Choosing a home router. How to choose a manual router? Power switch

From this article you can find out what features it has manual frezer on wood: the main types of tools, their capabilities and technical parameters, as well as the components necessary for work. The text contains recommendations that will not only help determine the choice of a suitable hand router, but also effectively use it in practice.

Not only professional carpenters are engaged in woodcarving with a hand router. The possibilities of this tool will come in handy for furniture makers and master finishers. The main purpose of the router is wood processing. Although many modern models are able to cope with other materials.

Consumers can buy a handheld router for processing:

• artificial stone;
• plastic;
• composite materials;
• plexiglass;
• non-ferrous metals.

The scope of this tool extends to the manufacture of decorative products and furniture from wood, carpentry. Crafts created with a hand router look very impressive. These unique products are widely used in everyday life. With the help of a milling cutter, craftsmen make beautiful picture frames, caskets, children's toys, decorative shelves, etc.

What can be done with a hand router:

• sampling of quarters;
• the formation of such structural parts as folds, grooves, spikes, splines;
• profiling of the edge part (figured and straight);
• formation of seats for the installation of fittings and locking mechanisms on the doors;
• decorative wood carving with a router with appropriate attachments;
• making holes;
• fitting parts to be connected;
• alignment of contours in a rough way.

Types of wood milling cutters: device classification

To decide which router is better to buy for your home, you should familiarize yourself in detail with the existing range of these devices. The choice of the device depends on the type of proposed work, their complexity and volume. For example, the need to use a router in furniture production arises constantly, while in a home workshop such a tool will only be required from time to time.

There are the following types of milling cutters:

• top type;
• edging;
• lamellar.

Devices of the upper type can be fixed and submersible. The second option is universal, and therefore the most widely used. For a home workshop, a submersible design is best suited. It is this category of devices that should be considered in more detail in order to decide which router to choose for specific tasks.

Note! A lamellar cutter is used to form grooves on the surface of workpieces. This device belongs to the category of a highly specialized instrument that has no a large number of functions.

When compared with other species hand power tools, the router has the simplest design. No belts, gears or other components are used to transmit torque. The router bits are installed directly on the spindle (electric motor shaft). Due to this, a set of high speeds is provided.

The body part of the electric milling cutter is called the "head". It moves along the guide rods, which are rigidly fixed on the support platform, down and up. When the handle is pressed down, the head of the tool drops down. If the pressure is released, the springs will return the structure to its original position.

Classification of existing products, their features and specific use. Recommendations for the selection of cutting parts for the router.

How to choose a hand router: an overview of additional functions

When buying a router, you should pay attention to the availability of additional features and options that improve its technical or operational characteristics.

If the density of the material being processed increases or the speed of movement of the router along the product increases, the number of revolutions may decrease. To prevent this and keep the indicators at a given level, it is enough to have a constant electronics system. It stabilizes the rotational speed of the spindle by adjusting the power of the electric motor. This function will be useful for owners of professional devices. Conventional devices do not need it.

System smooth start, as in the Makita RP1800F hand milling cutter, will allow the engine speed to be set in a smooth mode. This eliminates the possibility that the rig will make a sharp jerk during switching on. As a result, the service life of the tool is increased, since its component parts are not subjected to regular, albeit short-term, overloads. The operation of the router becomes safe, and the possibility of damage to the workpiece at the initial stage of processing is eliminated.

The overload protection system of the wood router will prevent damage to the device if the winding temperature on the electric motor exceeds a critical level. Depending on the model of the device, it can manifest itself in different ways: in the form of a light indication, which serves as a signal, or an automatic function that turns off the power. As a rule, such a system is provided in professional milling cutters, which are designed for continuous work in intensive mode.

Protection against accidental start is another useful feature. Regardless of the cost, most milling machines are equipped with this option. There is a corresponding button on the body of the tool. The voltage will be supplied to the motor winding only if it is pressed simultaneously with the start key. As a result, the possibility of unintentional switching on of the device is excluded.

Note! TO the safety button not only prevents unintentional starting, but also locks the trigger in the on position. This function will be useful when using a router table for a hand router.

Choosing a hand router taking into account design features

When choosing a hand router, you need to pay attention to the quality of the support platform or sole. This element can be made from cast or stamped metal. Cast structures have a clear geometry, due to which they perfectly adhere to the processed surface and provide high quality work. These tools include the Makita RP0900 handheld router for wood. It has a cast aluminum sole. Stamped platforms are equipped with inexpensive milling cutters intended for domestic use.

