Router: 1/4 or 1/2

[PerranOak]

Hi!
I've been on the brink of buying a router several times. However, I just can't decide whether 1/4" of 1/2" is best.

I will want it for general detailing and dovetail jig use, etc.

Do I need to worry about this?

Cheers.

 

[ByronBlack]

I'd go for a small 1/2" router. The smaller Triton is a good machine, I've used it for both handheld and router-table use with various bit sizes and it's been a great performer.

 

[PerranOak]

Thank you for that.

So, there is no problem getting a variety of bits. I think I've picked-up that the 1/4" is more common?

 

[maltrout512]

Hi PerrranOak and welcome, starting with your last question, depends on several factors, using soft wood or hard wood, thickness of wood, and size of dovetails. If you are using hardwoods then I would say 1/2 router, they as well have a larger base so any tilt problems are limited. With your first question a 1/4 router for hand work if using for long periods, there lighter. I acutally prefere 1/2 router for hand work, as they weigh more therefore tend to be more stable when moving along guides. I hope this gives you a little imformation. At the end of the day it's your choise.

 

[ByronBlack]

Also worth noting, that with a 1/2 inch router you can still use 1/4 or 8mm cutters using reducer collets - most come with these.

In terms of variety, there are as many types in 1/2 as there are in 1/4. It's not difficult to find any bit you need in any size you require.

 

[Dalboy]

if money not a problem go for 1 of each this will let you use the lighter one for finer work and a heavier one for those bigger jobs and fitting to a table at a later date. You can get a good selection of bits in both sizes so that should not be a problem

 

[chippy1970]

I wouldn't say that 1/4" was more popular than 1/2" they are both suited to different tasks.

I have both I use the 1/4" for small moldings, routing out hinges etc and the 1/2" for large moldings, kitchen worktops etc if you can manage with a large router get a 1/2" one and it might come with a 1/4" collet as well.

I have a big Dewalt 1/2" which would be too clumsy for say cutting out hinge rebates and I already had the 1/4" elu I bought years ago.

 

[PerranOak]

This is brill, thanks guys!

One last thing. The weight question. I'd never thought of that.

Are the 1/2" ones THAT heavy?

 

[ByronBlack]

Some are, some aren't, it's best just to check the specs before you buy. The smaller triton isn't that heavy and is nice to use, I believe the fixed-base bosch is also good, but the Dewalt I think its quite heavy.

 

[ike]

For dovetailing, definitely a 1/2" router with an 8mm collet option. The 8mm shank cutters are much better than 1/4". Many 1/2" routers are powerful (1850W or more) Fine for some jobs but to heavy/bulky for others including dovetailing. There is a smallish choice of mid-powered 1/2" routers around 1300/1400W - e.g. Bosch, Makita, Mafell, Festool. I recommend one of this type for all-round versatility. They are not too heavy, not too bulky, have sufficient power and you have the widest choice of cutters that will fit.

I don't know your budget however my own is this. It is probably the lightest of 1/2" machines at 3.7kg (fixed base) or 4.5 kg (plunge base). Expensive - yes, but incredibly versatile and blue industrial quality. I regret not one penny spent on this. If you only ever bought one router to do everything (yeah as if!) , I can recommend this one. Otherwise you'll end up with 2 or 3 like many of us LOL!

Ike

 

[Rob_H]

Out of interest, I asked Trend what they recommended using (from the Trend Router range) with the CDJ 600 dovetail jig. This was their reply:
Hello Rob,


The cutters used with this jig are relatively small and consequently only available with a 1/4inch or 8mm shank. If using this jig in conjunction with the T11, you will need a 1/4inch collet.

A small router such as our T5 is preferable when using this type of jig. It is possible to use use the T11 router with the CDJ600 but care must be taken not to apply excess pressure when feeding feeding the cutter into the timber which is easily done due to the size and weight of the router.

This 1/4 inch collet will match the two cutters supplied with the jig for doing lapped dovetails. The guide bush for the lapped dovetail joint is included with the jig and fits the T11 directly as does our range of Trend guide bushes.

The instruction manual gives details of other guide-bushes and cutters that you may require if you wish to create alternative joints. If buying more cutters for this jig would recommend the 8mm shank cutters for increased strength, which would require an 8mm collet.

 

[mailee]

also worth a mention is the fact that most of the low end dovetail jigs are made for the 1/4" router as the base is smaller. :wink:

 

[PerranOak]

Oh boy. I didn't realise it was so tricky!

I guess I'm what you guys seem to call a "Neanderthal" - not used to powered tools. I do have a powered planer and I can't tell you how many boards I've ruined!

I guess I need to be clear for what I want the router ... at least in the first instance!

I'll be dovetail jigging and general detailing.

"Plunge" - that is?