When I decided to take the plunge and upgrade from my benchtop router table to a stand alone table I was thinking I'd use it with one of my existing 2 1/4 hp routers, though I finally decided that would be a halfway measure. I didn't like that thought because my basic philosophy is to buy quality, buy it once, and know I can do the work required for decades to come. This router has proven up to the task from day one, exceeding all expectations along the way.  Yes, 3 1/4 hp is actually necessary and I know I bought the right tool for the job today and in the days to come.