Handheld Routers

ToolInfoBox Routers
Synonyms:	DE: Oberfräsen, Handoberfräsmaschinen
Type:	power tool
Material:	wood
Access Requirements:	upon introduction
Tutors:	Lukas, Martin
Manual:	pdf
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

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

Links

• "Router 101" video by "BrainFizz" - 35 minutes packed with valuable information
• video tutorial on feed direction by "StumpyNubs"

Bosch POF 1200 AE

ToolInfoBox Bosch POF 1200 AE
Location:	chop saw station
Access Requirements:	upon personal introduction
Tutors:	Lukas, Martin
Manual:	Bosch

We were given a Bosch POF 1200 AE that works very well!

Not many accessories are included, though.

KingCraft KBF-1050E

ToolInfoBox KingCraft KBF-1050E
Location:	router table
Access Requirements:	personal introduction
Tutors:	Lukas, Martin
Manual:	ferm.com

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.

Repairs & Upgrades

Watch out! This tool has been repaired for now, but will most likely 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

Ferm FBF-1050E

ToolInfoBox Ferm FBF-1050E
Location:	wood workshop
Access Requirements:	currently broken - usually upon introduction
Manual:	pdf

currently broken

This router comes with 6 and 8 mm collets (Spannzangen).
A set of router bits is available with the router. As always, report when broken and replace them accordingly.

Einhell TE-RO 1255 E

ToolInfoBox Einhell TE-RO 1255 E
Location:	Mitja's CoMaking bench
Access Requirements:	upon request & personal introduction
Tutors:	Mitja
Manual:	pdf

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