New Skil 14a Router Review: SURPRISINGLY Good and Budget Friendly!
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- Опубликовано: 3 июл 2024
- What you know about them Skils? Skil 14a combo router that is. When looking for the best router for woodworking there are a lot of things to consider, but I personally think I may have found "the one". This is my review of the Skil 14a 2.5hp combo router, unboxing, and first impressions.
Spoiler: I'm REALLY impressed with it. I'm actually kind of shocked that a router of this quality, with the accessories it comes with, is available for the price that it is. And that's with this video NOT being sponsored by Skil (but if you're out there Skil, and this is an example of your tool quality, hit your boi up!).
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Skil 14a 2.5HP Combo Router: amzn.to/3fzCff0
Router centering cone: amzn.to/3uesPe2
Camera: amzn.to/3ywPR3c
Lights: amzn.to/2QNGA64
Patreon: / vontannin
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*DISCLAIMER* - all crafts can be dangerous, especially when tools are involved. ATTEMPT AT YOUR OWN RISK. Do not replicate anything you see in our content without first doing your own due diligence and research into proper safety techniques and procedures!
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Thanks much for the recommendation and great overview. Impressive design! Not only are the display and control buttons recessed, but the top air vent slots wrap around to the sides so when you set it on it's head it can still draw cooling air. Just ordered mine.
Thanks for the Skil router video. I am upgrading my Woodsmith tilting router table with this and an above the table mounting plate. My old Porter-Cable 3 1/2 inch wide routers will fit the mounting plate, but only 1 1/2 HP, this more powerful machine is what I needed. Great job in your review!
Thanks for the reassuring review. I have one on order and two days out. Glad to know what to expect.
You just combined two of my favorite things, woodworking and the Wheel of Time. I decided to purchase this router as soon as you mentioned the Seanchan; as you obviously have excellent tastes. You just earned a new subscriber. Keep up the awesome work!
Hahaha YES!
Am I the only one that’s a little terrified Amazon is going to ruin WoT with their series? Excited to see live action Aes Sedai and the like, terrified how commercial they’ll make it lol
I think Amazon has good intentions with the series. I'm just worried that some of the smaller storylines, like Bayle Domon's will get lost in the need to make it consumable for a live action audience. Those intertwining stories are what makes the WoT so special to me and I don't want to see them disappear.
Thank you for mentioning the 1/4 inch adapter. I purchased this as my first router along with an assortment of bits, which have a 1/4 inch shank, and thought I was going to have to purchase a different router or new bits. Thanks again.
Just got mine today and ready to start working with it. Thanks for the great video!!
Oh Man! I bought this today and now your video is in my suggested list. Great video! I bought because my other router was not compatible with the Skil router table I bought yesterday.
Nice video. Definitely earned my sub. Bought this one a while back and just now getting to use it today. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the video. It looks like a really good router. One thing to mention. If you do have a router with the 2 wrenches, you set them up so you only use one hand and squeeze them together. It doesn’t matter if you are tightening or loosening the. No smashed hands or fingers.
Donkey! Glad to see another vid from you, sir! Caught wind of your channel, and then you went a few months without an upload. No sweat either way (I'm sure vids are a ton of work). Love the good content and honest review.
Thanks Matt! I seem to do that right around wintertime. Starting to think there’s something to that...I either need to heat my shop or relocate haha
I bought this....hooking it up to the skill tabletop router. I am sooooooo effin excited
Nice review. Don't toss out the old one, I built a router table for my Delta table saw and put my Craftsman into that with a Jessem lift and works fantastic. Hope to see more videos my friend.
Agreed! If I don't end up keeping it for that exact reason I was planning on giving it to a buddy who's just starting out on his woodworking journey
I've had this router for a year now, and I can honestly say it has fulfilled all my needs. The two bases make it very user friendly. I have since mounted it into a JessEm Lift, fits perfectly. The programmed variable speed lets you set it up without a lot of guesswork. 5 Stars !!!
My ONE negative now is that I still prefer the in-column dust collection of the DeWalt
One doesn’t always have to “need” a new router. Plus having two keeps you from the need to rob your router from a fixed table. Nice vid.
All very valid points 😁
Thanks. Considering adding a router to my arsenal and this just might be the winner.
Awesome demonstration thanks bud
Great review. Informative. Brief. Humorous. Nice job. Just subscribed.