It is imperative to make sure that the lower plane of the platform is covered with a plastic cover. Most often, this part is removable, which allows it to be replaced with a new one when wear occurs. The size of the opening in the sole also deserves attention. This hole limits the diameter of the cutters that can be fitted to the tool. In a sole with a small opening, it will not work to install a large cutting attachment.

As the tool head moves along the vertical guide rods, it is very important that the movement of this element is light and smooth. If the structure has distortions and backlash, the use of the router will be difficult. The same goes for the excess resistance that can arise as the node moves vertically.

The depth of immersion of the cutter into the wood is controlled by the stop. It looks like a metal rod, which rests on the platform on the platform and does not allow the head of the device to fall below the set level. To set the level of penetration, it is enough to shift the thrust bar down or up. For this, a special screw is provided in the design.

To perform several passes, gradually increasing the burial level of the cutter, a multistage turret stop is required. It is a platform installed on a platform and has several steps of different heights. A vertical bar rests here, which limits the depth of the cutter.

Note! In some cases, the turret stop has bolts rather than steps. For example, the Interskol FM-67 / 2200E hand router has three adjustable screws and one fixed base. Thanks to this, the device simultaneously possesses both coarse and fine depth settings.

Choice of accessories for the hand router

The milling cutter is used for rough adjustment of products. The quality of the tool and the experience of the operator determines the accuracy of the parts being made. To achieve the desired result, additional devices are attached to the router, which simplify the work with this device.

No job can be done without removable cutting attachments. With the help of them, you can make dovetail, straight, rounded, T-shaped and other types of grooves and grooves with a milling cutter. There are many options for such attachments.

By their purpose and design, they are grouped into categories:

• edging;
• groove;
• figurines;
• combined.

Such a device as a parallel stop, it is also called a side stop, is used to process a surface parallel to the edge of a wooden blank. Thanks to him, it becomes possible to move the tool at an equal distance from the edge. A pair of rigid metal rods and screws are used to secure the stop. The quality of the result depends on how well the structure is installed. The material for the stop is stamped and cast metal. A removable plastic pad prevents this element from contacting the workpiece.

The guide bar is another auxiliary element for straight line milling. Unlike the parallel stop, this element allows threading at any angle with respect to the edge, as well as at any distance from it. The tire looks like a profiled ruler, which is fixed on the workpiece with the help of clamps. A special shoe is attached to the tool. It guides the router by traversing the grooves of the bar.

A ruler compass for a milling cutter is used by craftsmen to make a thread along a radial line. It is irreplaceable when you need to make a round table top. On the one hand, the compass ruler is fixed in the tool sole with screws, on the other hand, it is fastened with a pin through a hole formed in the workpiece. It should be in the center of the circle.

Helpful advice! In order to keep the cutting area clean during operation, it is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner that is connected to the router using a nozzle.

Choosing a manual wood router: consumer reviews

Before you go to the store to buy a router, it does not hurt to get acquainted with the opinion of consumers about certain manufacturers, as well as specific models. The opinion of buyers who have tried the tool in operation will allow us to weed out devices that have flaws that can only be identified during operation.

Customer reviews can be found on forums or online stores:

“Not so long ago I got an Aeg MF 1400 KE 411850 milling cutter. Such a tool is just right for a home workshop. The device is very quiet. Even under intense loads, it is no louder than a vacuum cleaner. I easily do edge work in one pass. For greater efficiency, I had to buy a table for a hand router. Moreover, I did the installation of the tool with my own hands, which made me very happy. The cutting depth is very easy to adjust.

I haven’t had to work with panels yet, but I think the tool will cope with it. Thanks to the video tutorials, I already use the manual wood router to the fullest. So I find this model suitable option for newbies".

