Five Tips for Buying Woodworking Routers

Woodworking routers are commonly used to cut patterns and shapes into the edge of boards. If you want to buy one of these routers, you will need to consider a few things beforehand. Some of these things include type, horsepower, and collet size. This article will give you a few tips for buying woodworking routers.

Type

One of the first things you will need to consider when buying woodworking routers is the type. You can either choose plunge or fixed-base routers. Fixed-based woodworking routers can not be adjusted during operated. The plunge routers can be adjusted during operation. They can also be locked into place to simulate the fixed-based variety.

Horsepower

One of the next things you need to think about when buying woodworking routers is horsepower. Most routers have a horsepower rating between 1 and 3.5. If you mainly need to use small cutters, then you should look for woodworking routers that have between one and two horsepower motors. As the horsepower increases, so will the weight of the tool.

Collet Size

You will also need to think about the collet size when buying woodworking routers. The size of the router bit shank that the tool can accommodate will be determined by the collet size. Woodworking routers that use larger bits will provide more stability. This will allow you to make more accurate cuts.

Speed

One of the next things you need to consider when buying woodworking routers is speed. Speed is measured in RPMs, or revolutions per minute. Fixed-based woodworking routers only have a single speed that ranges between 20,000 and 25,000 RPMs. Plunge routers can have variable speeds that range between 8,000 and 24,000 RPMs.

Switch

One of the final things to think about when buying woodworking routers is the switch. There are two different switch styles, namely trigger and toggle switches. Toggle switches on woodworking routers work just like a light switch. Trigger switches have to be pressed in order to turn the tool on. Some designs have toggle switches that can be locked tot he on position.