Another router question from a newbie

[weedy]

Hi Folks.

Routers seem to be a big talking point at the minute amongst you all. However with so much info and list of numerous makes and models jumping out at you it's a little bit confusing. So I was just wondering what size of shaft is suitable for a table, 1/2" or 1/4" and why?

Cheers Weedy.

 

[Mike.C]

Hi Weedy,

The 1/2 is better for a router table because it can take bigger bits and they are usually more powerful and have a variable speed control.

Cheers

Mike

 

[NeilO]

And if your really lucky, you could pick the daddy of all routers (Triton TRB001 ) up at your local B&Q for the princely sum of £99.

Welcome to the Forum Weedy..

 

[weedy]

Hi Mike.C

What about models that can be changed to either are these more prone to be under powered than say a modle that is specificaly made for 1/2". and what is an acceptable power for a router to be used on a table?

Cheers Weedy

 

[pooka]

Any 1/2" router should be usable as a 1/4" router just by swapping in a 1/4" collet.

As regards the power of router that you need, that'll depend on what you plan to use it for, and the quality of the router. The extra power is always handy to have, but typically a more powerful machine is bigger and heavier, which is probably fine for a table (depending on how you raise and lower the router), but can be an issue for hand-held routing. As an example, I have a DeWalt 625 1800W router that is fine either in a table or hand-held, but an 1800W router that was not as well balanced, or that didn't have soft-start, might be problematic to use as a hand-held (but might still be fine in a table).

You will need a variable speed router control if you plan to use the really large bits (i.e. large cutting diameter) - slower speeds are the only safe way to use these. These bits should only ever be used in a table.

One other advantage of 1/2" router bits is that they (should) produce a better quality of cut due to the extra weight/stability of a (good) 1/2" router. 1/2" bits are more expensive to buy though, which is something else to factor in.

 

[mailee]

Hi Weedy, I started out my woodworking using a 1/4" router in a table (Bosch 600 POF) it did work but was grossly underpowered. I knew litle better in those days and burned out a number of cutters with it. It wouldn't handle large diameter bits either so I had to upgrade to a larger model. I bought an Hitachi M12V second hand hand and mounted this in a table and the difference was staggering! It will handle enything I can throw at it and only has a motor power of 1850 Watts. I am still using an Hitachi M12V in my present table although not the same one and it can still handle everything without complaint. With a reducing collett it will also take 1/4" bits but I don't really like to use them as the shanks are a little on the thin side for my liking in a table. I am now on my third Hitachi and only use the 1/4" routers for hand held use. Although I do own a few 1/2" routers that I also use hand held for certain jobs. HTH. :wink: