Description
This article is from the Woodworking FAQ
Collection 4, by multiple authors.
64 Re: routers
From: schultz@mmm.UUCP (John C Schultz)
Date: 23 Jul 88 03:34:04 GMT
In article <2925@ttidca.TTI.COM> bellas@ttidca.tti.com (Pete Bellas) writes:
Background:
I have a Makita 3612 2 1/2 hp router, 1/2 collet (with 1/4 and 3/8 inch
adapters) which I almost always use in a table. I have used it heavily
for home woodworking projects for 3-4 years and just had the bearings
replaced ($25). I use almost exclusively carbide bits for the life
and the quality of the cut and wear ear protectors when I am using the
router.
> o How much horsepower?
2 1/2 is adequate. 1 hp is not enough, particularly if you will be
using large bits. A larger motor also means you can remove more
material per pass - most bits I take a full cut for the one and only
pass.
> o Plunge capability
I rarely use the plunge capability but most of the larger routers have
this capability.
> o What about bits? 1/4 inch vs. 1/2 inch? Any standard bits that
> you should have, what about sets?
Buy good quality carbide (look at the thickness of the carbide) 1/2"
shaft bits. I worry about vibration from the smaller shafts as well
as heat conduction. I suggest a fancy ogee, a 1/4", and 1/2" straight
flutes, 3/8" beading, and a 3/8" round nose.
If you work for a large company you may be able to arrange a group buy
with a supplier and get better prices since the cost of the bits will
quickly outstrip the cost of the router.
Two catalog suppliers of router bits are:
Wisconsin Knife Works (608)365-9581
Master Industrial Supply, CT (203)562-2752
Seven Corners Ace Hdware, MN (612)224-4859
This is not an endorsement of a vendor, I just happened to have
this literature in my file.
* Brands
I do not like Craftsman or Roybi. Suggest Porter-Cable, Makita,
Bosch, or Hitachi depending on your budget and nationalism.
* How about a table
A good sized area is probably 2 x 3 feet. Buy a metal one or there are
several designs available (Woodsmith for example).
* templates
See if you can get or if you router will work with a template
(generally 1/4 masonite).
* Consider a shaper
If you plan on a lot of heavy duty cutting, consider buying a
shaper. While they are a LOT more money ($1K - 1.5K), the bearing are
designed to stand up to the side thrust and you can buy some REALLY
neat patterns for raised panel work.--
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