Does SKIL make good tools now?

[@MakewithJake]

Go follow me on INSTAGRAM for a chance to win $100! instagram.com/make_with_jake/

[@MikeGusFifteen]

I got this kit on sale last year at Lowes for $100. It's absolutely worth it at that price, soft start, very adjustable, quality bases, no vibrations. I was legitimately very surprised by its quality. This, coming from someone who before refused to buy skil after some bad purchases in the early 2000s.

[@MakewithJake]

Totally agree! I was hesitant, but it seems great so far

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

Some people like you aren't to bright oh well God bless

[@AJF4Me]

That last coarse adjustment lock (5:03) is for when it's mounted in a router table so that the bit will rise up through the 3/4" router table top. I have their table and router kit and it's excellent! My Porter Cable router recently died and I didn't want to spend a fortune because I don't use the router that often so I'm very happy with this Skil kit.

[@MakewithJake]

awesome, thanks for watching!

[@Woodified]

Best line...."I was worried it would look like a 4 year old engraved it with a crayon...but it's more like 5-6 year old", LOL

[@MakewithJake]

Haha, thank you! That was off the cuff too!

[@SUBtrauma]

Skil makes a lot of good tools. They've shot for the budget market with the huge surge in POWERFUL battery operated tools.. but I've used 20-30 year old SKIL tools on jobsites as long as I've been a carpenter.. It's like saying "does Kleenex actually make good tissues??" People often still call circular saws "skil saws"

[@whizzywoodworks5011]

I’ve had this about 10 months. It’s holding up well. Handled everything I’ve thrown at it. Great video!

[@MakewithJake]

Awesome! My goal will be to beat it up really good. Thanks for watching!

[@rodpotts2666]

I bought the same kit last Christmas at woodcraft for under 100 bucks. And it’s still running strong. And I did not know that the fixed base had that depth adjustment on the bottom. Thanks for the video.

[@MakewithJake]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@Woodcraft716]

Sweet unboxing. I've never tried freehand routering. Yours came out great. Looking forward to you full blown review.

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks!! Definitely keep an eye out, probably a year or so to go...

[@bigrich6750]

I think I might have that same Craftsman router. Bought it in the ‘80s and it’s still going strong.

[@mdavid7149]

I would describe it exactly the same. I have only SKIL PWRcore 20 tools and they're exactly what you said. But they certainly do have more power than you would ever expect from the old Bosch branded tools

[@MarriedManWoodworking]

I like the digital display and wonder how that will hold up over the years. The feature allowing adjustment from underneath so you don't need a fancy router lift if you use it in a router table is awesome. Nice work on your sign. When you get a chance, can you make a box project video and release it on December 15? :)

[@GregsWorkshopOregon]

I was thinking the same thing. Might he worth the gamble though.

[@MakewithJake]

Well, my truck has a giant screen too. So I hope they both last for many, many, years. lol. Ill see what I can do about that box video, that date is coming up quick!

[@bradleydude7505]

Thanks for letting us hear it working!

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching!

[@justinfaure1261]

Honestly this kit seems like a killer option with some good versatility. I’ve been wanting to invest more into my routing as I only have a fixed base palm router that’s good, but I’ve been in some real sketchy situations with that thing that a plunge base could help make it much safer. But with the included fixed base you can have the fixed base permanently inserted into a homemade router table and with the accessible depth change from the base you essentially have a router lift. So this kit seems to check all kinds of boxes for me!

[@MakewithJake]

those are my thoughts exactly! Ive got a few projects coming up , so hopefully I can beat it up a little more and work on a review video. but so far, so good!

[@MakerBeach]

I have the great grandfather of this router. It looks identical except I don't have the sweet DRO on top. Mine is branded Craftsman Professional and was purchased at a Sears! I've never had an issue with it. The soft start is great and so is the LED lighting at the bit!

[@MakewithJake]

And it also walks with a cane. I get it. Keep moving grandpa! Digital LCD is the future! (hopefully, unless this cheap tool breaks...then...oh well...)

[@MakerBeach]

@@MakewithJake LOL! Actually it did come with a third pistol grip style base but I've never been able to get it to work. It sure looks cool.

[@luke-guitarist]

I really like mine! The lights that illuminate the workpiece is fantastic! I can actually see what I am doing for once! A little fine tuning from out of the box and it is great

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching!

[@shrimpinpat]

Only complaint is the lights don't have their own switch and only work when the tool is running but other than that solid

[@mackenziemill]

Nice informative video, great camera angles and editing. I appreciate

[@MakewithJake]

Thank you!

[@rickowen6181]

I have one and am very pleased. The only issue is when using 1/4” shanked bits be sure to very snugly tighten the bit holder. It will slip if you don’t.

[@MakewithJake]

always good to double check that, for sure!

[@dannymeil3294]

Cool thanks I will keep my eye peeled for it to go on sale hopefully Black Friday or Christmas 🎅

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomaslamora1679]

this is great - simple, straightforward, informative and entertaining.

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks so much!

