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The Craftsman 27683 Combo-Base Router Review: The Last Combo Base Table You Will Ever Need

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a new wood router for your shop. You came to the right place because we have a recommendation for you, and it’s the Craftsman 27683!

In this article, we’ll give you an in-depth Craftsman 27683 review. Discover what this machine can offer you, and decide whether this is the wood router that’s suitable for you and your woodworking projects. Read on!

Product Overview

The Craftsman 27683 combo-base router offers optimum performance based on features to help you with all sorts of woodworks. It’s powered with a 12-amp motor that releases 2 HP, and it has a variable speed setting to help you with controlling the tool. The router has fixed and plunge bases, so that you can interchange the motor according to your working needs. The unit has excellent ergonomics to allow you to work with comfort. As we go along, we’re going to talk more about each of the features of this Craftsman 27683 combo base router.

About the Brand

Since its debut in 1927, the Craftsman brand ensured to build a strong foundation in the industry to introduce versatile tools such as electric drills, vanadium-steel wrenches, and other hand tools. As more and more people were starting to turn to the brand for their mechanical needs, Craftsman had begun to extend their manufactured materials to cater to other products in the tool niche. In 2017, the company, Stanley Black & Decker purchased the brand and continued to produce reliable products with superior quality. The company also re-engineered existing products to bring back hard-to-find tools and make them easier to find in the current marketplace in the tool industry.

Features

Speed

The Craftsman 27683 provides an impressive motor speed of up to 25000 RPM. It has a variable speed setting that you can control using its six dials. The router runs from a minimum speed of 10000 RPM, and it can either retain the current speed or increase its pace when you tweak its speed dials. The RPM rate of this router allows you to work with a variety of materials, such as softwoods and hardwoods, plastics, and veneer.

Power

This router is powered by a permanently sealed motor with a peak HP of 2, which makes it strong enough to deal with different levels of woodworking. The 27683 model also comes with a Soft Start Technology that utilizes an Electronic Feedback Circuitry to assist you in controlling the device’s initial power upon being switched on. With that feature, you’ll be able to gain firmer and more secured control right on the start without having the router to take-off because of its torque.

Accuracy and Precision

Craftsman guarantees that this wood router model offers highly accurate cutting and precise set-ups with the following features:

  • Coarse and Micro-Depth Adjustments – The fixed base of this model comes with this feature for more accurate set-ups.
  • Fine and Micro-Depth Rod Adjustments – The router’s plunge base has turret stops to ensure that your set-ups and repetitive cuts are all precise.
  • Smooth Plunge Action – To help you perform accurate cuts, this function lowers the bit at 90-degree angle into the wood.
  • Heavy-Duty Edge Guide – You can use this guide to work on the most common routing applications like decorative edging, slotting, grooving, and straight-edge planning and trimming.

Durability

Craftsman specifically designed this router to have great performance while being durable enough to handle even the roughest wood projects. First, it comes with a protective plunge post bellows to protect the router’s guideposts from inevitable chances of encountering wood chips, dust, and worse, moisture. The motor housing of this model is made of precision-milled cast aluminum for additional stability and durability. The router’s fixed and plunge bases both have high-impact resistant motor housing top cap and handles to protect the tool from further damages brought by rough and complicated workpieces.

These features that provide durability measures make this router available for a longer period of usage.

Ergonomics

As we mentioned, the Craftsman 27683 provides a high level of ergonomics to help you work more efficiently. To start, both the bases of this router have handles that are mainly designed to give the user comfort while handling the machine. The handles have soft grips with a texture that won’t make your hands slip off easily; these also help in minimizing the vibration brought by the operation, so you’re able to work with much more control and ease.

When it comes to switching from fixed base to plunge base (and vice versa), you have the router’s quick-clamp system to simply do the changing process without the need of using certain tools.

Additional Features

Aside from the general features mentioned above, the 27683 model provides other functions for your woodworking needs. This wood router has large base openings and large chip shields, which all have 3 LED Work Lights, for both bases for more unobstructed visibility on the project and the router bits. The unit also has a spindle lock for bit changes that include self-releasing collets or nuts that are ¼ and ½-inch in size. For guaranteed even cutting over the wood projects, this model comes with durable non-marring sub-bases that glide smoothly along with the material.

Another feature we liked about this router is its “LIVE TOOL Indicator”, which projects a green light when the router is plugged in; the indicator is placed on the motor housing cap, which makes it easy to see so you can avoid accidents.

Pricing and Warranty

The Craftsman 27683 wood router is available for $104.88, which is in the affordable side, fortunately. If you scrolled through the other routers, you’d find that this unit is cheaper than the ones available in the market. Considering that this model offers a combination of fixed and plunge bases, you’re looking at a reasonable price and high-quality device.

As for its warranty, Craftsman provides a one-year limited warranty if the product is found to be defective regarding its materials or overall quality. Proof of purchase must be submitted to replace the faulty product for free.

Final Remarks

If you’re new to the woodworking industry and are finding an affordable starter router, you’re in good hands with the Craftsman 27683. It’s cheaper than most combo-based routers today, yet it doesn’t fail to provide high-quality performance for your woodcutting needs.

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