just saying…you can plunge a palm router into your work, but you dont just drop it in there, you ease it in from an angle). Even if one day you do end up with a plunge router as well, i bet you’ll still reach for your palm for some quick round-overs etc. (assuming no table). Regardless of what you get, if this is your first router, im very excited for you. They really are a great tool to own. Its one of those tools where once you own it, you wonder how you ever got along without it.

-- Hoopty scoop?