Router Product Guide

The Bosch MRF23EVS Router

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03-23-2014 3:30 pm

One of the best values in full-size plungerouters is the Hitachi M12V2. It has all the features of a largeproduction router, but the price tag of a bench router. Needless tosay, I had to get it into my shop. Let's take look if the M12V2performs like a proper plunge router, or if the price is too goodto be true.

The Hitachi M12V2 Router

The M12V2 is a full-size plunge router from Hitachi. Equippedwith a 3 1/2 HP mo

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07-01-2013 1:23 pm

Milwaukee 5615-24 Plunge Router Review

The second part of our Milwaukee 5615 routerreview concentrates on the plunge base. Like the fixed base wetested last week, the plunge base is heavy and very well built. Thesame innovative depth adjustment feature that caused some stirs inthe fixed base review makes an appearance. So far so good. Letstake a look at what we will find upon closer inspection, shallwe?

The Fixed Base

The fixed base is part of all kit version

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06-23-2013 6:23 pm

Milwaukee Router Kit 5615-21 Review

Working our way through all full-sized routerswe got our hands on the 5615-21, a member of Milwaukee's premierline of routers. Judging from the size of the box it arrived in weknew we were dealing with a serious tool. The 5615-21 even comeswith a strap to keep your hand in place. Let's take a look if theBodyGrip the line is known for is worth getting excited over, or ifit is just another gimmick.

The Milwaukee 5615-21 Router

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Router Guide

Overview

Routers are used to guide a spinning bit over a stationary work piece. They are used to shape materials and create joinery.

In addition to detailing, router bits exist for slot cutting, panel raising, joinery, and many other purposes. The router is an essential tool in every woodshop.

Trim routers

Small routers that are held with one hand are called trim routers. They are primarily used for edge routing in situations where the bulk of a full-size router is a hinderance.

Features

There are several different types of routers available. Each one has its own use case:

Fixed-Base Router

A fixed base router keeps the bit at fixed depth as it is spinning. They are best used for edge routing where a plunge action is not needed. Fixed based routers are typically cheaper than plunge routers.

Plunge Router

A plunge router can plunge the bit into the work piece during a cut. This is a useful feature for cutting slots. Woodworking joinery often requires the use of a plunge router.

A plunge router can do everything a fixed base router can do, but the added bulk of the plunge router makes it handle a little worse. Most woodworkers have one of each.

D-handle Router

The D-handle makes it easier to guide the router in some applications. This type of router is a specialty model often purchased last. Only consider these routers, if you have an application in mind.

Kits

Kits contain a single motor and multiple bases. The user can mount the motor in the fixed base for edge routing, and quickly switch over to the plunge base for making joinery. The kit systems represent some of the best value in routers.

Shopping Guide

Fixed Base Router

The main router in your shop should should be a medium size model (~2HP) that supports both 1/4" and 1/2" collets. This model represents the best combination of power and weight.

The fixed base router is the best tool for a wide range of tasks encountered during furniture making. A medium size router remains useful even if you later add a larger model.

Fixed-Base Router first

A solid fixed based model is a good starting choice, because fixed base models are much cheaper than plunge routers. If you do not need the plunge feature, you can learn about routers on the cheaper model.

A fully stocked woodshop includes many routers of different shapes and sizes. No one model will do it all. A medium size model, however, can do just about anything given enough patience.

The router kits sold by some of the bigger manufacturers represent the best value in routers. If you are willing to pay extra for all base options, you will get a system that you will never outgrow.

Plunge Router Second

The most useful plunge router in a woodshop is a larger model in the 3HP range. A large, powerful router is a better platform for slot cutting. You could buy a smaller plunge router to start out with, but that would only delay the eventual purchase of a larger plunge router.

On the flip side the bulk of a plunge router makes it a bad option for general routing tasks. With its high center of gravity it is significantly more tippy than a low fixed base router. If you can, use the plunge router to fill in when the fixed base router can't get the job done.

View History Edit

Routers by Motor draw

Products:	93
Average:	11.59 amp
No Data:	3

0 amp

5 amp

10 amp

15 amp