Woodworker's Journal 2008-32-6, страница 92

Top-dog Features on Today's New Routers

get over your trepidations about routing in general. With soft start, you'll experience a moment of pause after powering it up, and then the router gently accelerates to the preset speed. Soft start comes standard with most new routers that have electronic feedback circuitry. It's a subtle but pleasant feature to have on a handheld router.

Spindle lock.' Many routers require two wrenches for making bit changes. One wrench holds the motor shaft, and the other wrench loosens or tightens the collet. With spindle lock, you push a spring-loaded pin or engage a locking collar to hold the motor shaft in place, so the only wrench you need is the one for the collet. This is a particularly handy detail on dedicated plunge routers where you can't remove the motor to get better access to the bit. It's not a do-or-die feature, but it does take a little hassle and knuckle-busting out of the bit changing equation.

Above the table adjustment: If you are like most woodworkers, sooner or later one of your routers will spend its days hanging under a router table. Two relatively new features can make table routing more precise and convenient. First, buy a router that allows you to adjust cutting height from above the table

with a handle, crank or knob. It sure beats stooping over to tweak the depth setting from underneath. Second, look for a router designed to extend the collet above the table so you can change bits without lift

ing out the machine. Machines with ATA will generally include both of these great enhancements. @

Chris Marshall is Woodworker's Journal's field editor.

Try Before You Buy to Find that Perfect Fit

Most people would never buy a set of golf ctubs without taking a few swings or a pair of shoes without trying them on for size. Follow that same practice when shopping for a router.

You'll find that routers come with a variety of handle styles, shapes and sizes. Switch and control layouts vary, too.Your router should fit your hands comfortably, and the On/Off switch and plunge controls should be easy to reach. Make sure the depth stop system on your plunge router is simple to understand so you'll have an easy time using it when necessary. Have a look at the sub-bases that come with the tool. Make sure one of them will accept rub collars. Combination kits are designed to be interchangeable.Try out the motor removal mechanism. It should work smoothly and lock the motor securely in both bases. All in all, buy a router that makes sense to you and feels really comfortable to use, even if it costs a little more than other similar models. If you're like most of us, you'll power it up for nearly every project you build, so why not enjoy the ride?

Quick-release motor latch

Micro-adjust depth control

Spindle lock (SL)

Arbor that accepts both 1/4" and 1/2'collets

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Interchangeable sub-bases for use with oversized bits or standardized rub collars

Variable speed (VS)

Electronic feedback circuitry (EFS) & soft start (SS)

Removable motor pack, for use with combination kits

Conveniently located On/Oft switches for handheld or router table applications

Vacuum port for improved dust collection

Woodworker's Journal December 2008

91