Designing a Router for Design School, need opinions from woodworkers.

[JonnyBoy]

Hey guys,

I've been around periodically, I'm a design student at UC and we're working on a power tool this quarter. I decided to do a router, snagged a cheapie craftsman off craigslist to dissect. I need you woodworkers (I figure you guys use routers plenty when working on your cabs and all that) to chime in.

Here's what I'm going for. A fixed base router, around 2 - 2.25 HP, I want it to be fairly light and nimble with a low center of gravity and high visibility. What other features/design elements would you guys be interested in seeing applied to a router?

Thanks guys. I'll keep this thread updated with drawings and renders.

[fixedpigs]

Hey guys,

I've been around periodically, I'm a design student at UC and we're working on a power tool this quarter. I decided to do a router, snagged a cheapie craftsman off craigslist to dissect. I need you woodworkers (I figure you guys use routers plenty when working on your cabs and all that) to chime in.

Here's what I'm going for. A fixed base router, around 2 - 2.25 HP, I want it to be fairly light and nimble with a low center of gravity and high visibility. What other features/design elements would you guys be interested in seeing applied to a router?

Thanks guys. I'll keep this thread updated with drawings and renders.

a power cord that plugs in at the top...out of the way...

a power switch that can be flicked on & off without taking the hands off the base...

[Encryptor]

1/4" & 1/2" collets.

Encryptor

[Xiaou2]

 High Visibility?

 How about a positionable mini camera that pipes a picture of the cutting blade
and surface to a small LCD panel mounted on top of the router.

 Would need dust attachment or use the power of the motor to add a mini-dust
collector unit.  (or simply blasts air from the motor to the base and clears out dust
in all directions)

 LEDs to light the surface area.

 Grid-lines that can be overlayed on the LCD panel, so can use to match up
to hand cut drawn lines as you route.  OR - the overlay could simply be a
clear-plastic printed overlay that rests on top of the LCD.

 

[Shortbus]

I agree with all of the above. especially being able to turn off without letting go, and power cord on top. The camera idea is awesome as well, boy i'd like that feature for sure.

if you need a 'tester' for what you come up with, let me know I'll send you my address. I use a router weekly....

[UFO8MyCow]

how about an offset belt drive motor. I have access to a porter cable laminate trimmer with an offset base at work and I love it. It is far more steady on the edges because all the weight is over the wood and it isn't a balancing act to keep it straight. The only problem I have with it is it isn't built for heavy use so a full sized router wit that design would be great.