Archive for the ‘Router Articles’ Category

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I have been toying with a woodworking business idea for some time now.  So I thought I would share with my readers.  Feel free to respond if you like.  I really like this CNC machine made by Rockler called the Shark.  It is compact enough to fit in my small space and do some really neat work.  My office is on the other side of the workshop, so the idea of me working on my computer on one side and having the cnc running on the other is appealing for some reason.

Woodworking businesses

2009 has been a tough year if you are in business, this year should be better.  If you are thinking about starting something I think this machine or one similiar can be very helpful.  Most woodoworkers tend to think old school when they want to start something up at home.  I say why not go out on the edge a bit and use the machine to create some buzz in the community and a little cash in your pocket.  About the only downside of this particular machine is that it does not do bigger pieces of wood, however you will have to shell out considerably more cash to make get a bigger size.  The next size up seems to be a 4 x4 sized machine but it seems the offerings are slim.  Shop bot seems to be the only one with a machine that size and its really not covered or presented that well.

Use this machine for:

• Making plaques
• Signs for garages (men’s toys)
• Kids items
• kitchen signs
• decorative art
• copies of photos

I have a few good ideas in my head.  If I were just starting out, I definetly would harness the power of Ebay to get started.  Ebay has spent gajillions of dollars on marketing and that makes perfect sense for someone who is just starting out.  Lots and lots of people go to Ebay looking for something unusual or custom made and you don’t have to drop a lot of money to get a website going.

Specs  You can see the Rockler CNC Shark or read further:

Improvements over the original CNC Shark:

• Twice the workable area
• Increased strength
• Includes updated version of VCarve software (5.0)
• Includes 1/2” Dia. V-Groove Router Bit
• Includes two Hold-down Clamps

Additional features:

• High speed traverse
• Less than .001″ resolution
• USB interface with removable memory card interfacee
• Includes mounts for a Bosch router (router sold separately)

Capable of interfacing with the following CNC programs:

• VCarve Pro
• 3D Cut
• Photo Carve
• BobCadt
• BobArt
• BobNestCad
• Mach 3
• Lazy Cam

MACHINE

• Travel: X: 24″ Y: 24″ Z: 4.25″
• High Speed traverse
• Bearings: 12 Precision Linear Bearing Guides (4 on each axis) that maximizes rigidity
• Resolution: less then .001 of an inch
• High Power Hybrid 1.8-degree steppers
• USB interface with on controller memory storage
• 24V Supply to provide full power to the steppers
• VCarve 5.0 program included (you can swap with BobCad 21)
• Rockler Holding Clamps included
• Rockler Router V bit included

Ever heard of the triton router line of routers?  They are made in Australia and have a pretty good reputation.  One of the coolest features is that you can make above the table bit changes and work a bit faster on your router table.

I do have one problem with it though, and that problem is that it is a big honking router.  It’s not just this router, but I generally have a problem with big honking routers in general.  I have written several articles in the past debating the use of large routers in router tables.  In my opinion, I really do not understand why someone would want one this big.  That is neither here nor there because most people will do what they want, and that is all well and good.  The weight is the main issue when you mount it to a acrylic or phenolic router insert plate.  If you store the router on the plate and IN the table, you will have some problems since the weight of the router will eventually sag the plate.

So here is the newest dilemma, I suggest getting a aluminum plate to solve this problem.  A customer writes me and says that he upgraded his table with a metal insert but left his Triton in the table for a few months.  So guess what?  I was astonished, it bent.  Maybe it was the grade aluminum used, maybe there was something else on the table or maybe the stars were aligned wrong, but it bent the plate.  I mention this so I can stand on my soap box and say HEY don’t store your router in the table!  It’s kind of like saying ” I told you so” but that is wrong and no one wants to hear that.  I could say, why dont you buy a shaper if you have to have a big honking horse under the hood?  But know one wants to hear that either.  But there is a moral to the story, and a technique if I may add one too.

Use a 2 1/4 horsepower router (pick your favorite), don’t shave off more than 1/4″ in one pass ( or less if you can) , since you will most likely burn the wood anyhow.  Slow down and enjoy the project and take small passes.  You will save a hundred bucks and some sanity to go with it.  Other than that, its a great router.

Here is another link to a review of this router to be totally fair  Review

Porter Cable makes a great router with a fixed base.  It works very well in a router table.  I have found several different types of routers in the Porter Cable lineup.  All have their pros and cons when it comes to using them in the shop.  Of couse you will find that most reviews of this router are also based on human opinion, so what you find out will vary quite a bit.  To start off, here are the basic specifications of the router.

