Features

• Collet lock 1/4" & 1/2" capacity
• 11 amp / 2 1/4 hp
• Plunge / fixed bases for smoother cutting
• Variable speed for optimal performance
• Touch activated work light

Reviews (6)

Great Price & Features, So-so design
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

For the price? Can't be beat.
Having not done any serious woodworking for over 20 years, I wanted to make sure I bought a decent Router, but not one that would cost an arm and a leg (just in case I didn't like the hobby). I looked at reviews on read the buyers guide in American Woodworking. Sounded like the Skil 1825 was the best combination of features and price.

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! :)

Can't go wrong for the money
I was in the market for a solid, functional router to use in my table and for plunge/fixed-base applications. I'm an occassional woodworker who values strong, smooth, and dependable tools. I may not use them every day (or even every week), but if I put down my money for them, they darn well better work how I want them to when I pull them off the shelf. I tend to spend a great deal of time researching a tool prior to shelling out for it. My budget is limited of late, but while looking for a router I considered the 1 3/4 HP and 2 1/4 HP models put out by Makita, DeWalt, and Porter Cable. In other words, I understand the value in spending a little more if it means I'm getting a better product.

All that being said, I'm glad I didn't win the ebay auctions I competed in for the routers listed above. Don't get me wrong: I'm not about to speak out against those big-name routers - mostly because I haven't used them. I HAVE used my Skil, though, and here's the rundown:

1) VERY convenient, simple base change operations.
2) I leave the fixed base mounted to my router table. Talk about slick. If I need a fixed-base router out of the table, I use my old Craftsman (which otherwise is idle now).
3) It's STRONG. Doesn't slow down easily at all.
4) It's smooth. Both the motor and the plunge mechanism (doesn't catch or bind when plunging).
5) It's got a comfortable, balanced, solid feel to it. Nice grips. It's light but not too light.
6) Variable speed is a must, and I found no problems with the function of it on this router.
7) The lights are nice and bright. And, unlike the bulb-style lights, the LEDs are out of the road and not a fire hazard.
8) The micro adjust is great in the table.
9) It's too bad there isn't a positive lock for the shaft. It's sometimes a pain to hold the lock and work the wrench.
10) No on-board wrench storage.
11) The cord leaves a little to be desired - just a little too stiff, and probably not long enough.

12) The case got put on a shelf, so no comments on that.

I may have missed something, but the gist of my review is this: for only $99 (and free shipping over Amazon.com), you can NOT go wrong with this router. This coming from a guy who hasn't owned a Skil product in his life until now.

Comments on the other reviews:
1) Stuck depth adjustment on the fixed base. I ran into this problem too, until I read the directions. Once you loosen the base lock, the adjustment knob works wonderfully (see #8 above).

2) Accessories. The only accessory I might want is the dust collector adaptor for each base. I'm a little disappointed they weren't included, but it's not too big of a deal. I use the dust collector on my table, so that's not an issue. As for a dust collector when routing by hand - the vacuum hoses usually create more of a hindrance/hazard than they're worth.

3) Customer support. Haven't had to deal with this. If it's really like the guy said, then that sucks. Hopefully I won't have to find out.

Good router, bad product support
I received the router combo as a gift. Finding accessories for it has been next to impossible. They released the router 6 months before the accessories came on the market. They're becoming available now so maybe it'll get better.

nice features, doesn't work, sucky customer service
The features looked great on this, and the price is obviously right. So I bought it, but it didn't work out of the box (depth adjustment on the fixed base was frozen up and wouldn't work). I called Skil and the only options they offered me were (1) to deal with the store where I bought it or (2) to send in the base (at my cost) to their regional service center for them to repair it.

Now, I don't know about you, but I expect manufacturers of power tools (particularly Bosch, which owns Skil) to stand behind their products, and this doesn't qualify! After just paying to buy a brand new router, I'm sure not going to shell out even more bucks to get it repaired! Now I'll see if the store where I bought it can help me out...

I may give the Skil one more shot, but I hope I don't end up with another dud. ... Read more

Features

• Collet lock 1/4" capacity
• 10 AMP / 2 HP
• Plunge base
• Multi-pass turrets
• Auto-Zero capability

Features

• Easy straight cuts
• Perfect circle cuts
• Fits Skil Jigsaws

Features

• Compact size for easy storage and portability.
• Includes a Skil plunge router and router table.
• Router Details: 9.0 amp motor. Plunge lock lets you easily lock in selected depth of cut. Collet lock gives you faster easier bit changes. Durable chip deflector controls flying chips.
• Router Table Details: Precise L-shaped structural foam fence with clear guard. Structural foam top with a 34" X 13" work surface.
• Dual outlet on/off switch.