Just got mine on order along with the Skil 10" drill press
was already lookin at this tool and you sold me on it... plus WoT tats cool man
I recently got this router as my Porter Cable was bogging down when I was doing some plaining with a 1-1/2" bit. This router did not bog down at all. The down side was as I used the micro adjustment, the tab would not stay in the notch, and the router was not actually moving, and when it did, it made a huge jump. But overall, I am happy with it.
Bought one of these today. I had looked and looked and kept coming back to this router because of the value. Very impressed with the build quality out of the box. The lights are great and the display is pretty straightforward. One thing that I thought was kind of interesting is that some people were complaining that 1/2" shank bits wouldn't fit(???). Maybe they didn't know what they were doing.
Anyway, I was in the no-man's land between having a very nice trim router with a fixed/plunge base but only a 1/4" collet and a table-mounted Ridgid that came with my table but without the plunge base. Now I can cut about 40 1/2" mortises for my chair project. ...And thanks for noting the bushing compatibility.
Awesome Dennis! Glad I could help. So far I’m still in awe of the value for money with this…I feel like there’s something I missing, but I haven’t found what it is yet! 😁
Happy routing!
@@Craftswright Yeah, maybe I will find something wrong with it but I am optimistic. While I got you on the line, do you have any idea of what kinds of router insert plates would be compatible with the Skil that wouldn't require drilling new holes? My router table with my Ridgid has a custom plate made out of plexiglass so the screws were just drilled through that. Looking for off the shelf/plug and play plates.
Off the top of my head, no. But I’m also looking for something like that myself, so if i find something I’ll either let ya know or make a video about it!
@@Craftswright OK, I did some research and Rockler customer service says that this is compatible with the Skil 14A router:
Rockler Phenolic Router Plate B
Item #50007
Hope that helps. I am really tempted to set up a second router table on my table saw now! The above should at least give you/me an idea.
You're the man Dennis! I wonder which Incra mag log would be compatible then 🤔
In your face competition!!! Nice review amigo... I'm glad there's a router you don't have to pay your arms and legs to get it!!!! It's ridiculous how expensive other routers are....and definitely yes lm buying this one...thank you for your review bud... nice video...
Right on Victor, glad I could be of some help!
Thank you for the review.
I just bought one yesterday and I am professional woodworker/furniture maker/cabinet installer and have been for over 10 years. This router was really surprising with the quality and had great performance for a really small price point. It’s no festool but i liked it more than most Porter Cable routers that I’ve used!
When the video first opened I was wondering why Ben from Crimson Custom Guitars was reviewing Skil routers. Thanks for the review, it was helpful.
Thank you very much! I will buy it
All the things I like and dislike about this router. (1). Motor has a lot of power and the soft start is great. The LED lights (great). Dust collecting is OK. On Off switch is in a good place. The micro adjusting on the fixed base is very good. Easy to change router bits. 1/2" and 1/4" bits fit easy and tight. Electronic speed control works well and is easy to set after you have done it a few times. The base plate center hole would not except Porter Cable guide bushings. (had to take the bushing and install it in my drill press using a bolt and a couple of washers and using a file turn the bushing down a few thousands of a inch. ) They work great now. Also had to pull the spring boots down from the bottom of the router and put 3 & 1 oil on the rods. They were sticking right out of the box and the plunge was not releasing. After a few drops of oil they work great. Now for the one thing I don't think their is a fix for. The plunge router base will not let you adjust the router in a router table using a Allen wrench. The plunge columns bind up and will only let you move up or down more then a quarter inch. I think this is a great buy on a router for the price. It's much better then the Wen router. Would I purchase this router again. 110% yes.
The actual video seems almost like an ad with how positive it is. This criticism is great but I would love to see you be more critical in the beginning
Nice piece of kit.
Agreed!
My HF Compound Miter saw has a laser for cut alignment that turns on only when the blade is active. Well that's crazy cause you need it while you're positioning and clamping your piece. You need it on all the time. So first thing I did (well, after buying it a Marples blade...) was get a 12v rocker switch from an electronics store, and wired in my own switch for turning the laser on when I want it on. Would be cool to have that situation for the router too.
Almost bought this to add to my router assortment, but the screen and buttons make this a disposable tool. Love the LED light, power rating, and accessories included. If they made one with "analog" speed adjustments, EVEN AT THE SAME PRICE, I'd buy it. (This message is for Skil) As someone who rarely ever works in a workshop and is constantly loading and unloading my tools in my trailers, I know what's going to happen to the neat buttons and screen.
model rt1323, you spin a dial to set the speed. no screens :)
get the harbor freight hercules router, looks like the same exact router except cheaper, no led screen, comes with an extra baseplate for wide bits and is router table compatible, that is you can adjust it from the top of the table with an allen key 👍
@@idhatemet00 I appreciate the recommendation. For the time being I bought an old school Porter Cable from the 70's with barely any use (back when they were made in the U.S.) that will probably be around for a very long time.
