PLUNGE ROUTER TRIAL

If the bottom of a cutter is, say, 1/2 inch above the bottom of the base-plate when the body of the router is up, this effectively reduces the plunge depth by 1/2 inch.

It must be remembered that the plunge depth may not be a realistic working depth below the bottom of the base plate. Plunge depths vary between models, it can range from 2 to 3.5 inches. Plunge is the change in height which the router body will descend to the base plate, on some machines this actually projects the collet below the base-plate - useful in some cases. Some routers do not have spindle locks but require two open ended spanners, one to hold the drive spindle while the other releases the collet. The spindle lock is a simple push and hold mechanism that stops the spindle turning when the spanner is used to release the collet. To change a cutter, normally the spindle of the motor needs to be locked and an open ended spanner used to release the collet. The size fitted as standard to a model should depend upon the power of the machine, light-duty routers will probably have a 1/4 inch, medium duty 3/8 inch and heavy duty 1/2 inch.Ĭollet reduces are available to that different sizes can be fitted in the larger machines. Various collet sizes are available - 6, 6.35, 8mm, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch. The size of the collect determines the size of cutter shank which can be fitted. Most plates have a thin plastic facing underneath, ideally this should be replaceable, and spares should be available. The underside of the plate often slides over the workpiece, and it is necessary to do so without marking it. The base plate positions the cutter at right-angles to the workpiece, in some operations the side of the base plate is run along a straight edge, so at least one side must be straight. The handles should be nice and bulbous so that they feel comfortable in the operators hands. They should be positioned as near to the base plate as possible to give good operator control and balance. Generally there are two side hand grips on the motor housing. The variable speed control should not be in a position where it could inadvertently be changed while routing.

PLUNGE ROUTER TRIAL

The required speed will depend upon the size of cutter being used and the material being cut, the appropriate speed setting for any combination will need to be determined by trial and error/experience. Nearly all modern routers have variable speed motors, the setting is by a simple numbered knob showing up to 5 or 6 positions.

Machine speed can range from about 800 to 30000 rpm.

A large, heavy, powerful router would be a difficult to handle for very light, delicate work.Īs a rough guide to classifying routers, models of 400 to 600W are for light duty, 750 to 1200W are for medium duty, and 1250 W upwards are for heavy duty. However the power also largely dictates the size and weight of the machines, so consider the use for the router when choosing. In basic terms, the more power a router has, the better it can cope with harder materials, larger diameter cutters and deeper cuts. This article gives a brief summary of the features which need to be considered. A router can be one of the most versatile woodworking tools, but with all the different makes/models on the market, it essential that the correct router is chosen.

Plunge router