• Variable-speed control feature (10,000 – 23,000 rpm) enables bit speed to be optimized for changing applications
• Soft-starting, 12 Amp motor featuring full-time electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the toughest applications
• Release the motor, adjust bit height, and clamp the motor from above the router table with 3/16″ hex socket (sold separately) or model #75301 kit (sold separately)
• Dual-position switch allows user to cut power while maintaining control of the router
• Overmolded rubber handles provide a comfortable and secure grip
• Spindle lock system disables switch when engaged for router bit changes (most porter cable models have this)
• Durable latch lever enables quick and simple coarse depth adjustments and motor release for transition between bases
• Rack and pinion adjustment provides fine depth settings to 1/128″
• Collets included to accept 1/4″ and 1/2″ shank bits
• Motor transitions quickly between fixed base (included), plunge base (8931), and traditional spiral down bases (690 series)

Here are a smattering of review titles that you can find at amazon.  The titles are very helpful

• outstanding in & out of the table
• Great ideas – poor execution
• Powerful, quiet, a snap to set up
• Great design for under table mounting; build quality so-so
• Great ideas – poor execution
• Broke 2 levers before I turned it on for the first time
• Solid router; Nice features
• Great router

Purchase at:

Porter Cable 892 Router at The Router Maniac

Porter Cable 892 Router at Tool King

Porter Cable 892 Router at Router Table Depot

There is a discussion of this router at the WoodNet Forum

Should I Consider Reconditioned Power Tools and Will They Last As Long As Normal New Ones?
By Peter H Williams

When buying power tools you obviously want to get the best value for your money whether that be discount power tools, very special offers or just maybe factory reconditioned power tools. Whether you use powers tools every day as part of your work or you just require DIY tools for more occasional use the reconditioned power tools retailer is worth searching for. Some products are obviously easier to locate than others. You will not generally find the just released latest factory reconditioned cordless tools the day after the new product has been released but do not let that put you off looking for the bargains in the newer 36v or 24v tools. If you look at the offers available through the reputable new and reconditioned tools suppliers then you’ll quickly get a feel for the available products.

Why would anyone want to purchase reconditioned cordless tools or any other reconditioned power tools? Usually the price is the driving factor with huge savings being available. From time to time, however, someone is genuinely looking to find a power tool which is no longer manufactured and unable to find the product on eBay.

The actual wording can be a little misleading because you’d really believe a unit had been back at the factory to have a makeover when you review the words manufacturer reconditioned tool or sometimes manufacturer refurbished tools. Years ago I had a great Black & Decker corded Power drill which even the B&D guys said was a great product, so when the time came I sent the product back to the factory to be repaired or refurbished or reconditioned. In the 21st century it is almost certainly cheaper to purchase a new replacement tool from a factory reconditioned tool retailer.

So exactly what is a Manufacturer Reconditioned Tool?

Under almost all circumstances a product which has been returned to a retailer has to be returned directly to the manufacturer because it can not be sold as new. The exception is perhaps if the box and packaging of product was undamaged or unopened. Once the product returns to the manufacturer the product will be subject all the rigorous checks to ensure the product meets the as new specification. If all the tests checkout correctly then the product is re-packaged and is in as new condition. In practice the product is new but just done some additional travelling.

If you are purchasing power tools as reconditioned power tools then very often the only difference you’ll be aware of is the word – Reconditioned – written on the packaging. You’ll even get the same manufacturer warranty that you would with your new power tools. Sometimes the factory reconditioned maybe described as factory outlet stock.

Most of the major manufacturers supply reconditioned products but sometimes they will be restricted to a select number of retailers or dealers. Some retailers are specialist suppliers of factory reconditioned tools only. Some manufacturers don’t like to have their regular higher priced power tools available for sale in the same tool retailer feeling that the reconditioned units will undermine the sales of the regular products. Can you imagine the questions being asked about the pricing and the difference between the 2 identical looking products one of which maybe half the price of the other one!

Whether you are looking for a Makita cordless drill, Milwaukee corded power drill, a Paslode nailer, Porter-Cable router, a Bostitch stapler, Bosch reciprocating, an 18v cordless drill or a product from another major manufacturer then just follow your nose and look out for the factory reconditioned tool suppliers.