Igor Ivashin, St. Petersburg

“I wanted to buy a small tool for small jobs. My choice fell on the Interskol manual milling cutter, the price of the FM-40 / 1000E unit is more than acceptable - only 4100 rubles. With its light weight, the design develops sufficient power. I didn't notice a slight backlash right away, but considering the cost, I can't call it a significant drawback. When I tried the router at home, the tool showed itself well. Let's see what happens over time. "

Sergey Leibovich, Moscow

“Several years ago I thought about creating a workshop in a garage. Among other things, I bought a milling cutter. The purchase of the instrument cost me almost 20,000 rubles. But, despite the high cost, the Makita 3612 C manual router for wood completely beat off its price. It is the most reliable and indestructible tool that I have ever got my hands on. The only thing missing from this model is the ability to fine tune the height. The rest of the instrument is good. "

Evgeny Novokshanov, Yekaterinburg

Choosing the best handheld wood router: the price of popular models

For consumers wondering which handheld router for wood is better, prices are not the least important, as the size of the personal budget can act as a deterrent for most buyers.

Helpful advice! To increase the comfort of using the tool, it is advisable to buy milling table for a hand router or make it yourself. It will allow you to easily and quickly operate the device without being distracted by holding the workpiece to be processed.

How to make a milling table for a hand router with your own hands

Any master can independently make a table for a hand router, video materials and ready-made drawings on the network are enough for even a beginner to cope with this task.

For work you will need:

• wooden blocks with a square section (4 pcs.);
• plywood and chipboard;
• fasteners (hinges, bolts, nuts, etc.);
• jack;
• metal profile;
• steel plate 6 mm thick;
• aluminum guides;
• movable carriage-stop, which will serve as a guide;
• milling cutter.

Instructions for making a table for a manual router with your own hands

For the table, you will definitely need a drawing indicating the position of the parts and their sizes. From the bars and scraps of chipboard of the appropriate size, supports are twisted, which will serve as legs for the table. To increase the rigidity of the structure, plywood connecting panels must be installed horizontally. A hole should be cut on the right side of the table, where the start button on the router will be displayed.

For the manufacture of countertops, you need to take chipboard. This part must be lifting, so you need to install the hinges. You will also need to make an additional support base. The base of the table for a hand router is best made of plywood sheet, 15 mm thick. Next, in the tabletop you need to cut a groove designed for the guides of the movable stop. A metal profile should be installed here. To make it convenient to move the workpiece along the table during operation, it is advisable to use a movable stop carriage. A saw guide will work instead.

For the manufacture of a longitudinal stop, you need to take a chipboard. To ensure the mobility of this element, perpendicular grooves should be cut in the upper part of the stop, after which it should be attached to the tabletop using clamps. A small groove is cut in the middle. It will be used to dispose of chips and other particles that form during the milling process.

Then you need to assemble a box of thin plywood with a hole designed to connect a vacuum cleaner through a hose. This machine will give off shavings and dust. The box is fixed behind the perpendicular stop. After that, a 6 mm thick metal plate is screwed to the table top so that their levels coincide. This is where the router will be installed.

Note! When securing the plate, care must be taken to ensure that its edges do not protrude above the tabletop. Otherwise, the wooden blocks will cling to them.

The tool is attached to the bottom of the plate using an aluminum base. For fixing, you can use bolts for which holes must first be made. This method of fixing is convenient for changing attachments and saves the milling depth. Using a car jack, you need to design a lift for the router. It can be used to control the height. You need to remove the handles from the router and screw in aluminum guides in their place, which subsequently need to be connected to the jack.

How to work with a manual wood router: video instructions and recommendations

To learn how to work with a manual wood router, it is advisable to study well the structure of this tool and the purpose of each part. Some parameters of the device need to be adjusted. To adjust the milling depth, you need to use a scale and a knob. One step corresponds to 10 mm. In addition, you must immediately set the rotational speed of the cutter.

Before working as a wood router, a beginner definitely needs to get used to the tool and master its capabilities. It is advisable to start at low to medium speed. However, do not forget that in this mode the processing quality is significantly reduced. Therefore, the first tests should be performed on inconspicuous areas where errors can be masked.

In the initial stages, it is not enough to learn how to work with a hand router. The novice master must adhere to the safety requirements. You need to clearly know where the start and stop button of the tool is located, as well as its lock. These elements are very important because the safety and quality of work depends on them.

How to adjust the rotational speed for a handheld wood router

Tool setting depends on the characteristics of the material to be processed. The router does an excellent job of cutting composites, plywood and wood. Taking into account the characteristics of the material, the rotational speed of the device is selected. Most often, the technical documentation that is attached to the tool already contains the necessary information.

