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How to choose a router.
Beretta:
--- Quote from: Marsupial on May 07, 2010, 03:33:55 pm ---you mean the buy/sell/trade here? Haven't found any... :(
I saw one with what I assume is a fixture for the vacuum cleaner hose, that's the only gadget I'd be interested in IMHO. Maybe light too.
What's the deal with 1/2" and 1/4" shafts?
--- End quote ---
ya some have an attach ment for a wet/dry vac.
some bits ONLY come in 1/2 size shaft, typically the larger bits.. the thicker shaft makes it stiffer, stronger, and so it provides a cleaner cut.
almost all routers with less then 1 3/4 HP will have 1/4 collects.
most routers 1 3/4 HP or more usually come with 1/2 collects, they typically have 1/4 collets also.
a router with 1 1/2 HP or less almost always come with 1/4 collect ONLY, you can not use the 1/2 shaft bits in them.
so it would appear to be a good idea to get a router with both so you can have the best of both worlds.
smaller routers around 1hp are called trim routers, they're smaller easier to handle but can only use 1/4 bits.. typically these are used for trimming excess laminate from counter tops rather then serious wood working.
severdhed:
i bought a really cheap trim router from harbor freight, it was $30 and has worked beautifully for everything i have needed to do with it
crashwg:
I read a first router buying guide a while back (sorry I can't remember where) and one thing that stood out to me that others' haven't brought up was that they suggested to get a fixed base router for your first. Chances are that once you start cutting stuff up with a router you'll want to do more and that will mean a router table at some point. If you get one of those routers with a fixed base and plunge base you'll be swapping it in and out of three "bases" now and that's no fun. Later on when you're more comfortable with how routers work and what you'll be using it for, go get a plunge router.
I would also suggest you get some hands on time with some routers at your local woodworking or home improvement store. I especially think its a good thing to get familiar with the depth adjustments. Many of the uses of routers call for making multiple passes at increasing depths and you'll want one that is easy to operate and accurately repeatable. You would think that being such an important feature on routers that it would be almost guaranteed to have good adjustment but I've seen some pretty crappy ones.
Marsupial:
I have bought the rona kit with plinger and fixed bases.
however, trying it tonight, it does not always start up. If it does the same thing again, I might have to bring it back for an exchange.
this said, its easier to use then I tought. Works like a charm. I really like this tool, and already see myself spending a fortune on various bits!
Marsupial:
maybe now I should start a thread about how to USE a router...
something I dont quite understand. I am currently trying to shave off excess MDF on a 3/4 pannel, with a trim bit (the one with roler?)
The bit keeps on moving out of the shaft. I have to reposition it every 2 minutes, no matter how strong I make the tight.
I must be doing something wrong.
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