@@joeydelgado6119 forsure and no problem. I ended up going with the hercules because being able to have a router that i could adjust from the top of the router table without having to buy or make a router lift was crucial to me. Also the included dust collection adapters were a plus. Anyways, I'm sure your router will last you many years to come, happy routing sir 👍
I have had mine for 6 months. Buying another setup soon so I do not have to switch out one for the table.
Pretty impressive router, dude! Fantastic review! 😃
I guess better than that only if it came with OpenTX firmware installed! 😂
(I'm just kidding, obviously - even more because it already comes programmed from factory!)
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
so much fun to watch your video! =D
Thanks for taking the time to review this router. Can you please tell me the diameter of the motor? I want to make sure it will fit in my router lift which takes a 3-1/2 diameter motor.
I got the Chicago electric plunge router for 74.00. It does a great job.
What would be cool is like a 3 position switch for Off - Lights on - Running
Agreed! The older I get the more I want lights EVERYWHERE haha
May be mentioned elsewhere here. Something I care about is does it have a port in the baseplate for tabletop height adjustment (can I depth adjust from the topside if this were mounted in a table). I looked at one in store and it appears you can - though it may be a different model than shown here. It does look like a very good value.
At 17:36 , just change the plate to solid Plexiglas with just the cutting hole and your vacuum will do the job.
The “dark pit of despair.”
😆😁
Donkey! Thanks for the review, I’m probably going to be picking one of these up.
Just bought one after seeing a vid on the skil router table
How are you liking it? Debating on going getting one right now
Your very entertaining and knowledgeable
Looks just like my Crapsman router I bought for $89 back in '07.
I've never got a Skil tool I regretting owning. Hoping that's an affiliate link because I will most likely get this soon based on your recommendation.
(18:20 ...Portland represent! lolz)
Most def. an affiliate link haha
I know they used to have a sterling reputation, especially for their circular saws, but I feel like they kind of fell out of relevancy with the rise of the big Japanese tool companies and brands like Ridgid, Ryobi, etc making a name for themselves.
Looks like I could be wrong about that or Skil is on the rise. Either way, I’m stoked on this tool and very open to trying more from Skil haha
For those in the midwest, Menards has this identical 14 amp model, and the 10amp smaller version, under their own brand labels as Masterforce(green) and Performax(grey). Ironically, their own brand costs more than the Skil. Though the 10amp one is a little cheaper.
I noticed the bases for this router look nearly identical to Harbor Freight's 12 amp Hercules set. They both look like a good deal considering their prices.
I plan on ordering this one thanks to your review, I was wondering how it's holding up after 2 years?
Thanks
Where can I find a different base plate that will hold a larger diameter bit? I can't even use a half inch round over bit in it as it comes.
Do you need any type lube on motor when changing bases?
Will it mount to the skil table?
I hate blow molded cases on pretty much any tool, at most I want a tool bag. They’re just premade landfill.
Wow that looks exactly like the harbor freight Hercules router. I mean down to the handles, the cam locks, everything.
Do you think the Herc would fit on a Skil router table? Thank you
Best router for buck is the Metabo HPT 36V cordless/and AC capable hybrid plunge router, super power, ergonomics and features and by being cordless offers so much more flexibility in the shop and the jobsite
Nice video
is the after year review done?
Is it compatible with the Skil router table ?
The Hercules is the same router but has a manual speed control and was on sale last week for 109 bucks.
So it would fit the Skil router table? I have a Herc. Because I'm slow and didn't do my due diligence I didn't realize Herc didn't make a table. They look identical. Thank you
What brand of guide bushings were you using that fit into the plunge baseplate? I've seen a lot of conflicting reports about whether Porter Cable style guide bushings fit this or not, but clearly yours fit ok.
If you hit that led settings section with a board or some other mishap rendering it useless, would the router still be fully functional? Great video all the same, I’ll be back!
So its 3/15/24 hows this router going? Its in my amazon cart but im hesitant to press the order button.
My question is, how deep can the this router plunge at one time. For example, cutting a 3/4 inch wide groove at 5/8 " depth. Is 5/8 too much? I really like this router, I need a plunge router, but this one is two in one...Sweeeet! Great video.
