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Woodworking Tips from Gregory Paolini |
| Information, Tips, and Know-how for woodworking Enthusiasts |
Routers 101 - If you can only have one
Text & Photos by Gregory Paolini
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I owned my first router for over a year before I actually used it. It wasn't that I didn't have a project to finish with it, The truth is the router was a tool that scared the heck out of me! Think about it: a piece of steel or carbide spinning around at 25,000+ rpms??? NASCAR engines blow up at less than half that speed! | |
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Woodworking routers come in all shapes and sizes |
That was then - Today, I own a dozen routers and I'm in the market for another too. Which brings us to the topic at hand: If I could choose to buy only one router, which would it be? We'll get to my answer in a bit (no pun intended: Router bit). | |
| What you need to know | ||
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A router is nothing more than a fast spinning motor that turns an attached bit to facilitate cutting. This motor is fastened to a base, which provides a relatively stable platform to help guide the router. | |
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Bases are available in either Fixed or Plunge style. A fixed base keeps the router bit locked at a specific height or depth while cutting. A Plunge base allows you to dive straight down into a cut as well as adjust bit height on the fly. | |
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fixed base and plunge base routers |
Router motors are rated by horsepower, and generally, the bigger the rating, the more powerful the motor is. It's not uncommon to see routers that are rated at over three horsepower, although a router rated at 1 1/2hp will accomplish almost any task you ask of it. | |
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Some router motors allow you to adjust their speed as well, and are known as variable speed routers. The advantage of being able to lower the speed of your router is it allows you to use larger diameter bits, such as horizontal panel shaping bits. Generally, you'll want to lower the rpms of any bit that's bigger than about 1" in diameter. As a bonus, most variable speed routers offer a "soft start" feature which allows the router to build up speed when turned on, rather than going from 0 to 25,000 in a fraction of a second, jerking the router around in your hand. | |
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speed should be reduced when using big bits |
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| Hold on to that bit | ||
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The router motor holds on to the router bit by using a clamping mechanism called a collet. Similar to a chuck in a drill, the collet differs in that it can not adjust - Collets only hold one size shank. While there are exceptions, most router bits come in two different shank sizes - 1/4" and 1/2". | |
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both bits have the same cutter size, but different size shanks |
Usually I choose a 1/2" shank bit to cut with. They are more massive than 1/4" shank bits, which means they generally vibrate and chatter less, giving a higher quality cut, and longer service life. In addition, many larger bits are only available in 1/2" shanks. | |
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Most 1/2" routers can be stepped down to handle 1/4" bits, either by changing collets, or using a bushing made for the task. 1/4" routers, on the other hand, usually limit you to using only 1/4" shank bits. | |
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various collets and adaptor bushings |
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| What router would I buy, if I could buy only one? | ||
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My choice, hands down, for the best router for the money is the Porter Cable 690. The PC 690 packs 1 3/4hp, and accepts 1/4" and 1/2" bits. The PC 690 has become an industry standard for routers and there are tons of accessories for this model, including several different bases, so upgrading to a plunge router is as simple as buying another base. And due to its popularity, there doesn't seem to be an end of production date in sight | |
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A PC690 fixed base router with another PC690 in a plunge base in the background |
I own four Porter Cable 690 routers, and over a dozen bases for them, mounted in various jigs and router tables. I can't imagine woodworking with out a router, and every time I build a project, I usually think of another way a router can help speed the process along. Maybe that's why I own a dozen routers. And yes, number thirteen will more than likely be another PC 690 | |
| Now let's make sawdust! |
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| For your safety: Woodworking is inherently dangerous. Failure to use power or hand tools properly can cause permanent injury or even death! The information provided here is not a substitute for formal instruction or education. Do not try anything you learn here unless you are absolutely certain it is safe for you to do so. If there is an aspect of woodworking you are uncomfortable with, do not do it! Be sure to read any and all manuals and safety instructions which come with your tools, and always wear appropriate safety equipment. |