Parameters for speed setting:

Helpful advice! There is a lot of information on the network on working with a wood router, video materials can be used as a visual aid in the absence of experience in setting up and operating the tool.

How to fix the nozzle before working with a router: video and recommendations

Working with a router begins with installing and securing the cutting attachment. It is very important to comply with safety requirements. All actions are performed only when the cord is pulled out from the mains.

Usually the tool has marks to help you position the cutter. If they are absent, the element is set to a depth not less than its own length. Each model of the milling cutter is accompanied by technical documentation, which describes the mechanism for the correct installation of cutting nozzles. There are no general rules for the tool, as each modification has its own design features.

Some models have a fairly simple structure, others are more advanced. On sale there are modifications equipped with a button that blocks the rotational movement of the shaft. The presence of this part greatly simplifies the process of installing the cutter.

There are special cracks in expensive models of the tool. Therefore, there is no single instruction. To install the cutter on a specific model, you can use technical documentationprovided by the manufacturer, or watch a video of the work of a manual wood router on the Internet.

How to work with a manual router: video and tips for using the tool

Using the router will be completely safe, and the result of the work will be of high quality, provided that all safety requirements are met:

• the tool must be sharp, otherwise the quality of processing will decrease and the engine will warm up;
• before starting work, the workpiece material must be well fixed;

• you should not try to complete the task in one pass, as a result of this, the loads on both the cutter and the tool as a whole greatly increase;
• the replacement of the cutter is carried out only on a de-energized device, it is not enough just to turn off the device using the button, you need to pull the plug of its cord from the socket.

Compliance with these requirements will ensure safety during operation. It is very important to feel the instrument in your hands and get used to it. If the work of the router is accompanied by strong vibrations, you need to stop and find out the cause of this phenomenon. Sometimes it is enough to adjust the rotational speed, and in some cases it may be necessary to replace a blunt tip. A novice master can find many video reviews where experienced craftsmen show the process of making individual parts and even full-fledged products.

Wood carving with a hand router: process video overview

The edge (edging) router is a versatile tool for household and professional use. It is designed to work with wood, it is able to cut grooves according to the template and chamfer. In order not to get confused in the whole variety of models and brands, we offer a rating of the most popular and modern machine tools in 2017.

The German brand offers the most reliable edge routers for professional use. The light weight of the model of 1.5 kg does not affect the power provided by the 600 W motor. The package includes collets with a clamping diameter of 6 to 8 mm, which makes the machine universal.

The advantages of the model include:

• die-cast aluminum base and sleek durable plastic frame;
• high power for hand tools - 600 W;
• easy adjustment by means of a latch flag and movement of the base.

The disadvantages of consumers include the lack of an inclined base in the package.

Makita 3709

Japanese tool with a capacity of 30 thousand rpm. It copes well with hard and viscous types of wood, where the maximum immersion in the material reaches 4 cm. The router is made of polycarbonate, even the clamp is made of plastic. Collet size is only up to 6 mm, which is not liked by many craftsmen.

The advantages of such a device include:

• comfortable grip;
• affordable price (about 5 thousand rubles);
• quite powerful 530 W motor;
• the presence of a parallel stop.

An impressive drawback is the plastic base, which is not credible.

Hammer FRZ710 PREMIUM

A universal model with vertical bases and a handle included. As a vertical option, the power of the device is not enough: it will work at its limit and quickly fail. The depth of immersion in the tree is only 3 cm, and there is also no smooth lowering, therefore, it is worth using an edge mill of this modification only for its intended purpose.

According to the masters, the strengths of the model include:

• high motor power of 710 W;
• good rotation speed - up to 30 thousand rpm;
• there is an adjustment of the rotation speed and a smooth start of the device;
• spindle fixation is provided;
• weight only 1.75 kg.

The disadvantages include poor performance as a router.

DeWALT DWE 6005

The model is completely made of polycarbonate, while the cost is comparable to Bosch (14,000 rubles). A proprietary DeWALT adjustment system is provided, where the cutter itself is located on the base, it rises and falls along a spiral ditch. The location of the power cord, which can get into the most inconvenient place, is not thought out in this type of work.

Users often choose this model for a number of advantages:

• low noise figure - up to 77 dB;
• quite powerful 600 W motor;
• productivity - 34 thousand rpm;
• comfortable grip.

However, the high cost and small depth of cut (up to 2.2 cm) is often the reason for buying a more modern model.

