Perfect Router - Does it Exist?

[goldeneyedmonkey]

+1 for Makita. I've got the RP2301FCX 1/2" Model & I've gotta say I love it. Great to hold, yet powerful, good dust extraction (it's got a clear perspex hood-type thing that gets pretty much all of it) & the worklight that illuminates what you're doing is very bright. You can lock the trigger in to keep it on whilst using, or you can hold it most of the way just before it clicks in instead. Also after you turn it off it shuts down completely in a few seconds. I've not timed how long, but it's mega quick.

You can get one for about £260 I think. I'd highly recommend. I've just bought another to replace my DW625 in my table.

Cheers _Dan.

 

[bosshogg]

Having work extensively in a safety i.e. H & S environment, what I have come to learn is that safety is in the hands of the operative, no amounts of safety features will keep you safe unless you already think safe...it's a mind thing.
As part of my job I induct workers from all trades, backgrounds etc. and one question always get results...who do you think is responsible for your health and safety?

bosshogg

 

[Jensmith]

Someone once told me that the trigger on a DW621K can be locked on... I bought one last year but, this doesn't seem to be the case. It only holds for a couple of seconds, if that (a great ¼in router though with possibly the best dust extraction set up I've used).

I've just bought an DW621k and the switch can definately be locked on as I was using it in my router table with an NVR switch.

It's slightly fiddly but it does stay locked when you get it.

 

[dickm]

Having work extensively in a safety i.e. H & S environment, what I have come to learn is that safety is in the hands of the operative, no amounts of safety features will keep you safe unless you already think safe...it's a mind thing.
As part of my job I induct workers from all trades, backgrounds etc. and one question always get results...who do you think is responsible for your health and safety?

bosshogg

Second that wholeheartedly. Always used to ask students where was the most important piece of lab safety gear - and disappointingly few ever gave the right answer of "between their ears".
"Safety features" can never think of the unexpected!

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

Its one tool I don't think I have ever been in an unsafe situation with.

I took notice of my T11 today and reckon that it don't have a brake. If its any help.

 

[Ross K]

A router is one of the safest powertools I use.

Extrapolating your theory about avoiding routers because of gruesome internet images you've found, you would never drive a car, ride a bike, walk across the road or even venture out of your bed, you would just lie there all day and night with a crash helmet on. Jst to be safe, like.

Enrolling on a course is a positive move. Another would be to ensure that whenever you Google anything in future, avoid using the word "accidents".

 

[Benchwayze]

I find routers among the safest of power tools. Those who don't are invariably doing something wrong or have a rubbish router IMHO.

Paul

I find that a very bold statement, both on the safest powertool/router as well as on the side of the operator

Perhaps I should have clarified what I said. I've always used good quality routers - an Elu MOF96 and DeWalt 625 (which is based on the Elu MOF177). Good quality routers work well and are easy to use. A lot of cheaper routers, such as many of those sold by the sheds and aimed at the DIY market are, in my view, quite dangerous. They don't work at all well. They tend to be very poorly made. In particular the plunge mechanisms are often "sticky" and the so-called safety switches are quite cumbersome to operate. Many of the controls are badly positioned. All these faults lead to distraction when using the tool which make them quite dangerous as well as frustrating to use. The cheap cutters sold by the shed also break easily, even when not stressed.

As for operators, it's obvious from many of the questions that get posted here that many users don't read up on how to use power tools properly. I also know several people who have bought a router and used it without really having a clue as to how it works.

In my experience, if you buy a good quality router and learn to use it properly and without distractions, then they are quite safe tools.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

And the Elus and DeWalts, with regular servicing, will last forever and a day. I prefer the Elu of course, and wish I hadn't sold a barely used 177E! (You know who you are!) :lol:

Regards
John

 

[steadyeddie]

I have to say the Makita 3612C is the one for me. I've had one for years with not even a hint of a problem. In my opinion you should also buy quality router cutters too (Trend & Titman for example).
As a wise man once said - "Cheap tools can be very expensive"

 

[drillbit]

@Ross K

What a silly post.

Firstly - I have not googled router accidents - just seen some people posting pics on other forums. Secondly, your silly analogy about cars is just crap. You'd be pretty stupid to ignore safety when buying a car.

Glad to hear you think you are so safe. I bet you use your router with a can of beer in one hand. Forgive me for not wanting to listen to you when it comes to workshop safety.

 

[Benchwayze]

@Ross K

What a silly post.

Firstly - I have not googled router accidents - just seen some people posting pics on other forums. Secondly, your silly analogy about cars is just rubbish. You'd be pretty stupid to ignore safety when buying a car.

Glad to hear you think you are so safe. I bet you use your router with a can of beer in one hand. Forgive me for not wanting to listen to you when it comes to workshop safety.

Drillbit,

I appreciate you are seeking advice. Wisely, and in the right place.
However, I sense that a little Forum etiquette is in order. Maybe you owe Ross an apology. His post wasn't 'silly', and the analogy is perfectly sound.

However you came across distressing images, if you are not happy about using routers then avoid them. Just as you might avoid driving after you have seen the results of a fatal accident.

Just like guns, routers and cars are inanimate objects. There is NOTHING inherently dangerous in these items.
Only when an operator gets hold of them, do they become 'dangerous'. Unfortunately, the danger isn't restricted to fools, the foolhardy or the inexperienced. No matter how experienced you are, all it takes is a moment of distraction or forgetfulness.
Any woodworker can have an accident with a machine tool, a highly qualified driver can have a car smash, or an experienced soldier can shoot him/herself in the foot.

Metaphorically speaking, you are that soldier!

So how about that apology?

Regards
John

 

[drillbit]

@Benchwayze

I can't agree. Everyone else on this thread was helpful and provided ideas and input, as well as politely pointing out that maybe I shouldn't be so worried about the safety aspect.

This other guy just felt the urge to mock my safety concerns with some drivel about how you would never drive if you worried about safety. It's not like I said I was scared to buy a router - I just asked which was the safest. If someone asked for buying advice on a car, and wanted to know whether any cars have both airbags and safety belts, no doubt this RossK would be making sarcy comments about how if they are so worried about safety they should walk. I bet he feels well macho, but to me, he looks like an idiot.

 

[Mike Wingate]

I think Routers are excellent lools. Always take care. I have a small Dremel in a router base. A Bosch pof52, an Elu96e, an Elu 177e, a DW625e, a Trend T11 and had an Hitachi 12. All have locking switches. I do use router tables, some are large, some are small and I find them so useful. One was about 300 x 200mm table size and held either Elu, 1 at a time. It fitted on the bench, locked into the vice. Buy good tools and learn how to use them. I have read a number of books on routing, all have helped. Routerforums.com can be useful. Catalogues and magazines give ideas. You have to be confident with your skill level and tool handling. My 2 greatest accidents have been with a hammer and an Inca Planeing machine. One an accident, the other pushing short pieces of wood across the planer with my hand. 2 accidents, 2 injured thumbs.