[@smolscale]

I have the identical older craftsman version from 10 yrs ago (non lcd) but it has a removable power cable. Seriously my favorite feature on it. Wish they transferred that over to the Skil. It has fallen off of my french cleat wall before and it didn't even break

[@carloscaballero7312]

Just got mine from Amazon I like the looks of it so far, I've got a solid door project coming up we'll see how it does.

[@MakewithJake]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@joshuagrafton8781]

I got the exact identical one about 10 years ago but only difference was the name of Craftsman model 320.50429. And it has been abused but still an amazing Digital Router. Only issue I have had over the years is the plastic dust port shoot got knocked off the cover plate.

[@MakewithJake]

Wild! I just looked that one up and man...it is literally exactly the same, just not as red! Its pretty crazy how these machines just change names/brands over the years.

[@joshuagrafton8781]

@@MakewithJake I agree. But it has been a great Router. Only complaint is the way I use it. I keep that one in my router table as I have others to move around with but when I change bits and woods I have to take it off the change the settings on the digital screen. A quick speed dial would be easier but would have to calculate the speed myself. So win some loss some. 😂

[@mtbikerdan]

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.

[@MakewithJake]

Sorry im so late on getting back with you, Ill try to get this measured up. If you shoot me an email, that would be best, since these comments get lost.

[@jeffcurrey8765]

HP to $$ value is why I bought it, but the plethora of features was a pleasant surprise. My biggest complaint is that there are no standard pattern guides that fit, and SKIL doesn't provide them. This is a major concern until some after-market supplier makes something that they'll asx $50 for.

[@angryginger791]

I'm looking for a router and trying to decide between this one and the 10amp that comes with the table. I got the Skil table saw a few weeks ago and I'm very happy with it so far. For new woodworker on a budget, it's pretty hard to beat these values.

[@MakewithJake]

Absolutely. seems like a great tool so far!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

You need to have kids because your dad jokes are legit! Haha, great tool review man. I look forward to seeing how you like it after working with it for a year or so.

[@MakewithJake]

Since I don't have kids, does that make me a faux-pa?

[@jked7463]

I bought a skill sawzall 20 years ago. Within 5 uses the switch broke. I returned it for another. I am still using the second one 20 years later.

[@MakewithJake]

That is definitely a common thing with cheap tools. Some last a day, some last a lifetime.

[@ch0g0nda1]

I bought this kit a little over two years ago. No real complaints apart from the plunge base being pretty sloppy.

[@MakewithJake]

Yeah, seems durable, but it is not a Festool. that is for sure.

[@zanshelby03]

Beautiful guitar, what is it? Oh and great review...thanks

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching! I have a Gibson Les Paul (that I built from a kit) and Squire Strat. (and a washburn acoustic.) (and some more guitars....I have a problem....)

[@BlakePizzey]

Very interesting! I have the Rigid version and the router is almost toast. It's got to have a shot bearing or something. Also the plunge base isn't that smooth. Might need to upgrade soon and this looks like an affordable option. Keep the router in my lift 99% of the time.

[@MakewithJake]

Thats a bummer! Im not sure if the SKIL will last longer than the Rigid or not. I would typically put the Rigid in a slightly higher class of tool, but after holding the SKIL, it does seem similar in feel to the RIGID. But only time will tell. They had to save money somewhere....

[@FowlersFarmhouseMore]

I don't even have a router in my shop this definitely looks like an investment I could make

[@MakewithJake]

It definitely seems cool. Can't wait to see what it's really made of!

[@TheTallWoodworker]

Nice video! I'm definitely considering getting one of these. Can you tell me how tall the main Router is without either of the bases? Just trying to see how it compares to my current router in my router table

[@BassadorWoodworking]

Great video! I'm pretty impressed with the router at that price point!

[@MakewithJake]

It seems like a great deal! Hopefully I can give it full thumbs up after I get a few hours on it.

[@claudeelliott3993]

Noticed absolutely no dust being thrown around during your test run. Dust collection seems to work better than most.

[@MakewithJake]

Dust collection on this guy works great! Thanks for watching!

[@klwarhouse]

This router is VERY similar to the $100 Hercules router. I have been very pleased with it.

[@MakewithJake]

Awesome!

[@MightySawdust]

Good review, definitely curious on how it'll handle the beating I'm assuming it's going to get. I'm about to give me cordless dewalt router a run for it's money, oh and I found my plunge base I got for it , finally started using it. Along with the dust collection options..

[@MakewithJake]

awesome! thanks for watching!

[@buildlife]

Who needs a CNC! Using your own SKIL is the WRITE ROUTE!

[@MakewithJake]

You're officially banned from this channel. No one makes dumb puns here but me! Now git! 😂

[@buildlife]

@@MakewithJake #CANCELLED

[@MakewithJake]

@@buildlife 😂

[@themeat5053]

Yes

[@ashokmoghe8035]

Hey Jake, that is a great video. Showing all pluses and minuses as first impressions. Do you have any update review videos? I am thinking of pulling the trigger on this one with the father's day discount and wondering if there are any updates since you now have 6 months to put it to test. Appreciate your feedback and already a subscriber. Keep up the great videos coming.

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching! So far, its been a great tool. No issues so far!

[@WoodworkingYouTubers]

Added to December playlist.

