Handheld Routers

MachineInfoBox Routers
Synonyms:	plunge routers, handheld routers; DE: Oberfräsen, Handoberfräsmaschinen
Material:	wood
Used with:	router bits
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis
Similar (More or Less):	CNC router, router plane; milling table, CNC mill

A router is basically a powerful motor spinning a sharp metal bit at high speeds. Read the manual before using and be aware of the difference between the regular "push" and the more dangerous "climb" cut!

Safety

Routers are very dangerous tools, make sure you have received the handheld router introduction in person and take time to think about what you are going to do!

Router Bits

(main article: Router Bits)

Router bits can get quite expensive, but good quality ones can be sharpened when they become dull.

Typical collet (Spannzangen) sizes are 6 and 8 mm.
A simple shared set of 8 mm router bits is available in the wood workshop. As always, report when broken and replace them accordingly.

Copying Rings

Copying rings can be used for template work and are more versatile (although a bit more complicated) than flush trim bits with a ball bearing that takes care of the copying. When working with a copying ring, the template has to be offset from the target shape by a few millimeters: offset = (outer coyping ring diameter - bit diameter)/2 ^[1]

Future Plans

• router table
• 3D copying jig
• "Pantorouter" guidance jig

Interesting Links

• "Router 101" video by "BrainFizz" - 35 minutes packed with valuable information
• video tutorial on feed direction by "StumpyNubs"
• Popular Woodworking: "10 Router Tips for Furniture Makers"

Bosch POF 1200 AE

Currently broken and not available!

MachineInfoBox Bosch POF 1200 AE
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Manual:	Bosch
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis

We were given a Bosch POF 1200 AE that works very well except that it can't be moved up very far at the moment.

Not many accessories are included, though.

KingCraft KBF-1050E

MachineInfoBox KingCraft KBF-1050E
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Manual:	ferm.com
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis

Martin brought a router which is attached to the router table.

We currently have 6 and 8 mm collets for it (an extra 8 mm one is in the storage room along with replacement carbon brushes).

The depth setting screw is very useful for fine adjustments, but when it is loose and the router is mounted upside down it can fall out because of the vibrations. Therefore, this screw should be used to hold the router in position under the router table instead of the clamping lever on the back. Unfortunately, one of the falls seems to have broken the handle off the screw, both parts are currently in the box with broken equipment on the ladder shelf.

Repairs & Upgrades

Watch out! This tool has been repaired for now, but may suffer another defect in the near future. If anything looks, feels or sounds wrong to you, do not use it and immediately talk to a tutor or manager!

• 2018-11-25 (after approx. 5 uses of the router table; ask Lukas for more details)
  • cast metal "collar" discovered to be broken in several places, spindle locking button put back in position with a zip tie (epoxied to the collar so it can't slip off)
  • cut a longer thread into the depth setting screw so it can be tightened in any router position
• 2019-3-27
  • previous hack broken a few days before as reported in issue #105
  • locking collar removed, 14 mm wrench added to the router table for locking

Ferm FBF-1050E

MachineInfoBox Ferm FBF-1050E
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Manual:	pdf
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis

This router comes with 6 and 8 mm collets (Spannzangen). A few other accessories, including a parallel fence, can be found in its box.

A set of router bits is available with the router. As always, report when broken and replace them accordingly.

Past repairs:

• broken locking collar removed; faces for 14 mm wrench filed into shaft

Private Tools

Einhell TE-RO 1255 E

MachineInfoBox Einhell TE-RO 1255 E
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Manual:	pdf
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis

Mitja owns an Einhell router that you may be able to use for your projects if you ask him nicely.