If Deadpool designed a router, it might look like this. Nice review. Very tempting…
all my bits are 1/4 inch is there an adapter??
Bought PC 890 kit a few years ago and the adjustment rack broke! Parts no longer in existence!! I'm not a machinist!!! Skill it is, thanks for the review, seems like an upgrade for less than I originally paid for PC. Motor was awesome but DC was horrible and plunge was not intuitive...I'm picky.
bought mine for 100 at woodcraft today! They have them onsite til the 31st
Red and Black.?! Yes.!! Just like in my hotrod days🤓😎.
That actually has nothing to do with my Decision on this or any other router, or power tools, corded or cordless.
This appears to be a complete kit.
can this be fit into a router table?
I didn't understand the part about using the clear base as a table plate. Doesn't the plate have to be bigger than the router base to do that? I have this router, can you explain or show me how to use those in a diy router table? TIA!
Is that plunge base for that router compatible for the RT1323-00 router model ?
The Skil router looks a lot like the Harbor Freight router.
The only thing that concerns me about this router is a long term issue with computer controls and such. How long will that hold up and under what conditions is it volatile? And if it fails is the router a door stop?
I agree, its a lot easier to find a replacement potentiometer than a logic board. thx for upload
That looks suspiciously like the Performax kit I got from Menards. (I don't have the LCD, just a knob, but nearly everything else matches) I know Menards has oem'ed their higher end store brand from Chervon (who own Skil), I wonder if they selectively oem some of the Performax stuff to them too.
I have no experience with Menards but based on the Chervon correlation I would think you're on to something!
Harbor Freight also sells almost exactly the same router (without LCD).
What's the diameter of the rods on the edge guide?
I bought one but I find the plunge base is very stiff it doesn't slide square it pulls to one side when I'm trying to use it in a table that I made
Does anyone know if a Harbor Freight Hercules router would be compatible with the Skil router table. I heard the two routers were virtually identical. Im hoping it does work or I bought the wrong router. Herc does NOT make a routet table... Have no idea why! If anyone knows I would appreciate it.
“DONKEY” And, I absolutely loved the little 5th element gif🤣🤣🤣
Does the router accept Porter Cable style bushings?
Yes!
It's the EXACT same router and bases I bought from Sears (Craftsman) 10 years ago. The only difference is the digital read out, and the adjuster on the fixed base. That's good because the adjuster on my fixed base clogs with sawdust and keeps the adjuster from being usable and also keeps the router from being removed from the base. Mine has lasted a long time, but I wouldn't buy it again.
Oh, and there you go and show the Craftsman.
Seems like it’s based off a solid and proven design, just with a few upgrades. I still can’t believe it’s the price that it is though 😳
I use only the craftsman brand and is a copy cat of it but with the digital speed reader for now a day dummies lol
I have this one in the Craftsman version. Same digital readout. Unfortunately the electronics failed so even though the machine turns on, it shows a red light and doesn’t spin.
They’re were notorious for the electrical failure. I wonder if Skil changed some of the electrical components.
Was great. Too bad. It even has the base with Allen key to raise the bit from above on the router table. Even the more expensive yellow and black lacks that feature. That is a deal breaker for me, especially those ridiculous prices.
Fortunately I have another Craftsman router that is fixed and not digital. Don’t need to worry about electronics.
masterforce makes a good one too. same company.
Any word on an after 1 year or 2 video? I'd love to see if you like this router still.
SOLD!
I just unboxed mine and cannot find the 1/4" collet insert. I have watched several unboxing videos and nobody addresses the dual function (1/4" and 1/2") collet. Did you find the 1/4" insert and where was it packaged? I called Skil and they're sending me one, but I find it odd that I couldn't find it.
I should have addressed that in my video: so the router comes with the 1/4” collet/adapter already in it, you have to pull it out to use 1/2” bits. Hope that helps!
where did u buy those gold router base collar attachments at?
Harbor freight sells them
Definitely right about bits ... No point buying a more expensive router if you're not going to be able to afford good bits after that.
Preach it!
So it’s been a while since this video have you liked the product after using it some more?
Yes! I still think it's an amazing value and I really love the LED light. HOWEVER.....lately I've been more concerned about dust collection and frankly, on this machine, it's terrible. I'd probably go with the DeWalt router kit with in-column dust collection if I had to do it again.
It might be worth buying just for the accessories. I wonder if it works on the Bosch and Portable? Bosch owns Skill, so they might be inter-compatible. The Bosch fixed base is great as a router lift because the adjuster is keyed on from the bottom. I am almost certain your Craftsman Professional router is a Bosch rebrand. Would it be too much to ask if you could check if the accessories and bases are compatible with your Craftsman?
