Woodworker's Journal winter-2010, страница 11
mals. Here, the motor is mounted between two spring-loaded posts on the base. You can vary your cutting depth instantly and without turning the tool off by simply unlocking a lever or knob and raising or lowering the motor housing. Plunge routers are equipped with a depth stop system so you can step off a series of cuts to create a deep mortise or cutout. The depth stop can also help you reset the tool to the same cutting depth without measuring — it's ideal for repetitive cutting situations. For all practical purposes, a plunge router can do everything a fixed-base router can do, but the handles and motor are mounted higher up on the base to facilitate the plunging motion. The higher center of gravity can feel a bit unstable, especially when you're milling small or narrow stock. I tend to use my plunge router for mortising or hogging out waste on an inside cutout, but I reach for a fixed-base machine for nearly every other cutting situation. Full-size Can Often Wait When it comes to routing, bigger isn't always better, especially if you plan to use your router more as a handheld tool than under a table. Although a full-size router has its place, unless you plan to use really large profiling bits or raise panels for cabinet doors, it's more machine than you'll need for ordinary profiling and joint-making. That extra weight, size and power can even work against you on smaller or delicate work. Still, if your budget will allow it, a 3- or 3.25hp Freud's FT1702VCEK is one of many popular combination kits these days. Two bases makes these kits both affordable and extremely versatile — in or out of a router table. router will give your router table the gumption only exceeded by a shaper. With that said, once you step up to a big router, there are many good fixed-base or plunge models when it's time to shop. Combination Router Kits: Best of Both Worlds If you just can't decide between buying a fixed- or plunge-base router, you don't have to. A combination kit can give you both. Here, you get a motor pack that installs in either a fixed or plunge base — both are included. The bases are full featured and capable of doing the same precise work as a dedicated fixed or plunge router. The added advantage of a combo kit is that you can mount one base in a router table and use the other for handheld routing. Kits are an excellent way to maximize your initial investment, and they cost less than buying two separate routers, with no appreciable compromise in quality. That's why the variety and popularity of combo kits continues to grow. Try Before You Buy to Find that Perfect Fit Most people would never buy a set of golf clubs without taking a few swings or a pair of shoes without trying them on for size. It's sensible to follow that same logic when shopping for a new router. Try out the ones you like before buying. 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. As you narrow down the options, what's most important is to buy a sufficiently powerful router that feels really comfortable to use, even if it costs a little more than the competition. There's usually a routing application involved with most projects, so make sure you'll enjoy using the tool. winter 2010 11 |