Power tools have been around for many years – even the first electric drill was used in the late 1800’s. Now a-days we tend to think of Cordless Power Tools as being those used in the home and the more adult versions used in all commercial and industrial walks of life. There always some great deals to be had when you shop around.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_H_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?Should-I-Consider-Reconditioned-Power-Tools-and-Will-They-Last-As-Long-As-Normal-New-Ones?&id=1511290

The very name of Bosch Routers gives people a confidence in the machine that we are handling. Bosch routers are very versatile machines which can do a broad range of work for the woodworker. The range of activities starts from the precise plunging of the piece of wood to the formation of edge. Bosch routers are also capable of trimming the laminates and also dovetails and other similar joineries.

The Bosch router brand are of different types to suit your exact needs.

The most common type of the Bosch router is the Plunge Routers. These machines are considered to be very versatile by the wood workers using them. These plunge routers can work both above and below the table and this makes the machines very easy to use.

Another popular type of Bosch routers is the Palm Routers. This is considered to be one of the best friends of the wood worker. The machine is both powerful and versatile, and can do a lot of jobs without a problem.

Another very common type of Bosch Routers is the Fixed Base Routes. This is very popular amongst the woodworkers who are involved in doing heavy jobs or using in router tables. The router has a precision centering design, which enables you to keep the router bits on the cut-line. This ability of the machine helps you while you are using jigs, templates, dovetail fixtures or other similar guidance devices. This is not all; there are more advantages of this machine. The fixed base Bosch Router also has a micro-fine depth adjustment system. The system comes with a re-settable depth indicator. This allows you to set the depth for the precise cut that is required for the wood.

Then you have the Bosch Router combo pack, the master of all routers. In this pack, you get the advantages of both a plunge base and a fixed base router. There is nothing more you need, when you have this machine with you.

Part 2 of Buying Routers for Woodworking

Collet size

Most routers today are sold with two different sized collets. The collets is the device that holds the bit in the motor. The two most common sizes are ½” and ¼”. These two sizes match the two sizes of router bits sold. So why do you need both? ½” bits are more robust than ¼” bits. If your doing larger jobs like raised panel, you want a little more strength in your bit size which mostly relates to safety. ¼” sized bits are more widely available in a larger variety of styles. If your looking for some smaller bits for smaller details (like a small cove bit) they most likely come with a ¼ “ diameter. Most routers accept both. If they don’t, it is somewhat limiting, so I recommend buying a router that has both collets.

Power

Bigger is better right? I could go on and on about this subject and most likely argue with a lot of people. Think of this way. Most men think they need the most HP that is available. Its kind of like a car, if it has a bigger motor we generally think its better. Is it? Not always and here is why. Bigger does not mean you can take more off in one pass. You can but is it smart. Every wood species is different. If you take big chunks off of certain species you can burn it or gouge it or endanger yourself. Why do this? Taking smaller bites and several passes is the sure way to quality and safety. If your in production and need speed and efficiency, buy a shaper and a power feeder. For most of us woodworkers a 1 ½ HP will do all that you could ever ask for in a router. The goal is to work in your shop with all of your fingers and both sets of eyeballs in tack. Don’t jepordize that with the thinking that you need 3 ½ HP to spin that big ole router bit. I have a 3 ½ HP pig of a router that is collecting dust because its so big and heavy that It’s a pain to use. Again, preference is the prevailing factor. Bigger is not always better.

Amps verses HP

Most manufactures measure their router motors with a HP rating. This we men understand. The new norm is Amps. Amps are part of the power formula and help determine horsepower. The larger the HP the more amps it is rated for. So what does that mean to you. Well in short, if you have a 15 Amp router and you plug it into your 10 amp wall plug and you decide to run a dust collector at the same time, guess what happens. Yes it’s frustrating to stop and rewire your shop.

EVS

Electronic Variable Speed lets you control the speed of the motor. You want to do this if you plan on turning bigger profile bits. You cannot put a large router bit in your router and spin it at full speed. Some are too big and become very very dangereous. If the router you are thinking about buying does not have EVS you can always buy a router speed control. These are small units that you plug your router into and you can control the speed externally. This feature is becoming standard on most routers offered today.

Combos

Buying a combo pack can be like getting two routers for the price of one. Spending the extra cash is worth it to some people, only you can be the judge.

Price

Do your homework. Price them out. The internet is a great place to price routers than from just buying from Lowe’s or Home Depot. Look around. If your on a budget, try Ebay, but stick to a name brand.

If you missed part 1, you can find it here Buying Routers For woodworking, part 1

Looking to buy a new router for your shop? Is this your first router? Are you going to be using it on a router table? These are questions that I am going to attempt to answer using some facts about the products available and so good old fashioned logic.