Reviews (1)

not for the pro
This is a pretty good starter router table. but the router that comes with it is a plunge router with no micro adjust knob.
so it's very hard to adjust the bits height (you have to hold the table down while pushing the router up). i like the router table itself but i reccommend mounting a fixed base router in it and using the plunge for something else. the router itself is not the best router in the world but i find myself reaching for it the most. the plunge lock lever isn't nearly as easy to use as the one on the porter-cable 8529 but it works fine. one improvement that this router needs is a better chip shield, the one it has just will not stay on it keeps popping off!
bottom line: this router/table combo is great for the "weekend woodworker" but i wouldn't reccomend it to professionals. ... Read more

Features

• Soft grip
• 9 AMP/ 1 3/4 HP
• Fine depth extension rod
• Fine depth scale
• Collet lock 1/4" capacity

Features

• Collet lock 1/4" capacity
• 10 AMP / 2 HP
• Touch activated work light
• Fine depth extension rod
• Fine depth scale

Features

Features

• 2 Year Warranty
• 1/4" Collet capacity
• 2 in. Maximum Plunge
• All Ball Bearing Construction
• Trigger Switch With Lock-On

Reviews (7)

not for the pro but still pretty good
So far i haven't had any of the problems other people mention in their reviews. i'm gonna say right now that this router isn't nearly as good as the porter-cable 8529 (my other plunge router) but the skil is the one i find myself reaching for the most. i don't reccommend using this router in a table (very hard to adjust that way) but as a plunge router its just fine.
my only gripe about this router is the plunge lock lever needs some improvement.

Still working (long delayed follow up)
(this is a follow up to the message from Jan 2002)
My third router has worked so far without failing. I have mostly used it to route pressure treated lumber.

I gave it only three stars because I had to get it replaced twice. Otherwise it would have been a 5 starrer.

Mind you, I believe my router has not been submitted to rigorous use.

Low Quality Tool
OK. This router is inexpensive. Why spend so much on a real router? Because this one has plenty of probelms. It is a very light weight, low powered, tool that lacks precision. When plunge cutting, the base and motor-housing do NOT remain on course. The very light weight columns connecting the base to the housing do not hold with adequate precision. Thus the machine tends to cut "u" shaped mortises. There is a lot of wiggle in this machine.

It has no speed control. Only a quater inch collet, that has a tendency to come loose while routing. A very flimsy guard. Any one who needs a decent router does not need this tool. Save your money a get a good Makita or DeWalt.

Good for plunge, bad for table
It has plenty of power to do the job, and it is excellent as a plunge router. I have attached this to the table and have noticed few things. It does not have positive locking system which may become loose during the use. Fighting gravity and its own spring may seem too much using upside down on the table. Also while on table, one arm is locked while other side is free causes uneven cut (depending on the type of bit you are using.) Finally bit has tendency to get stuck after several cut from the heat.
On the positive note, It has plenty of power and all the features you need as plunge router and price is nice. I have not had any problem with my machine and I think its a very nice starter router.

not upto expectations - so far
This router came as a part of a router-table combo kit that I bought at Lowe's, and the router died in the first few hours of use - TWICE. I exchanged the router for a new one, and am hoping that 'third time is a charm' will work for me this time.

I have stuck with it so far because it is the lowest priced, and also because of the brand name.

I will be sure to update this review if the third one breaks too. ... Read more

Features

• 2 Year Warranty
• 1/4 in. Collet Capacity
• 2 in. Maximum Plunge
• Soft Start
• Variable Speed

Reviews (1)

Santo Maggio, Ret. NYFD. Enjoys woodworking.
The Skill 1845 was the first router I purchased. The price was low and it had the plunge feature I was looking for. I had lots of fun with it and learned a lot. I am now moving forward and looking for something bigger. The 1845 is a fun router, however I have reached a point where I need a 1/2" collet, the 1845 only comes with 1/4" collet. Changing bits is hit or miss! No wrenches are needed, you must pull up on the collet to release the bit and push down to lock it in. Sounds good, but sometimes it can be very tough. The plastic sheld gets easily scrached and makes it hard to see. The 2hp motor is very good, it has soft start and speed control.

