Routers open up completely new possibilities in woodworking. Anyone planning to build their own furniture, should not do without the fascinating application possibilities of this tool.
Routers are considered the ultimate creative tool. But only the right machine leaves enough room for really creative work. Handoberfräsen, that's the exact name, consist of a motor and the milling basket.
drive
According to the engine power, routers can be divided into three performance classes: 600 Watt, 1000 Watt, 1800 Watt. The small machines with about 600 Watts usually have a slim motor, the one with one 43 mm thick collar is clamped in the milling basket. With machines of this design, the motors can also be used as straight grinders independently of the milling basket, use with a flexible shaft or in a drill stand. The motor power is sufficient for most do-it-yourself activities, but it is recommended, especially when working with large cutter diameters, spend a few bucks on a more powerful machine.
For routers in the 1000-watt class (about 800 Watt bis 1300 Watt) the motor block is firmly connected to the milling basket – separate use is therefore not possible. But these machines not only offer more power, but often also better ergonomics. The big routers with 1800 and more watts are more for the stair builder. They are too unwieldy and too heavy for the do-it-yourselfer.
A high engine speed is important (about 27 000 revolutions per minute), but also electronics, that makes it possible, Reduce speed when working on heat-sensitive materials. An electronic controller would be even better, which keeps the set speed constant even under load.
milling basket
The milling basket consists of a two-column guide, which should allow the milling cutter to be lowered as smoothly and precisely as possible. You can easily test this yourself on the hardware store shelf. To do this, release the lock and lower the milling basket several times. When you press with different strengths with both hands, you can easily distinguish the wobbly machine from the precise routers. On this occasion you may have already got to know the function of the quick adjustment. Makes it really simple and easy to use, without taking your hands off the guide handles?
Feineinstellung
For precise work, the router must be adjustable to fractions of a millimeter. While the simple machines only have a lockable stop pin for height adjustment, other machines are equipped with a fine adjustment ^, which allows an exact adjustment. Metabo offers its OF E 1229 Even signals a dial indicator for fine adjustment. A rotatable turret stop allows several working heights to be set at the same time, which can then only be approached by turning the turret head. This is useful for assignments, that require step-by-step work.
handles and switches
Also pay attention to the shape of the handles and switches. The counter should be accessible at all times, without having to take your hands off the handle. The handles should be, unless they are round knob handles, can be adjusted to different working positions. Important is, that you can guide the machines sensitively, even when working hands-free, for example when milling lettering, to allow. Festool and Mafell rely on a different concept for their professional routers. Your machines have two different handles. A stick handle and a lower purchase handle. This solution offers advantages when working with one hand on a guide rail or with the rip fence, irritates, however, when guiding the machine freely with both hands.
dust extraction
Since milling creates a lot of dust, the routers are equipped with a dust extraction system. In most cases, however, it has to be attached to the base plate with the guide rods for the rip fence and often blocks the view of the cutter tip. Also, some dust extraction caps are so tight, that only milling cutters with a small diameter can be used. It is better, if the extraction is integrated in the base plate of the machine.
base plate
Also pay attention to the quality of the base plate. On the one hand, it must be stable and, if possible, it should have a hard plastic outsole. In addition, the base plate must offer receptacles for copy sleeves. If the guide sleeves can be used with a bayonet lock, this is much more comfortable, than having to screw them tight every time. Especially since there is still a risk, losing the screws.
Parallel stop
A parallel stop , which is mounted on the base plate with two guide rods, is included with all routers. It must be easy to assemble and stable. A fine adjustment is also advantageous here. However, some manufacturers only offer it as an accessory. It makes sense, if the vacuum cleaner can be connected directly to the rip fence when processing edges. Then significantly less dust falls on the ground.
Accesories
Many professional device manufacturers also allow the router to be used on a guide rail. It usually allows more precise and, above all, faster work than the rip fence. Unfortunately, most manufacturers of DIY machines do not offer a suitable guide rail system. That's always a good reason for the router, to look for the "right" machines in specialist shops.
But even with do-it-yourself models, you should pay attention to the accessories available from the respective manufacturer. A router with more or less usable standard accessories is ultimately of little use, if the manufacturer does not offer the accessories that are really needed later on.