The two big-name router choices are the Dewalt DWP 611 and the Makita RT0701C (any 700 series). Of the two, I would recommend the Makita because has had significantly lower minimum RPM, and you are going to want lower RPMs for metal. In addition to the Makita there are clones that are worth considering. Avoid cheap Makita clones due to unknowns about the speed control electronics, but you can consider:
- Carbide 3D router - this router is a bit cheaper than Makita and comes with precision collets. You will almost certainly want to purchase a 1/8" collet if you purchase the Makita. The 1/8" collet is available several places including the V1 store.
- Carbide ER-11 Compact Router - A more expensive option, but it accepts ER11 collets, which are easier to find and provide more variation in size of bits accepted.
- The router in this topic. This is another Makita clone that accepts ER11 collets, and is more expensive. What intrigued me was the description in the video of the upgraded bearings. In theory better bearings should provide less runout, but for all I know, the other routers I list might have similar bearings.
Note the routers that accept ER collets were first mentioned on the forum yesterday, so there is no data on their performance.
As for spindle vs. router, I don’t have a solid recommendation. I’ve only ever used a router, and I’ve never
tried to cut steel. There is very little data on the forum comparing larger spindle performance with router performance. What I can say is that there are a lot of success stories on the forum using the routers for materials up to aluminum.