ENGY EER-420

A budget version of the edge trimmer, the price of which is only 3500 rubles. Milling cutter type - edge loop, weight - 2 kg. Such a tool copes well with wood, plastic, chipboard panels and plywood. Collet only up to 6 mm.

The advantages include:

• the ability to lock the spindle for quick replacement of equipment;
• a protective casing is provided;
• good performance indicators of 30 thousand rpm, with a low engine power of 420 watts.

According to the reviews of the masters, there is a very shortage of an 8 mm collet and the tool is too heavy for manual work.

VORTEX FM-470K

Domestic development with good immersion in wood - up to 4 cm. Motor power - 470 W, which is enough for 30,000 rpm. Due to the low cost of 3 thousand rubles. is very popular.

Among the positive aspects of such a power tool are:

• good performance indicator;
• electronic regulation of the number of revolutions per minute is provided;
• immersion depth in dense wood - up to 4 cm.

The equipment weighs 2.5 kg, which is attributed to the disadvantages of the domestic Vortex.

DEWALT DW670

The model, which attracts with a price of 7 thousand rubles, belongs to the class of professional equipment with additional functions. High performance with an average motor power (600W) is one of the distinguishing features of this manufacturer of construction tools.

The following advantages are inclined to buy such a router:

• the maximum stroke reaches 5.5 cm;
• productivity - 30 thousand rpm;
• collet from 6 to 8 mm;
• copes well with engraving, chamfering and profile ends.

The model is rather heavy (1.9 kg), which makes it impossible to work with one hand for a long time.

You don't have to chase brand or power to find the right handheld router, just find the model that suits your needs. Before buying, think about the following nuances:

• the higher the productivity, the longer the tool works without interruption, while the weight of the equipment and your physical costs for working with it increase;
• adjusting the spindle speed is useful for secure fixation;
• check for the presence of an immersion adjustment, because deep grooves or notches are not always needed;
• specify which rigs are suitable for working with the selected tool;
• hold the model in your hand to see how comfortable it will be to use it.

By following these tips, you will quickly find a household edge router for quality woodworking.

Any home craftsman must have a manual router in his toolbox. Most people think that only wood can be worked with this tool, but this is not the case. There are different accessories, the installation of which on the router allows them to work with materials such as plastic, non-ferrous metal, artificial stone and others. Depending on the tasks that you plan to perform with this tool, it will depend on which manual router you need to choose.

A manual router can handle parts made of wood, plastic, artificial stone, non-ferrous metal.

Handheld router capabilities

This tool has a fairly wide range of possibilities, and before choosing a manual router, you need to familiarize yourself with them:

You can make curly wood carvings with a hand router.

• edge profiling, it can be either straight or curly;
• execution of seats for different locks, awnings and any accessories;
• sampling a quarter;
• performing grinding;
• drilling holes and cutting thorns;
• cutting the required length of the workpiece;
• carrying out rough alignment;
• wood carving and engraving;
• making grooves along or in a spiral on legs, balusters;
• execution of various grooves, slots.

It is an indispensable tool for people involved in the manufacture of furniture, carpenters, builders performing finishing work, it is needed by both an amateur and a professional.

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What are the types of hand routers?

Before choosing a router, you need to know that they are divided into top, edge and lamellas.

The beveler can be used for chamfering and edge making.

Upper router. This kind of the specified tool can be fixed or submersible. The first option is made in the form of a motor, in which there are settings for the milling depth, which is performed by moving the tool vertically. It is difficult to use such a router, this is due to the fact that you will have to change the position of the router without turning it off.

In the submersible version, the motor is moved along the guide. The tool can be lifted or lowered by the action of the springs without having to lift it off the workpiece. It is much more convenient to work with such a tool, and it is suitable for both professionals and beginners.

Edge router. This type of tool is commonly used for beveling and chamfering.

The lamellar cutter is used for making grooves.

Lamellar router. It has a narrower specialization and is mainly used for the manufacture of grooves.

Regardless of which hand router you decide to purchase, they all come with various accessories. This allows you to perform work more productively, for more accurate feeding, stops, clamps are used, templates and guides are also used for these purposes.

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What to look for when choosing a router?

When choosing a router, you need to pay attention to many of its parameters and characteristics, only in this case you will choose a quality tool that will work for a long time and reliably.

