Posts Tagged ‘woodworking routers’

A lot of people have asked this question.  I am partial to fixed based routers for router tables.  Does this mean you cannot use a plunge router in a router table?  The answer would be you can use a plunge router, but it does have some drawbacks that a fixed base router does not.  I am sure if you asked 10 people you would get ten different answers.  The key would be to ask ten people that have both types of routers, that would give you the best answer.  I will include a poll over time that will help with this dilema and help gather information over time.  There is also a good article about the subject of routers for router tables here.

Porter Cable 892

Specifications

• 2-1/4-horsepower motor for smooth, reliable operation
• Alter height, lock and unlock, and release motor from the mount–all from above, not below, the table
• Auto-spindle lock for one-handed bit changes
• Weighs 12.6-pounds when shipped
• Includes carrying case, sub-base, 1/4- and 1/2-inch self-releasing collets, and wrench

Comparison Shopping

Rockler  $205.99

Other Resources

E Replacement parts

Do you buy reconditioned tools or does it scare you a bit?  Some people will not think twice about buying a used tool on Ebay, but stop short when buying a reconditioned tool new from a site or a retail storefront.  The funny part is, if it breaks you still have to take it to the same place to fix it whether it is new or used

Repairs to Routers

Most manufacturers do not do any type of repairs themselves.  In fact if you have ever had a problem, they usually state that they do not want you to return the item to where you bought it.  However that is what most people do if the tool is brand new and defective from the start.  Otherwise the rest of us are stuck with taking routers to a certified repair center for repairs.  This can be a good thing or a bad thing.  The good thing is that the tool now gets a thorough look over from the repair shop and is tested for proper functioning.  This does not happen in the factory.  The bad news is that these repair shops can be a bit pricey and then you have to neogiate with the manufacturer about who pays the bill.

Reconditioned

Here is what I like about reconditioned.  Most of the time, the tool is brand spanking new.  A good portion of the time you have a tool that had a very minor problem such as a bad switch or broken accessory and its repaired easily and quickly.  The best part is the tool is looked over and tested.  That means I know that someone has given it the green light and I can feel good that its going to run like its supposed to.  There is always the person that buys something and really has no idea how to run the tool, and returns it for some reason or another.  That tool cannot now be sold as new even though it works properly.  These are all good opportunities to save some money.

There a couple of places that sell reconditioned routers, usually you have to look around a bit since the offerings vary from day to day or week to week.  I like Tool King and CPO Bosch.

Tool King Routers

CPO Bosch

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

This video is from The Wood Whisperer and gives an excellent overview of dust control with routers.  This video focuses on the Festool line of routers but it can give you  excellent information if you are thinking about buying a new router.  Dust control is important and these routers have some features that you just have to know about.

Video Overview:

• OF1010, Integrated connector, chip catcher, excellent for edge routing
• OF1400 Dust extraction hood, tool less on/off chip catcher, inline hose attachement
• MFK700 multiple bases and extraction, each base has its own strategy
• OF2200  36o degree spring loaded shroud, 45 degree offset to keep hose out of the way and a snap in chip catcher

I saw this on you tube the other day and I thought it would be good to add for mounting a router to an insert plate.  There are a lot of different ways to do this, but using the routers base plate is the easiest and most accurate.  The quality of the video is not great, but it gives you an idea of how to do it.  You can use any router base plate but this author uses a dewalt router.  I will add some more router insert plate videos as time goes on.

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