Handheld Routers

MachineInfoBox Routers
Synonyms:	plunge routers, handheld routers; DE: Oberfräsen, Handoberfräsmaschinen
Material:	wood
Used with:	router bits; router jigs
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 under the router table. 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

• self-built 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"

Makita DRT50

MachineInfoBox Makita DRT50
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Manual:	Makita
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis

The router has its own box (Makpack) with all its accessories (DRT50RTJX2). It is battery powered with 18V Makita lithium batteries that are shared with our other Makita tools like the cordless drill. The set consists of:

• flat surface attachment w/o grips
• flat surface attachment with grips
• edge cut attachment
• 2x vacuum dust attachment
• long grip (can replace one of the stud grips on the flat surface attachment)
• roller attachment for routing edges with bits lacking a bearing

• 

  Surface attachment without grips

• 

  Surface attachment with roller added

• 

  Edge attachment that can be angled -45º – 30º

• 

  Surface attachment with grips

• 

  Surface attachment with grips (one replaced with the long variant)

Dust Extraction

with a superfluous adapter from our scroll saw, the router can be connected to Festool shop vacs

There are two different dust collection pieces, depending on which attachment you're using. Either one will need the black flexible adapter seen in the photo to fit on our shop vacs.

Additional Upgrades/Accessories

We will soon get a custom baseplate from a local blogger (holzundleim.de). It should allow for much easier freehand routing and can also be clamped upside down near the edge of a table to create a sort of micro router table!

Makita 3612BR

MachineInfoBox Makita 3612BR
Used with:	router bits or end mills: 12 mm shaft (native), 6 or 8 mm shaft (with collet sleeves)
Access Requirements:	Handheld Router Introduction
Manual:	manualslib.com
Tutors:	Lukas NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Keno Utis

This powerful 1.6 kW single-speed router with 65 mm plunge capacity ^[2] is usually installed in our router table!

the few machine control elements you'll need for operation in the router table

It is quite old and we received it without any accessories, but replacement parts are still available. If we ever have to fix it, Makita provides the explosion diagram (also in the manual).

a collet sleeve (silver) reduces the collet diameter for common hobbyist router bits

The collet (Spannzange) of this machine is intended for 12 mm bits, but we've bought collet sleeves (Spannhülsen) that serve as adapters for 6 and 8 mm bits as well. A 24 mm wrench is needed to tighten the collet.

If you use this machine in handheld mode for whatever reason, be aware that there is no protection against an accidental start as the power switch will hold its position and is easy to overlook! Several parts that are not needed for table operation have been removed to reduce noise from vibrations, you can find these under the router table. Especially note that the plunge springs (within the vertical columns) have been removed to ease the height adjustment when upside down and should be re-installed for manual operation. ^[3]

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.

This router can be mounted in the router table in case anything is wrong with the #Makita 3612BR.

this type of router was the first to be used in our router table

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.