There's no tool like a router for edging, trimming or cutting, and there's nothing like a plunge router for accurate detailed scrolling or inlay work. Skil's new 2-1/4 horsepower combo router comes with interchangeable fixed and plunge bases (can plunge cut up to 2 inches when using the plunge base). The variable speed motor can perform all the functions needed in a home workshop or on the job site while drawing only 11 amps at full RPM. The 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch quick-change collets accept a wide range of bits and cutters. The Skil 1825's Micro-Fine Depth Adjustment makes bit depth adjustments fast, easy and accurate while the soft-grip handles are ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. The wide base opening allows for quick and easy bit changes plus the Built-in Work Light illuminates a pattern or an outline for more accurate cuts. Accepts Skil's 91018 18-Piece Carbide Router Bit Set as well as most other brands of 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch bits. Ideal for woodworkers, carpenters and cabinet makers. Applications: Use the Skil 1825 for making cabinets or shelves, decorative inlay work and for sink or fixture cuts in a wide range of countertop materials, as well as for mortising hinge plates or inlays, dovetailing cabinet drawers or edging counter tops.

Hybrid router with-interchangeable fixed and plunge bases

2 -horsepower, variable speed motor 8,000 to 25,000 RPM; micro-fine depth adjustment for precise cuts

Soft-Grip handles for comfort and control

Carrying Bag, router motor unit, 1/4-inch collet, 1/2-inch collet, collet wrench

2-year warranty

Average Customer Review: ( 30 customer reviews )
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Once I decided to actually sit down and read the directions and setup my workspace correctly, the router performed pretty darned well. I've done plunge routing and have had pretty good success. I've cut t-slots, stopped dados and done roundovers on a hand-held basis.

I've just finished building a router table had have the fixed-base mounted in the table. It's not so difficult adjusting the height while the router is mounted and getting the motor out is pretty safe although tedious. But the only issues I've had with this router have been due to my own inexperience/stupidity.

I got a dovetail jig for Father's Day and can't wait to start learning how to do these with the router.

The router is pretty light but the motor is powerful. Maybe some of the more expensive models have more features and more ergomic handles. Also, the little trigger lock switch is a bit difficult to get to stay in at times.

I'm looking to get a second router soon down the road as I get tired of swapping the motor in and out of the router table. I might get one of the Bosch plunge/fixed combos...but then again, I might just get two more 1825s for the same price so I can have a second freehand for general routing and one for dovetailing. If you're not doing woodwork more than on the weekends...give this puppy a looksie! :)

25 of 28 found the following review helpful:

Great value with some quirksJul 26, 2004
By David LeVine "Toy Maker"
Okay, I knew this was a bargain basement priced router, my best guess was about 1 to 1 1/2 HP usable and otherwise a good "cheapie" as a beater.

I was right. The 1/2 to 1/4 adapter had VERY sharp edges and stuck badly. A little 800 grit paper and a scraper and the burrs were gone. Now the adapter works really well.

The controls leave a bit to be desired. Some of the indicators are a bad joke. The instructions are minimalistic (to be polite).

On the other hand, the variable speed seems to work over even a wider range than advertised, I have yet to use the router hard enough to stall it.

The base plate is amazing. It takes the same bolt circle as my Craftsman and has both 3 hole (10-32) and 4 hole patterns. I am still waiting for the dust extraction kit which I had to order from Skil. When you order this, get a 1/4 or 1/2 to 1/8 adapter (Porter-Cable makes a good 1/4 to 1/8 one) and a template bushing set. RotoZip bits with a small bushing are a great way to make the roughing cut from a pattern, then finish with a pattern cuting bit. Lots less dust and the patterns last longer.

17 of 18 found the following review helpful:

Great Price & Features, So-so designJul 12, 2004
By Bradikal
I got this router based primarily on its low price and its many features. I wanted 2+ horsepower, variable speed, and both 1/4" AND 1/2" bit capacity. I'm not a super-experienced router user, so the reviews here helped me decide that this router, though half the price of a comparably equipped Bosch, might do the job. This despite my unpleasant experience with a Skil jigsaw, (Model #4580-04)

Upon getting the router home I installed it in a Craftsman 926608000 router table, (the laminate "Professional" model where the scale decals rub off after 5 minutes of use) I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fit the stock mounting plate without the need to drill more holes or buy an adapter plate from Sears.

My one complaint so far is that the depth adjustment when it's mounted in the table doesn't feel all that precise. It feels like it hangs up, and once you re-clamp the base clamp after making your adjustment the bit seems to change height a little. The "feel" of how the motor fits and slides in the plunge and fixed bases leaves a little to be desired.

I've since played with the depth adjustments on a couple of the more expensive routers(DeWalt, Porter Cable, Bosch) at various stores and they feel more smooth and positive. You get what you pay for, I guess.

Overall I like the router, and the many features you get for the money are impressive.

ps- don't buy the Skil jigsaw, Model #4580-04

16 of 17 found the following review helpful:

Not a contractor's router, but a great deal for its price!Jan 05, 2006
By J. Graben
For the price and the weekend wood worker the Skil 1825 can't be beat. As several others have noted this router does have a few irksome quirks. The trigger lock takes a little playing with to get it set, but as I only use this when the router is mounted in a table, I need only to set it once and then I control the on/off of the router with the table switch. The over size chuck wrench is cumbersome for reaching in to tighten the collet while with the other hand you are holding in the spindle lock. The height adjustment control takes a little working with and does not operate as smoothly as one might hope.

The base plates and the plunge work great. With these excellent options one can use the 1825 as both a hand held plunge or fixed base router or remove the base plate from the fix base and mount it into a router table. This allows one to use this one router in all three different ways. Visibility is very good with the led lights providing light right where one needs it most. The variable speed control is great and the 2.25 hp motor provides all the power one needs for most applications. And with the money one saves compared to similar and more expensive routers from other companies, you can invest the savings into quality jigs and good high end bits (this is where the wood meets the road) which makes the most difference in the quality of the cut that a router delivers. This is not a contractor's router, but for light jobs around the house (shelves & bookcases) and the weekend wood worker, I have not found a better deal for the price.

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