If you are just starting out and want to have fun and see if woodworking is for you, than this is the right router for you. ... Read more

Features

• 1/4" shank
• Controlled depth of cut minimizes kickback
• Precision ground cutting edges stay sharper
• Fully heat treated shanks and bodies for durability
• Replacement bearing and hex key included

Features

• 1/4" shank
• Controlled depth of cut minimizes kickback
• Precision ground cutting edges stay sharper
• Fully heat treated shanks and bodies for durability
• Replacement bearing and hex key included

Features

• 1/4" shank
• Controlled depth of cut minimizes kickback
• Precision ground cutting edges stay sharper
• Fully heat treated shanks and bodies for durability
• Replacement bearing and hex key included

Features

• 2 Year Warranty
• 1.75 Horsepower 9 AMP, 25,000 no load RPM router
• 2 in. Maximum Plunge with 1/4 in. Collet Capacity
• All Ball Bearing Construction
• Easy-view depth indicator and fine adjustment knob

Reviews (4)

Inexpensive quality with one major problem
The Skil 1840 is one of the least expensive plunge routers you can buy, but the low price tag is not reflected in the quality. The router handles smoothly and doesn't feel "cheap" in any way. The low price does make itself felt, however, in the lack of bells and whistles that are found in higher-end routers. There is no dust extraction system, no soft-start, no multi-position turret.

The most serious flaw with this router, though, is its depth gauge. In a nutshell, depth adjustment is far from accurate, and is best described as "eyeball and guess." If accuracy of depth is important to you, you'll have to make several practice cuts in scrap followed by minute adjustments to get it right. In fact, if accuracy of depth is important to you, you're better off with a different router.

Still, you can't beat the Skil 1840 for value. If you're on a budget and just want a quality router without the extra features, this is the one for you.

Great inexpensive plunge router
This router has done everything we have thrown at it without any trouble. Our only complaint is it's lack of a larger collet. We are looking for another router now because of that very reason. We need 1/2" capability.

Inexpensive, not cheap.
I didn't expect much from this router since it is priced so far below the competition. But I looked at it in the store, and I couldn't find any obvious problems, so I purchased. I have been pleased in every way. I'm a weekend worker, but I am a pretty heavy user in that category, using this tool to make trim and moulding for my hundred year old house. This router gives me more than I need, and hasn't been weak with cherry or oak. It moves smoothly, plunges with fairly high precision, and is not overly loud. I'm very happy.

Skil 1840 1-3/4 Horsepower Plunge Router Does the Job!
This Skil plunge router is a great buy for the money. It moves freely and does not bog down, even in hard, dry white oak. Easy to handle, good viewing capabilities, and is quieter than some I've used in the past. You definately get your moneys worth and then some! ... Read more

Features

• 2 Year Warranty
• 1/4 in. Collet Capacity
• Quick Collet
• Soft Start
• Variable Speed

Reviews (6)

Pleased
I didn't read the reviews before purchasing this router and I'm glad I didn't. I looked for the best combination of features and this was it. The quick release does take a bit of muscle behind it to lock into place but I still consider it easier that a wrench. I love the soft start and have had no problems with the motor. I have had the unit about 30 days but have not had any regrets yet.

absolute junk
OK, so I ignored the other reviews and bought it. What a mistake. You know the "Greed" thing that some humans suffer. It got me. I thought: variable speed, quick collet....what a deal. FORGET IT. The collet requires the fingers of a gorilla and the variable speeds are not what you think. The speed varies of its own desires. Very annoying until it completely stops. I took mine back and got the DeWalt 621. Right, Should have initially and saved the gas money. Believe the reviews....DON'T waste your time on this piece of junk.

Horrible
I read the reviews of this router before I bought it. I figured that the reports of dying motors and bad collets wouldn't get the best of me. I was wrong. After about a month and a half I am having huge problems. Cutting in soft pine, which should be no trouble for a router such as this, proved to be impossible for this pathetic machine. The engine faded and then died completely. After a few hours I got it running again, but the same thing happened again and again. This is about this most worthless tool ever, most Skil tools have proven to follow this trend. I am now waiting for a refund check (luckily this happened within the first 90 days) so that I can get a descent router. Take it from me, don't buy this router. I thought that I would save some money but get just a good of a router, doesn't happen. Spend some more money and get a good one, you will save in the end.

Quick Collet - Mine was BAD!
This router works great but my Quick Collet went BAD after about 1 hours use. The Bits would work there way out while cutting. I would purchase the model below this one that uses a wrench to tighten the bit in place.

Pure Junk!
Now I have had the opportunity to use many brands of routers andrecently I bought this model to play with.

Well after going to a. .. store near work; I went home and unpacked my new and shinny router. I loaded it with a bit and went to work. After about 15 minutes of use, the motor started to fade in and out. So after my second trip to [the store], [this time by my house] I again unpacked my second new and shinny router. This time after 15 minutes of use, the bit kept falling out and again the motor faded in and out. Seems the wrenchless collet did not want to hold any bits. So off again I went to [the store] but this time I bought a Porter Cable #7529. No problems with that one!

Now in all fairness if the motor worked properly and if the collet would hold a bit, this would have been a great buy. But instead, after shop testing two of these from different locations, I view this router as a BUST! ... Read more