I can double check but off the top of my head I know that the Bosch/Porter Cable style guide bushings won’t work on the old Craftsman because I had to fabricate a mounting to use those a while back. I can check on the other bits though!
@@Craftswright There's two styles of bushings: a screw on style used by Porter Cable and a locking detent style used by Bosch. Bosch also makes an adapter so you can use the Porter Cable screw on style, which us also used on your new Skil.
@@Craftswright You're Craftsman Professional router is the Bosch router. I am certain it's the same by looking at the plunge base. The only difference is the red black instead of blue black color ways. It uses the Bosch style locking detent style bushings. You could've purchased the Bosch bushing adapter for it, but you may be able to just use it with new Skill base, allowing you to use the same screw on bushings.
So from what I gathered Chervon Holdings bought the Skil brand from Bosch in 2016. They’re the same company that makes Ego tools. But I do wonder if the design carried over with the brand sale 🤔
So reading the reviews on Amazon people were complaining about the collet not being a full 1/2 inch. Got anything to say on that?
Nothing wrong with mine, I think most people don’t realize you have to take out the 1/4” insert to us the 1/2”
@@Craftswright why should I read the instructions
The digital controls kinda irk me. In dusty hot settings, digital stuff generally doesn't do well. After your first month of use, any issues yet?
So far so good but I can definitely see your point and am curious myself how the hold up after 6 months, a year, etc.
My digital craftsman lasted about 2 years, but I barely used it in that time. I used it maybe 10 times at most (probably more like 5-7 times). Then one day I turned it on then off quickly to make an adjustment, but when I went to start it up again it gave a red light.
I even opened it up but too many electronics and I don’t know much about electronics. I was hoping to find a fuse to swap out. None that I’m aware of.
It’s sad because it’s a really good router. I need to try to figure it out, but I don’t think Sears will be helping me out.
Donkeyyy. I’d have to look at the the specs, but it looks almost identical to a craftsman router that I bought 7ish years ago except for the digital display. Even the way it mounts in the base(s) is the same. It has been a great tool. Is it possible it is a rebrand/update after craftsman was bought out?
From what I gather Skil was owned by Bosch for a bit then in 2016 the Skil brand was bought by Chervon Holdings, so the design could have carried over from the Bosch days
Yeah I just found that too. Interesting! It really looks like a clone of my craftsman.
It's a copy cat from Craftsman , exactly the same BUT now a day feature of the digital speed reader.
Craftsman also had the digital reader. I have one. The electronics fail though, and it hasn’t happened only to mine.
The pros and cons of modern electrical technology.
@@mavenfeliciano1710 Can't you have it fix at an electronic place?
I have this router (for the stuff you get it's a great deal) mine works great but I can't change the speeds at all I'm using a flattening ½"bit maybe 2-2½" width anyway, it's burning wood like crazy cause the rpms are at 25000. I'm cutting like a mm at a time .....
Maybe it's me lol it's a custom router sled doesn't slid very well maybe that's the problem .......idk.....
Ya got it free dude,you REALLY think were BUYING your viedo.😂😂😂😂😂
Yeah I want to spend your money on it to so just go ahead and send me one 😂. Also, I subscribed at the WoT reference
Eek, I love Skil. I'm not quite a fanboy, but I've started buying several tools from them recently because they're just such a dang good bang for the buck.
However, the screen and overcomplication really puts me off of this tool. I come from the tech world, and part of what I love about working with my hands is abandoning technology and solving problems without using a computer. Aside from the 'philosophical' reasons, all manner of tech has an incredibly predictable tendency to not work for dumb reasons due to over-complication. It looks like I'll be going with another company for my first router.
Skil, as others have said please make a model without this whole "smart tool" gimmick.
i am not coming over to borrow any of your tools anymore. (minute 8) ha ha
Just unpacked mine....no 1/4" collet/insert in the box? Anyone else have that issue? I will call Skil on Monday
Just got mine! Thanks great video for helping me set mine up. I liked an subscribed
Its a shame the LEDs don’t stay on after hitting the power. At least you could tap the power button to get some light, and then press the button to route, but the LEDs turn off right away. Send in Feedback. Based on what I am seeing on this router, they listened to somebody…..
Is it brushed or brushless?? Either way I'm sold 💯 nice review 👌
It's corded so it's brushed.
Cool review. Cool router. Nice Princess Bride reference...........................rj