[Woodcarver] New photos and question

[Alex Bisso]

I finally got around to updating a few photos on my PictureTrail site.
Three of the old photos (aborigine, child with bunny, and driftwood indian)
were originally take before I put bases on them so I replaced them with
photos of the finished pieces.  There is also a photo of an indian head in
bark that I was recently inspired to do by Greg Wilkerson's work.  Rather
than following a sensible procedure for this one, I started the carving with
a big nose and fit the rest it around the nose.  Proportions are a bit
stretched lenghtwise but after finishing it it ended up looking OK.  Here is
a link to my picturetrail site for those interested in viewing the new
photos:
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=583547&uid=467059

Here is my questions.  After getting all of your input on routers, I lean
towards getting a roto-zip type tool for light work and also a heavier plung
router.  With cost in mind I am drawn towards a Ryobi 2 HP plunge router for
only $99.  It taks both 1/4" and 1/2' bits and has is variable speed with
soft start and all of the basic features needed.  It does lack a light and
mechanism for chip removal/collection but I can live w/o those features if
all else is well.  I am a bit hesitant to buy a "cheaper" tool yet this one
looks OK to me.  I would appreciate advice from any carvers who have
experience with the Ryobi 2 HP variable speed plunge router.  Thanks

Alex Bisso
Billings,  MT