Woodworker's Journal 2008-32-6, страница 89

Woodworker

Tool

Gotta-have Features

Compared with today's laptops, cell phones or hybrid cars, a router seems like a pretty simple machine: it's basically a motor with two handles diat spins a really sharp bit. Yet, that simplicity is what makes it so impressively versatile. A router can create elaborate profiles, cut a workpiece in two, duplicate shapes, soften edges, drill holes, trim veneer or laminate, make a wide variety of joints, carve letters ... and much more. And the right features on your router can help you squeeze every bit of value and versatility out of it. Here are the best bells and whistles to look for in your next router;

Full-size Routers: Big Guns for Heavy-duty Jobs

Manufacturer

Model

Price

HP / Amps

RPM

Collets

Dust Port

Other Features

Contacts

Bosch

1619EVS

$323.38

Plunge

3.25HP y 15 Amp

8,000-21,000

1/4,1/2

Yes

VS, EFC, SS, SL. ATA

www.boschtools.com 877-267-2499

DeWall

DW625

$259

Plunge

3HP/15 Amp

8,000-22,000

1/4,1/2

Mo

VS, EFC, SS, SL

tmwMewalt.com 800-433-9258

Festool

OF 2200 EB

$800

PI urge

15 Amp

10,000-22.000

1/4*, 8mm', 1/2

Yes

VS. EFC, SS, SL, CC, 5AB

www.testoolusa.com 800-337-8600

Freud

FT2200EP

$199

Plunge

3.25HP /15 Amp

10,000-22,500

1/4,1/2

Yes

VS, EFC, SS, SL, EG

www.treudtools.com 800-334-4107

Freud

FT3000VCE

$349

Plunge

3.25HP/15 Amp

8,000-21,000

1/4,1/2

Yes

VS. EFC, SS, SL, ATA

www.treudtools.com 800-334-4107

Hitachi

M12V2

$219

Plunge

3.25HP/15 Amp

8,000-22,000

1/4,1/2

Yes

VS. EFC, SL. EG, SS

www. hitachipo wertoots. com 8D0-829-4752

Hitachi

M12SA2

$199

Plunge

3.25HP/15 Amp

22,000

1/4.1/2

Yes

EFC, EG, SL, SS

www. hitachipo wertoots. com 800-829-4752

Makita

3613C

$299

Plunge

3.25HP/15 Amp

9,000-23,000

1/4.1/2

Mo

VS, EFC, SS, SL

www.makita.com 800-462-5482

Milwaukee

5625-20

$319

Fixed

3.5HP /15 Amp

10.000-22,000

1/2

Mo

VS, EFC, SS

www. milwaukeetool. com 800-729-3878

Porter-Cable

7518

$349

Fixed

3.25HP/15 Amp

10,000-21,000

1/2

Mo

VS, EFC, SS, Overload protection

www.deitaportercable.com 888-848-5175

Porter-Cable

7519

$329

Fixed

3.25HP /15 Amp

21,000

1/2

Mo

SS.

Overload protection

www. deitaportercable. com 888-848-5175

Porter-Cable

7538

$349

Plunge

3.25HP /15 Amp

21,000

1/2

Mo

SS,

Overload protection

www.deltaportercable.com 888-848-6175

Porter-Cable

7539

$369

Plunge

3.25HP /15 Amp

10,000-21.000

1/2

Mo

VS, EFC, SS, Overload protection

www.deltaportercabte.com 888-848-5175

Triton

TRA001

$269.95

Plunge

3.25HP /15 Amp

8,000-20,000

1/4,1/2

Yes

VS, EFC, SS, SL. EG, ATA, CC

www. triton woodworking, com 888-874-8661

Features Key: AB = One or more accessory bases included; ATA = Above table adjustment; CC = Carry case; DSL = Dual switch localions; EFC = Eleclronic feedback circuitry; EG= Edge guide; SL = Spindle lock; SS= Soft start; VS= Variable speed; WL = Workliglit; * = Collets sold separately

Features Key: AB = One or more accessory bases included; ATA = Above table adjustment; CC = Carry case; DSL = Dual switch localions; EFC = Eleclronic feedback circuitry; EG= Edge guide; SL = Spindle lock; SS= Soft start; VS= Variable speed; WL = Workliglit; * = Collets sold separately

Bosch's 1619EVS full-size router

Variable speed: Most mid- to full-size routers are equipped with variable speed control, and it really does help if you use the same router for all your bit sizes. Small bits cut most cleanly at mid to high speeds; large bits need to be dialed down to slower speeds to be used safely. With variable speed, just twist the dial one way or the other and you're covered, no matter what bit you need lo use.

Electronic feedback circuitry: which goes by several different trade names, essentially means the router's circuitry monitors the load placed on the motor and adjusts the torque output to match. So,

during a heavy cut, the motor won't labor or stall. Power output feels the same. Here's a feature you won't truly appreciate unless you've used an older router without this sophisticated circuitry. With EFC,

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December 2008 Woodworker's Journal