Re: [ATM] routers in the old and new world (Long)

[George Anderson <tillerman1@videotron.ca>]

Dominic

Another thing to watch for is the size router bit that the router can
handle. A router that can take 1/2" shank bits is very useful as it
gives access to a larger variety of bits.
I know that my DeWalt 621 can handle both 1/4" and 1/2" bits, but the UK
621 will only handle 1/4" shank.
The variable speed on the DeWalt is a pot on the side of the motor body
and although it has a trigger on the handle it does have a lock so that
it can be used with a router table.
But, I have to admit that the Porter Cable routers have/had greater
versatility by offering a motor unit that came with both plunge and
fixed/helical bases.
You might want to consider buying one in the USA and picking up a really
beefy step down transformer to use it back home. Since the motor is a
commutator (universal) it doesn't care about the frequency.
My thoughts on squeeze handle controlled speed for power tools is not
good. I have a Milwalkee(sp) 1/2" drill with a squeeze handle for speed
control (not the same as a squeeze trigger). When I was building my
house I was drilling holes for the electrical wires with a 15" long 3/8"
spiral drill bit. I had the drill in one hand and was bracing myself
with the other hand as I drilled through the subfloor into 2 by 4 bottom
plate of a wall. I managed to drill directly into a 3" nail which wound
around the spiral bit. As the drill tried to get away I instinctively
grabbed the handle harder (speed increase) at which point the drill
ripped out of my hand and spun around four times smacking my hand into a
floor joist each time it went by. It was six months before I had full
and proper use of the hand. With a router developing 3hp and 27000RPM
this could be deadly, espescially with larger bits that are supposed to
be run under limited speed due to the size of the carbide slab welded
onto the steel bit.
My 2 cents worth.

George Anderson
Montreal Canada

Clear skies and good health

Dominic-Luc Webb wrote:
> 
> -------------------
> > People likely have strong opinions about routers, and maybe that
> is why
> > there are so many types, but here goes.  I'm mostly familiar with
> the
> > nominally Japanese routers sold in the US, an I've had my hand on
> some US
> > and German ones.  In general, the ones with electronic speed
> control can
> > keep their speed pretty constant, and even my older 12 amp/125
> 
> Most had the electronic speed control, yes, however, the speed
> was in general sensitive to the amount of pressure on the
> switch, so if one does not have stable hands all the time, the
> speed will change. I do not think I am being fussy here, just
> noticing an important feature that books always describe. I
> bought (and returned) a few brands now. Part of the reason was
> that the speed variation caused by the pressure switch was
> causing variations in the cuts, thus defeating the purpose of
> the electronic speed control. It seems the American market
> versions of same brands do not have this problem.
> 
> Dominic-Luc Webb
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