Is there a plunge router with good dust collection and a work light?

Do your homework. Use the search function on your computer. Why would you rely on the opinions of complete strangers?

-- Phil Allin - There are mountain climbers and people who talk about climbing mountains. The climbers have "selfies" at the summit!

Festool! So great they actually do the work for you:)

-- Lifting one end of the plank.

In my opinion, all routers throw chips everywhere. I have had several different brands and all about the same.

Always good to do a search on things but nothing wrong with asking opinions.

For the most part I agree with what Phil is saying. I would suggest looking here first. Members often offer better, fuller, reviews than any magazine.

https://www.lumberjocks.com/search_results?cx=017914489645407774653%3Agwwk-zif3wk&cof=FORID%3A9&safe=high&q=excellent+dust+collection+for+a+plunge+router&sa.x=12&sa.y=11

For your question to be answered you really need to ask a more streamlined question. Something that includes trim router, mid size or full size? Do you want a specific brand? Handheld use only, or in a router table? Basically the more info you give, the better the answers will be.

For my part, in a router table application I’ve not seen better dust collection them my Keen add on. https://www.lumberjocks.com/reviews/2703

For lighting, stationary tool, hand tool, or in general I am a believer the best is great shop light to begin with, and supplemental light from a source nearby, that puts the light on the work, and not in my eye. I find lit tools tend to be looking as much at my eyes, than the work, so they aren’t so good, but everyone is different?

-- Think safe, be safe

The plunge base on the Dewalt 618 has pretty good dust collection, at least from my limited use of it. Significantly better than any other router I’ve used – although I’ve not tried (and don’t plan on trying) the Festool :)

Doesn’t have a light though.

Cheers,
Brad

-- Brad in FL - In Dog I trust... everything else is questionable

Do your homework. Use the search function on your computer. Why would you rely on the opinions of complete strangers?

- Phil32

Because Google didn’t turn up one and I am asking a question about facts that people on this site might have at their fingertips. Not opinions.

Do your homework. Use the search function on your computer. Why would you rely on the opinions of complete strangers?

- Phil32

Because Google didn t turn up one and I am asking a question about facts that people on this site might have at their fingertips. Not opinions.

- HarveyDunn

Forums disappear because of google. Appropriate response. :)

-- Darrel

Do your homework. Use the search function on your computer. Why would you rely on the opinions of complete strangers?

- Phil32

Because Google didn t turn up one and I am asking a question about facts that people on this site might have at their fingertips. Not opinions.

- HarveyDunn

Yes if we just asked google then everyone’s here experience would be completely unnecessary and we could abandon LJ’s.
Heck, that’s what this forum is for. The question was a good one. Wish I had an answer. My Bosch has dust collection but I’ve never used it. I don’t think I have a light. The last router I had with a light was a craftsman from 1975! There must be some though.

-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful.

No light, but I’m a fan of the DeWalt 621. smooth plunge, plenty of power, and better than average dust collection. I own two of them.

My DW621 is my favorite router and better than my PC890

I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a router with a light. As for dust collection, it is an after thought on most routers. I’m reading along to see what folks suggest.

BTW – I agree that forums are for sharing ideas, experiences, and information. Heck, if Phil doesn’t want to give his thoughts, then he can move on to other postings. No need to throw shade on his way out.

-- Earl "I'm a pessamist - generally that increases the chance that things will turn out better than expected"

Pretty sure what you seek doesn’t exist.

Routers with lites exist: An old craftsman and the Ridgid 2hp. They aren’t plunge though.

Plunge routers with lites exist: DeWalt 611 and Bosch Colt, but they don’t take 1/2” bits. And no dust collection.

A plunge router with lites and 1/2” capability is also out there : Makita’s 3-1/2 h.p. beast. But, it doesn’t have dust collection. There is an add on hood or oneida’s clever dust base that could be used , But, reviews on their effectiveness are mixed at best.

Micro-Fence makes a lite ring for their plunge base , but it’s , um, micro and no dust collection either.

Pretty sure what you seek doesn’t exist.

- xedos

Kind of what I was thinking…..

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

Thank you all.

DeWalt 621 has gone onto my Christmas list.

Looking for a plunge router with good dust collection and work light, 1/2” collet.

- HarveyDunn

The Bosch MRP23EVS meets your needs, the only downside is that the dust collection is an accessory, which they make you pay for separately. I have the router (without DC) and it is a great router, and the light makes it even better. I have not added the DC, so I don’t know if it is worth the extra money.