Lets get to the logic portion of the article first so that we can build around it. Almost all the name brand routers available are good routers to own. Some people swear by brand “x” and some people swear by brand “y” I say, who cares, as long as you pick something that works for you, and has a good reputation. Ask ten different people what router to buy and you will get 10 different answers. Use this information to buy the router you think you want and can afford and go from their. Its kind of like buying a car, some people think their brand is the best, mostly cause they own it, it’s a sentimentality thing. We all had cars we liked and did not like. If you get one you don’t like, sell it. Then buy or try something else. I personally do this all the time. Make the best decision you can and get on to the business of making sawdust.

Fixed Base verses Plunge base

There are two different types of bases available. Fixed base routers are just that, the height of the bit is fixed. This does not mean you cant adjust it, you surely can. It means you can’t adjust it while your using the router. These are the most common types for router tables. Why??? Because they are lighter. They are lighter because they don’t have the plunge mechanism built into the router and that means the router is lighter. So why would you care if its lighter? Well if you have your router mounted to an insert, the heavier routers tend to make acrylic inserts sag over time if you leave them stored in the router table. Its basic physics, weight over time usually wins. If you are smart you will store your router out of the table.

Plunge base routers are very versatile in the shop. If you use your router in a hand held application,you will want to be able to control the depth of the bit while doing your work. Plunge routers allow you to make quick adjustments for the bit and allow you to start with the bit out the work and plunge into it. Can you use them in router tables, yes, Does it work good? Yes, You will still have to take the router out of the table with the insert attached to make small adjustments to the bit height. Have a router lift eliminates some of this. Generally its best to use a fixed base in the table and a plunge base for hand held use.

The third option…..Combination packs. Combo packs allow you to live in the best world since you get both fixed base and plunge based bases in a kit. You can take the fixed base and permanently attach it to your router insert and leave it there. You can simply then take the motor out of the plunge base and use it in the table when need it. Then when you need it for a hand held application, you can simply put it back in the plunge base and its like having two routers in your shop. How cool is that?

Part two of Buying Routers for Woodworking

FESTOOL is a company based in Germany that produces power tools for, among others, woodworking. In existence for the past 80 years, FESTOOL has developed and manufactured some of the finest power tools available today based on the reviews made by various woodworking aficionados.

Among the power tools that have been manufactured by FESTOOL is the FESTOOL Router series, touted by some as the Mercedes Benz of routers. In general, routers are considered “must haves” in a woodworker’s arsenal of tools because of their versatility which allows for different types of cutting and milling tasks (e.g., trimming, rebating, making dado cuts, profiling/shaping wood, etc.)

Among the more popular in FESTOOL’s lineup of routers is the FESTOOL OF1400 EBQ Router. It is powered by a 1400W motor, which is suitable for almost all handheld tasks, that is relatively quiet (just 79 decibels of sound). Its soft-start power up feature ensures that there is no sudden jolting when you turn on this power tool. Other motor features include:

• Spindle brake that allows you to stop the bit in just 1-2 seconds. To use this feature, all you have to do is release the power switch. It is that simple, and beneficial from both a time and safety standpoint.
• Temperature control cut off mechanism, which turns off the unit when it overheats so that the wiring and motor do not get damaged.
• Constant speed routing, which means that the rotational speed does not change whether the router is engaged on the wood or not. When the router gets engaged, the motor compensates for the added resistance thereby maintaining the rotation speed. When the router gets disengaged, the motor loosens up to again maintain the rotation speed. This feature ensures a cleaner and more consistent cutting result.

Other features of the FESTOOL OF1400 EBQ Router include:

Snug-fit Barrel-grip handle surrounded by the trigger, trigger-lock button, and variable speed control, which are all within fingertip reach from a resting position.

• Patented removable power cord “Plug It” system.
• Multi-purpose (plunge and plunge poles lock) knob.
• Fence rail lock and twin levers to allow bushings and dust deflector to be connected to the bottom of the router in a simple manner.
• Spindle lock button.
• Easy to install and remove, “lung friendly” dust collection protector.

The FESTOOL OF1400 EBQ Router has generated favorable reviews from expert woodworking craftsmen who find no major reason to complain about this wonderful power tool. Its design considered and successfully resolved several issues in the past and, although it is priced at a premium, its reputation as a solid and highly-useful piece of woodworking equipment clearly makes up for it. Considering further that its dust collecting capability is first rate gives you more reason to seriously consider making an investment in this well-designed power tool.

Other members of the FESTOOL family of routers are the OF1010 and OF2000 E routers. This allows you to select among a highly thought-of power tools that best suits your woodworking and budget needs

You can see Festool Routers Here