yep I agree, but tbh smaller motors will cope np, just take smaller depth cuts, the blade actually cut the fibres keeping the core nice and tight then it also makes for better tighter fitting joints with only a small amount of sanding may be required.I also recommend at least 1600 watts of power to cope with the thickness of the worktop.
John
When you take deeper cuts (because the router will cope with it), you get the ripping effect that occours to the chip board fibres, they pull forwards. making the joint require more sanding, to get the nice tight fit.
The router I use at work is a proper beast, it stands approx 18" tall and weighs alot. makes most routers look and feel tiny, thats able to cut a 40mm worktop in 2 cuts with the type of cutter I use, If I used a standard 2 fluted style cutter and it was long enough, it would be able to do it in 1 cut, but I never would, for the above reasons.
any router will do a veriety of tasks, its a case of making the choice which is best for your budget and suits what you would like to use it for.
If your after one to cut worktop joints then look at 1/2" routers which also take a 1/4" collet, this will give you the best of both worlds, but may in some cases mean the router is large and heavy for delicate work.
If your only going to use it once in a blue moon then cheaper options are fine in my opinion. but if its possibly going to endup being a work horse then better quality is what you will require.
I agree, the MOF 177 would do the job. Maybe I should have said on the post that the 96 was too small for the job 