[@MakewithJake]

Thank you!

[@calvinatdrifterstudio8438]

I love it!!!

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching! Unknown stranger!

[@CMDPromptify]

Very cool! I'm in the market as a brand new router user. Cost is an issue, however I am not opposed to waiting and getting something better if that means I won't have to wrestle with any quirks, or if a better tool will allow me a higher ceiling for growth as I become accustomed to its use. What do you think? Would you recommend this for a beginner? Do you have other suggestions? Thanks!

[@MakewithJake]

I have no complaints with this router so far. I still think its a great value, and will last you a long time.

[@hallenw]

Perhaps that last notch is for using it upside down in the router table? Read the instructions to find out.

[@MakewithJake]

Hmm, you could be right! thanks for watching!

[@peteg4526]

Yup. I attached mine to a router table (homemade) and the last stop is 100% useful. I have the 1323-00 router but it’s the same except for the fancy digital readout. I’m loving this router in my new table.

[@frrapp2366]

to everyone out there i recently purchased this unit i want to get some guide bushings for it but am getting mixed signals on what type to get any suggestions from current owners!!!!

[@MakewithJake]

The harbor freight bushings fit...sorta. They are a bit tall which limits the depth you can cut, but otherwise, they do fit.

[@frrapp2366]

@@MakewithJake thanks jake what i was needing to know, i do have a grinder so guess i could shorten one if needed thanks again

[@kevinosterude7239]

Looks like a good kit. One potential issue if you mount this in a router table wouldn’t it be difficult to adjust the speed?

[@MakewithJake]

Hmm, definity a good point. I use an older craftsman in my router table

[@kevinosterude7239]

@@MakewithJake I have that same craftsman router that I plan on making a router table for. Just picked up a Dewalt DW618PBK kit at a pawn shop new in the box for $130 for hand use.

[@RLLWoodworks]

Superb as usual Jake! Several funnies in here. So should I subscribe and like? Your instructions weren't very clear 😉

[@MakewithJake]

Well, like and then subscribe. its important you do it in the correct order.

[@4321Woodworking]

I just got that same router a month back or so and so far like it for the one thing I used it on. How did the dust collection work, I didn't use that and really wish I had as I made a mess.

[@MakewithJake]

The dust collection worked great! I cant wait to try it out on some bigger, more sawdust intensive projects.

[@world.shaker]

What are your thoughts on the fixed based version + router table combo that's on sale right now? Good value, or pass?

[@MakewithJake]

I can't speak too much to it. But I think the router that kit comes with is the smaller 10 amp version. Unsure if it is speed adjustable, but I know it doesn't have the LCD. I personally see more uses for the plunge base and fixed base combo. Hope that kinda helps! Thanks for watching!

[@stevesiefken6432]

Does it accept Porter Cable style bushings?

[@MakewithJake]

Unsure, I used the Harbor Frieght ones....which I think are porter cable style? but not 100% sure.

[@douglashaner6802]

Do you still like this setup? I dont do woodworking professionally or even for friends so this seems about right for me.

[@carlosivangomez8465]

Good afternoon, how about the Skil-RT1322-00 router?

[@MakewithJake]

I believe that is the slightly smaller router, without the plunge base? I have not used it, but if it is as nice as this one, then you cant go wrong!

[@shrimpinpat]

I just grabbed for 100 from woodcraft on sale til 31st oct 2023

[@shrimpinpat]

I have a triton 3 1/4 hp plunge router in a table needed something for free hand stuff

[@joelethalcruz4417]

That thing lasted a month on framing houses tried to cut 3/4 plywood and it crapped out on me

[@MakewithJake]

Good to know! But I am not sure I would recommend this tool for a pro on a job site anyways. definitely a home use tool.

[@michaelwhitfield609]

Great job. What bit did you use on that sign sir

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelwhitfield609]

@@MakewithJake I meant to ask what bit did you use. Typo

[@Griffinwoodworks]

So how’s this holding up? I was considering the Bosch with the plunge and fixed bases that’s on sale right now and came across this one for $50 less. The digital display looks cool, but concerns me the most.

[@MakewithJake]

So far, so good! Depending on how often you use it, I might consider the extra $50 towards the Bosch a good investment. Not because I have had any issues with the Skil, but $50 is getting into that ballpark where buying a tool with a known quality is worth it. Of course, if you only plan to use this router a few times a year...save the $50 and go skil everytime! Good luck!

[@kyeongjoonhan2677]

What is between trash and treasure?

[@MakewithJake]

Tools that get the job done. No more, no less. Thanks for watching!

[@shinobitree5711]

Don't sell yourself short! It's at least 10 year old craftsmanship!

[@MakewithJake]

Awe, thank you! I suppose I was fairly tall for a 10 year old...

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

In all honesty, you're comparing $150 router to a Festool, Dewalt and Bosch routers that are eazy, at the minimum, twice the price of the Skil! You can't compare those to this.

[@vinnythevaper6675]

Not even going to watch this video as Skil sucks...regardless what you say in the video or any other video. If you have nothing better to compare it to, then you won't know the difference.

[@MakewithJake]

Thanks for commenting!