Here's is what you'll need to consider when purchasing a
router:
- Fixed Base vs. Plunge
- - a fixed base router has a stationary base in contrast to a
plunge router which has the ability to be lowered into the wood. Plunge routers tend
to be more versatile
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- Horsepower
- - the amount of horsepower (HP) a router has will determine
how hard it can work when doing tough shaping jobs. More HP, means a stronger motor.
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- Fixed Speed vs. Variable Speed
- - Fixed Speed routers only have one speed and therefore
operate at a set RPM. Variable Speed (VS) routers have the ability to operated a
different RPM for different applications. In general, the harder the router has to
work (ex- a deep cut through hard wood) the lower you should set the RPM.
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- Collet Size
- - the Collet is the hole that accepts the router bit.
Collet size is either ¼ or ½ inch. The ½ ones come with an adapter to accept ¼ as
well. Router bits are either ¼ or ½ inch diameter shank, so make sure you know
your needs before purchasing. Larger shank bits tend to be more stable in tough cuts
with less wobble and deflection.
- What will you be using the router for?
- - a router is one of the most versatile tools on the market.
Basic router applications include shaping the edge of wood on something like a
table top, for example. Basic operations like that require only a basic router -
fixed base with lower horsepower.
- advanced router applications include using the tool inverted in a router table.
This allows the user to do intricate wood shaping, raised panel doors, etc. A
plunge router works very well in a router table. The type of router table work
you'll be doing will also govern the horsepower of your router. Large cuts like
those in a raised panel are harder on the motor and therefore more horsepower is
desirable. 3HP and above are recommended for difficult cuts.
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