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

[Richard <cnc@cncservo.co.uk>]

Hi Mike,

Tuesday, February 28, 2006, 4:27:52 PM, you wrote:

ML> Wow.  That seems to take away half of the uses for the router, that
ML> is, the option of mounting it in a table.  That is unless you 
ML> duct-tape the switch on semi-permanently and add a switch to the
ML> outlet that you plug the router into.  (Will I get arrested for 
ML> suggesting that if I come to Europe? ;) )

hehe :). Not at all, the CE mark there is really for businesses
and safegaurd of employees. If it's for your own use at home,
it's up to you if you want to endanger your own life. For my
router table I completely bypassed the switch and wired the
motor into a zero-volt dropout relay start/stop circuit, with
plenty of E-stops in the stop circuit, including one I can hit
with my knee should both hands get entangled in the nasty end.

ML> Do they have shapers in Europe?  That's sort of a dedicated, heavier
ML> version of a router table used in factories and serious wood shops.

Yes, and I've been very tempted to get one but don't fancy the
cost of building up an equivelant set of tooling to that I have
for my router. A good 3HP router with 1/2" collet mounted under
a good thick and flat surface is nearly as useful. I used two
layers of 3/4" Birch ply glued together and laminated it with
Formica.

ML> My favorite complaint about tools is related to the annoying switches
ML> you must use to operate some of them.

Indeed. Nearly every time I pick up my Porter Cable 97529 hand
held router I get confused about which I have to press then
hold, then stand on one leg etc.

ML> Anyway, to keep this on the ATM topic, all of my router usage is of
ML> the hand-held variety.

Oh, me too, of course ;)

ML> I haven't yet needed a router table for 
ML> building telescopes, but it is great for other tasks.

Has it's uses, especially for making tube end-rings and such. I
prefer metal these days though, and using my Mill and Lathe.

-- 

Best regards,
  Richard in the UK

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