Tool power. This figure will depend on the purpose for which you plan to use the router. To make it convenient for them to work, it is necessary to choose the optimal ratio between its weight and power.

Light milling cutters have a minimum weight, but their power is only up to 750 watts. Medium cutters already have a power of up to 1100 watts. Heavy milling cutters are heavy, but they also have more than 1200 watts of power. Therefore, the weight of the tool will directly depend on its power, the more powerful it is, the heavier it will be.

If you plan to use this tool at home, then you will have enough light or medium models, but if you are a professional, then immediately get a heavy and powerful model.

Speed. The material with which you can work with this tool will depend on the specified indicator, it will be only wood or other materials. Router speed can be 7-24 thousand revolutions per minute. For domestic use, a working depth of 30 mm is sufficient, for professional models it can reach 60 mm.

Switch. Many people do not pay attention to this device when choosing a hand-held electric tool, but they do it in vain. This device must necessarily have a locking mechanism, as well as protection against accidental activation. The presence of such functions will not only greatly facilitate the work, but will ensure the safety of the operator while he is doing the work.

For different jobs are used different types cutters.

Collet. Tapered steel collets are considered the best, this is because the motor shaft is tapered, and they fit together perfectly. This device should be made of hardened steel, if ordinary steel was used, then during operation it quickly wears out and rattles appears, which complicates the work.

Dust removal. Almost all modern milling cutters have a sluice for dust extraction that occurs during operation. To ensure maximum dust removal, this mechanism should be built-in. The presence of an airlock can slightly impair visibility, but if you work on a special table, then it does not interfere, and the workplace remains constantly clean.

If we talk about the table on which the work is carried out, then it must be strong, have fastening points, it must have a height adjustment system, and its design must provide maximum visibility.

Router sole. One of the main elements of this tool is the sole. On most models it is stamped, more expensive models have a cast sole. For easy work, the sole must have the correct shape and fit well to the base. The base support is where the lugs of the guide parts are located. The sole is closed by an overlay, which can be plastic or wooden. The size of the hole is very important, as this determines the size of the cutter that can be used.

Rod mechanism. The performance and functionality of this tool will depend on how the "head" moves, it moves along the rods. The correct operation of this mechanism ensures smooth and easy movement of the cutter. A lever or a screw can be used to adjust the depth of the cutter. The quality of the tool will depend on the accuracy of the specified adjustment.

The revolving stop helps to perform several turns with a change in depth. To readjust the immersion depth, use the counterpart of the stop. It is convenient when it is made in the form of bolts, when screwed in, the height changes.

Auxiliary details. We've covered the main points to look for when choosing a router, but you also need to pay attention to additional details.

In order to be able to perform the work as accurately as possible, various guides are used, they are included in the tool kit.

In order to guide the router at an equal distance, use a parallel stop. It must be made of high-quality steel, it can consist of 2 elements or occupy the entire support area, there must be a plastic lining between the stop and the workpiece.

The copying ring is a plate on which there is a side, it is inserted into a special opening of the sole. The fixation of the structure must be quick-clamping in order to exclude additional movements of the part during its positioning.

The corner stop allows you to copy the workpiece. The part is placed over the template and the cutter rests on the probe. It is more convenient when it is possible to adjust it.

Choosing equipment for your home is a demanding task. Not only the quality of work, but also the convenience of using the device will depend on its quality and a well-chosen unit. The situation is similar with the question: how to choose a router for the house.

The milling machine is designed for processing flat wooden surfaces.

Unit technical parameters

The head of the apparatus is represented by a motor with handles and a collet clamp. The workflow will depend on which parameter this part has.... Overall performance is indicated by the power consumed while performing certain activities. The larger this parameter, the larger the cutter can be installed. In turn, this leads to an increase in the passage, during which the windings will not overheat. A similar detail allows for faster feed.

However, there is a downside. An increase in power also leads to an increase in the weight of the structure and its dimensions. In addition, high torque values \u200b\u200bdo not always allow the use of certain rigs designed for more delicate work.

Router device diagram.

