Subject: routers

From: "Peter Tennant Woods" <[email-masked]>
Date: 30 Mar 1997 18:47:29 GMT

Hi

I would like to know if anyone knows any good links to router pages where I
could find infomation on routers?

I a thinking of purchasing a router and would like to ask a few questions

1.What size chuck(collet)should I get 1/2" or 1/4"?
2.What is the best make to purchase?
3How versatile are routers actualy? I have heard that they are one of the
most versitile machines for the home workshop.

Any help or input would be greatly appriciated
Thanks
Richard Woods

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From: Tom Corey <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 00:17:07 -0500

In order:
1. Get a router with both.
2. I really like my Porter-Cable 90690. Basically same as 690.
3. They are truly one of the most versitile tools in the shop.

Tom Corey

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From: vkumar@*best.com (vijay kumar)
Date: 31 Mar 1997 06:21:21 GMT

I would recommend getting a 1/2 inch collet router with also the capability to 
use a 1/4 inch collet.  
The 1/2 inch bits have a tremendous strength against bending so the cuts 
generated are true and clean-- if you were to take on larger diameter bits in 
the future.

I would recommend the Porter Cable 690/691/693 series.  This has the 
versatility of being able to use both size collets, can accomodate plunge 
base, D handle base, as well as a standard base, all using the same motor.  
This is definitely the standard in routers--- most of the aftermarket 
accesories made by anyone are made to fit the Porter Cable first without 
modifications or adaptors.  Of course others will recommnend other brands which 
all have their strenghts.

And yes routers are indeed very versatile in the shop.

In article <[email-masked]>, 
[email-masked] says...

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From: [email-masked] (Al Taylor)
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 18:23:23 GMT

>>Any help or input would be greatly appriciated

Richard,

Ah yes, the router.

Truly one of the most versatile electric powered woodworking tools I
can think of. I remember the first router I got, a Craftsman. I took
it out of the box, plugged it in, turned it on and WOW what power!! I
should be able to do ANYTHING with this. I put a straight bit in it
and rammed it down into a piece of wood and dug out a burnt channel
that wasn't very straight, but I figured with practice I could cut one
straight as an arrow.....OK, now what??

After the initial facination wore off, I would occasionally cut an
ogee edge along a piece of wood and put it up where I could look at it
for a while. I began to wonder what all the big deal was about
routers. I wasn't really doing anything with it.

It wasn't until I discovered the router table that the true usefulness
of the router began to surface. The router table with a fence and some
feather boards can be many things. It can cut moldings that would cost
a lot to buy at the lumber store. It can cut dadoes and stopped
dadoes. The world of the router finally opened up. I discovered that
out of the router table you need a guide of some sort to cut a
straight line. Template guides can allow you to make the same thing
over and over again. I also discovered that the Craftsman plastic
template guides for their routers were, well pathetic.

A router with a 1/2" collet is the best. The kind that are attached to
their own retaining nut so that you don't have to fool around with
them when you switch to the 1/4" collet is best. A 1 1/2 to 2 hp would
be all you need until you are more comfortable using a router. A big
heavy router table that won't tip over when you push a piece across it
is best. A router can be a dangerous thing, learn about direction of
bit spin vs. direction of cut. Learn about how much you should cut out
at one time among other things and the router will become a truly
versatile machine.

enough of my ramblings, I hope that helps

Al

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From: [email-masked]
Date: 31 Mar 1997 21:10:59 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] (Al Taylor) writes:

>. A router can be a dangerous thing, learn about direction of

Certainly support everything Al has said becausebeen there done that syndrome!  Went through the identical evolution.  When requested to demonstrate to a neighbors sister and daughter how to use a
router in a table the first step I selected was direction of feed.  HOLD THE WOOD TIGHT and feed with the direction of the bit.  Wrong way to feed wood but dramatically demonstrates how the bit can
pull the wood out of your hands.  I felt it could overcome the thought of complacency that might invole the very versatile tool!  Climb cutting is a viable and important method of cutting but it is
done with prior decision and intent!  Again, being redundant, the router is certainly a versatile tool.  Enjoy!