plunge router vs standard router

[Firebaall]

Hey all,

Can anybody let me know what the difference between a standard router, and one with plunge capabilities?  I'm shopping for one to finish up a cab that I'm restoring.



Thanks!

-FB

[Larry Smith]

a plunge router is one that lets you change the depth of the hole on the fly. Its saves you from making a starter hole.

[donniet]

A plunge router is easier (and safer) to make a cut anywhere in the middle of a board.

Personally I find it easier to set the depth of cut on a plunge router than a fixed base.  Fixed bases are usually easier for doing edge work since they arent as tippy as plunge based routers.

I own two plunge routers because they were the best deals when I was purchasing, but I have been looking for a good excuse to add a fix based to the collection.

To me, the most useful features that can be added in routers is variable speed and 1/2 collet.  Both are good features because of safety.  1/2 bits are stronger and variable speed is needed for large diameter bits.  Tip speed gets really fast when you have a 2 inch+ bit spinning at 22k rpm.

Donnie

[schwefeljm]

A plunge router is easier (and safer) to make a cut anywhere in the middle of a board.

Personally I find it easier to set the depth of cut on a plunge router than a fixed base.  Fixed bases are usually easier for doing edge work since they arent as tippy as plunge based routers.

I own two plunge routers because they were the best deals when I was purchasing, but I have been looking for a good excuse to add a fix based to the collection.

To me, the most useful features that can be added in routers is variable speed and 1/2 collet.  Both are good features because of safety.  1/2 bits are stronger and variable speed is needed for large diameter bits.  Tip speed gets really fast when you have a 2 inch+ bit spinning at 22k rpm.

Donnie

Very true, very true.

Just how fast does the bit travel you ask, well, I will tell you

360^o = 2 * pi Radiens (rads)

1 rad = the distance traveled, along a circle, equal to the radius of the circle

So, to find the distance that point X on a router bit travels during on revolution, take the radius of the bit, multiple by 2pi

In the case of a 2" bit, we get (rounded) 6.3 in/revolution

at 22,000 RPM that equals 138,630 inches/minute

ok, that is fast, but no one deals in inches/minute, so we convert to MPH

138,630 * 60 (minutes in an hour) = 8,317,800

8,317,800 / (5280 [feet per mile] * 12[inces per foot]) [inches per mile] =  131 MPH

130 MPH, now that is fast. if we increase that to a 2.5" bit, we get 163 MPH

33 MPH dif for just an extra 0.5"

That is why it cuts wood so smooth.

Jason

[RoadhawK]

  Exquisitely put and very interesting. If i'm honest numbers terrify me but i can usually get there in the end  

[Firebaall]

Heh,

Thanks.

Found out Sears is having a sale next weekend, and the plunge model that sells for $400CND is gonna be half price.....guess that settles it.  

[Firebaall]

Opps, before I forget......

I want to counter sink a kickpanel ( 1/8" sheetmetal ) around the base of the cab.  From what I gather a rabbiting/straight bit is the way to go.  Yes?

[eightbit]

I want to counter sink a kickpanel ( 1/8" sheetmetal ) around the base of the cab.  From what I gather a rabbiting/straight bit is the way to go.  Yes?

Make sure its a plunge or bottom cutting bit.