By power, several classes of equipment are distinguished. The first type is represented by light cutters with a power consumption within 700 watts. The following classes are represented by medium and heavy devices with a power of 700-1500 W and exceeding the latter value. However, some manufacturers may provide models with a power of 2300 watts and weighs 6.1 kg. They are Makita RP 2300FC and DeWalt DW626, which have a 12 mm collet size, a speed of 22 thousand rpm and a cutting depth of up to 70 mm. For comparison, the Makita RP 0910 weighs 3.3 kg at 900 W, but the cutting depth is reduced by 57 mm.

The spindle speed is in the range of 20-30 thousand revolutions, although the so-called edging machines increase this value to 35 thousand revolutions per minute. At the same time, it should be noted that the small diameter of the tooling allows you to develop a higher speed, while a large cutter requires a lower speed.

However, in reality, it turns out that high speed helps to work with hard products and make the processing cleaner, but if the material is viscous or great importance is attached to accuracy, it is necessary to switch to a lower value. Therefore, a large number of such devices have the ability to make the necessary setting of the rotational speed.

It will be useful to pay attention to products equipped with constant electronics for adjusting the motor power. This function allows you to stabilize the speed initially set. As a result, this innovation helps prevent speed drops when changing the way the machine is fed or when the density of the material changes when working with non-uniform workpieces. The tool of the Hitachi M12V2 brand has a similar quality.

The most powerful installations have a smooth descent system, which eliminates network overload due to the influence of high currents. In addition, in the presence of a system, the unit accelerates smoothly, sharp jerks are excluded. In addition, such a device will work longer, which is explained by the protection of the nodes from shock rates of work. This system, for example, has the Bosch GOF 2000 CE brand.

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of overload protection, which is especially important when the temperature of the motor windings reaches a critical value. This system is presented in different ways. The simplest option is LED indicators, the most complex systems have a temporary power outage.

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Device structure: what to look for?

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The outsole is the main element

For the manufacture of the support platform, aluminum alloy or stamped metal is used. The molded sole is a sign of the high-class device. Its shape is distinguished by good geometry, a high degree of fit, which positively affects the quality of work. In addition, it is on this basis that there are lugs that allow you to fix various devices on it. An example is the AEG OF2050E model.

Please note that the lower plane of the support must have a cover plate and be covered by it. This part is made from materials such as plastic or hard varnished wood. An important component is the opening in the sole, which is the limiter of the permissible value of the cutter.

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Rod fixture

Diagram of a parallel stop on a hand router.

The performance and functionality of the router is largely determined by the features of the vertical movement of the head. The movement of the head occurs along two rods. The correctness of this part can be indicated by the fact how smoothly the tool can be lowered without using additional force for this. The disadvantages of this part include the presence of excess resistance, distortions and backlash. Therefore, when you need to choose a router for use in the home, great attention must be paid to this aspect in order to prevent the presence of these problems in the device.

Levers or special screw mechanisms can be used to fix the immersion depth of the working part. The installation of the outreach of the equipment is due to the vertical stop, the installation of which is carried out with different accuracy. The most advanced instruments in this regard are equipped with a vertical scale setting. In some cases, a wheel is used, which takes into account even small values \u200b\u200bof a few millimeters. It should be noted that a stable and accurate adjustment, carried out in a wide range, speaks of a high-quality and functional apparatus. Among such devices, the Metabo OFE 1229 brand stands out.

With the help of a compass, the board is milled in a circle.

If it is necessary to carry out a number of passes at the same time, while changing the value of the working depth, you can use a revolving stop equipped with several stages. This element is located on the head of the device and is a counterpart of the vertical stop, which can be changed in height. The turret assists, if necessary, to quickly re-adjust the immersion depth. If it is represented by several bolts with a thread, then the steps can be adjusted according to the height value, simply by unscrewing or screwing in these router elements.

There are models that have the ability to detach the upper part from the platform, which allows the device to be fixed in a stationary installation. From now on, the unit can be used instead of a powerful drill or straight grinder. Routers with holes in the sole can be fixed with a snap up. This makes it permissible to process parts with small dimensions, as can be done, for example, on the Hitachi M12SA2 device.

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Rigging and its attachment point

A simple stop can be made from a bar.

The fixture is fastened to the spindle using a collet clamp. The last element is a nut, which is screwed onto a bushing with slots. It grips the shank inserted at the specified location. It should be noted that the diameter of the collet corresponds to the diameter of the cutter, as a result of which it is important to immediately select the type of cutters that will be used and their diameter.

