Handheld Routers
| MachineInfoBox Routers | |
|---|---|
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| 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
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!
Circle Cutting Jig
Patrick made a 3D printed circle cutting jig that is used in combination with the surface attachment. Cutting range is ~200-720 mm ⌀ (depending on the router bit used).
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!
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).
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 | |
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| Access Requirements: | Handheld Router Introduction |
| Manual: | |
| 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.
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 | |
|---|---|
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| Access Requirements: | Handheld Router Introduction |
| Manual: | |
| 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.
