Harbor Freight: Hiding Something?

[@mavision6525]

Ive used the Hercules router daily for last six months. Im satisfied with it and I've had no problems at all.

[@stlwoodworking]

Yeah I have been using it since the video and so far so good.

[@stevesiefken6432]

Turns out they are both copies of the old school craftsman router. I have an old 1 3/4 HP craftsman and it is totally compatible with both Herc bases. Herc router fits in the craftsman fixed base. I don’t have a plunge base for the craftsman. Edge guides, collets, dust guards, etc are all interchangeable. I’ve seen people say the same about the Skil router too. I really like the Herc. That thing is a beast!

[@stlwoodworking]

It really is. I have been using it for a while and have had no issues with it at all.

[@ourtube4266]

I was at Menards and saw another brand that looked very similar. Can’t remember which but it was not a major tool brand and I remember thinking that they were probably made in the same factory.

[@stlwoodworking]

That would not surprise me at all

[@jasondufrene7463]

Glad I watched this video. The Hercules is on sale for $85 with the plunger and fixed base.

[@stlwoodworking]

Very nice. I would pick it up. Can't beat that price.

[@jimhuitt9854]

I used to work at well known home appliance company and we made a lot of appliances for other companies. The only difference was in the parts. We used inferior parts such as plastic bearings.

[@stlwoodworking]

Would be interesting to see what is inside of each of these for sure. If I took them apart, I would need 2 new routers lol

[@olliespackmate9260]

Hello, was curious about the storage system holding your tracks on your garage door.

[@stlwoodworking]

This is what I use amzn.to/3Q3GsKT I have 2 sets and they are great.

[@olliespackmate9260]

@@stlwoodworking thank you ! New sub

[@stlwoodworking]

@@olliespackmate9260 Thank you!

[@francoisg3009]

They both look identical to my old 15 years Cratman router. Definitively pattent that expired and now every low end brand use them. Which is a good thing!

[@paulheitkemper1559]

which was a Bosch. Which bought (and recently sold) Skil.

[@3800scgp]

Yeah, really close to the Craftsman I have too. Would be nice if I could use the fixed base from one of these, so I could leave one in my router table.

[@stlwoodworking]

True because this is actually a great router.

[@stlwoodworking]

If you were close to Rome I would say come get one of them lol

[@stevesiefken6432]

@@3800scgp I have an old old school Craftsman and the Herc router. The Craftsman motor fits in both Herc bases and the Herc motor fits in the Craftsman bases. Collets are also interchangeable as are the dust ports, edge guides, etc. Even the plastic/acrylic base plates are the same size, screw patterns and are interchangeable.

[@JavierAguilar-xi8dh]

Despite the appearance, they may still be different internally. One thing HF plunge router, and table router are notorious for wiggle under medium pressure. If you are looking for precision better use the fixed base.

[@stlwoodworking]

True. So far so good. I have used them both with neither outperforming the other ..... Yet lol

[@njhw4990]

Thanks for the video! how do you like it so far? I really like it that comes with a second plate for larger bits! also looks like the motor is different the Hercules is listed as a 12A and the Skil at 14A same RPM though.

[@stlwoodworking]

It's good and yes just a little difference. I have the Skil dedicated to my slab flattening jig.

[@jaredanderson2009]

Does this fit the standard porter cable router lifts?

[@stlwoodworking]

I am not sure. As long as the lift is for a big router and not a palm then I would think it would as long as the plate holes line up.

[@Leonitus485]

It’s just branding. They’re made in the same exact warehouse. The ones on the right get branded skil and painted red. The ones on the left get branded Hercules and painted blueish.

[@stlwoodworking]

Yeah I though it was very interesting,.

[@jeffvoght1632]

Sir, do you think that a Hercules router would fit on a Skil router table? Herc does not make a table which I think is short-sighted. I'm holding off buying a Skil table because I'm not sure if it will work... Any thoughts. Thank you.

[@jamespedersen8938]

One video I saw on the Hercules pointed out that you can adjust the height with an Allen wrench through the baseplate if it is mounted in a router table. Look for a hole opposite the adjustment knob. Does the Skill have the same?

[@stlwoodworking]

I do not see one on either of them but don't hold me to that lol

[@k.d.8924]

I would bet money they are made in the same factory

[@stlwoodworking]

I believe you are correct.

[@ns_racing]

Both made by Chervon

[@MrCheezeus]

lol this is the second video I've seen like this, the other was icon and snap on , but yeah it looks like harbor freight is coming for everyone's lunch by having mfr's make the same tools for them.

[@stlwoodworking]

Looks that way. It works out good for me and at the perfect time too.

[@jtp1389]

This wasn't a good video.

[@stlwoodworking]

Well thanks for watching it anyway 😀