Shanks with a diameter of 6 mm are available for light cutters, 8 mm for medium cutters. The most powerful units use 12 mm collets. Based on this, it can be stated that a large router is equipped with a large tail, which requires certain parameters necessary for the rotation of this part.

However, it is possible to install a cutter with a thin shank in the seat, which is feasible when using a replaceable collet. This process must be treated with caution, as the feed rate of the router must match the recommended speed. Otherwise, the shank will break due to the high load.

A good quality collet will securely hold the shank while avoiding vibrations that can damage bearings and main body edge. Clamps with multiple slots are considered the best. This is due to the fact that when using such elements, a better centering of the cutter occurs. In this regard, the Bosch GMF 1600 CE model stands out.

A manual milling cutter is a necessary tool in the household. With its help, it is possible to process not only wood, but also other materials, for example, plastic, non-ferrous metals, artificial stone, etc. However, to obtain a high-quality result, it is necessary to choose the right tool, taking into account various factors.

Types of hand routers

When choosing a device, it is important to consider which type of device is suitable for solving specific problems. To do this, you need to understand the varieties of hand routers. A manual router can be presented in one of three types:

• lamellar;
• edging;
• upper.

Top hand mills, in turn, are subdivided into submersible and fixed. A feature of the first option is the movement of the motor along the guide. This makes working with the tool more convenient. The up and down movement of the cutter is carried out without separation from the workpiece thanks to the stiff springs.

When using stationary overhead milling cutters, the milling depth must be adjusted by raising and lowering the tool. The position of the cutter should change when it is on, so it requires some skill to work.

If you need to grind or chamfer edges, an edge router is the best option. And for making connecting grooves in details - lamellar.

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Criterias of choice

It is possible to meet the expectations and required functions as much as possible only if different characteristics are taken into account.

First of all, you should pay attention to the power. In this case, one should take into account the goals that are set for the instrument. For professional work, it is recommended to purchase more powerful devices, and for solving small household tasks, milling cutters with a power of about 750 watts are also suitable. The more power, the heavier the tool. This must be taken into account, since its weight directly affects the convenience of work.

It is important to take into account the speed of the device, especially if the plans include work not only on wood, but also with other materials. If only wood processing is planned, then 7 thousand revolutions will be quite enough, since wood is a soft material. For milling harder materials, tools can be used at a speed of up to 24 thousand revolutions, depending on the types and characteristics of the materials that are planned to be processed. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the milling depth. For professional use, you can purchase a manual router with a processing depth of up to 6 cm, but for amateur use at home, you can get by with a depth of up to 3 cm.

An important element of the device that should not be neglected when choosing it is the switch. It is recommended to opt for models equipped with a locking mechanism with provided protection against accidental shutdown. These functions will make your work more convenient and safe.

To facilitate the machining process, it is recommended to opt for conical collets made of hardened steel. This shape is ideally suited to the shape of the motor shaft (also tapered). Collets made of ordinary steel produce a rattling noise during operation, which makes material processing much more difficult. In addition, they wear out much faster.

It is much more convenient to work with a tool that is equipped with a built-in dust extraction. As a last resort, you can purchase a tool with a gateway to connect the suction.

The sole of the device is also an important element of the overall structure. The ideal option is a molded sole. The airtight shape and optimal fit to the work surface ensure best quality work. Pads made of wood or plastic are attached to the sole. They must be of high quality. If wood is used, then only hard wood is permissible.

The functionality of the tool and its performance depend on the design features of the head movement. Its movement is carried out along the bars. With proper operation of the rod mechanism, the head part moves smoothly, and its movement does not require unnecessary effort. To adjust the immersion depth, the mechanism is equipped with a special screw or lever. For high-quality milling, you need to choose devices with the most accurate adjustment.

Some auxiliary structural elements cannot be neglected. If the process requires guidance of the router at an equal distance, then the rip fence is used. This part must be made of high quality alloy. In places where contact with the workpiece is possible, plastic pads should be provided. The size of the rip fence is not important.

In the opening of the sole there is a round plate with a low rim. This is a copying ring, the so-called bushing. The plate should be fixed quickly and easily. When installing a part in the machine, this will avoid wasting time and effort.

If you need to make several parts according to one template, then an angle stop is used. The template is located under the workpiece. The milling cutter rests against a specially designed probe during operation. If the crosscut fence cannot be adjusted, the work will be more difficult.