router add-on speed controller

[Kevan]

Does anyone know if an speed controller box for routers is available in Australia. They seem to be very popular in the US. Dick Smith has 2 in his catalogue but an opinion expressed recently on rec.woodworking indicated that these would not be robust enough and would burn out with a powerful router under load. The more expensive model does mention it is suitable for power tools.
I wish I had bought a router with in built variable speed but the extra cost didn't seem justified at the time.

[John Saxton]

G,day Kevin,Yeah these are or were available in fact I use one on my router for the router lathe and seems to work O.K on a 2hp fixed speed router.
Try www.timbecon.com.au (http://www.timbecon.com.au) a local outfit over here in Perth they used to have them and may still do. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/cool.gif
Cheers


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Johnno

[Iain]

Kevan, how big is your router and where are you?

[Kevan]

Its the Makita 3612. I think its 1650 watt. I'm in Canberra.

Kevan

[John Saxton]

Kevan,thats roughly equivalent to a 2hp machine.
Not that the size of the router you're using with the variable speed device matters I think as far as employing the variable speed option,but hey check it with a lecky.
The device itself is Taiwanese made but as I said previously it works perfectly for me and could probably do so with my other routers not that I have tried it.
If I recall it was somewhere in the vicinity of $50-$60 well worth it in my veiw.
Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

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Johnno

[This message has been edited by John Saxton (edited 31 August 2000).]

[Iain]

I was thinking of the capabilities of a dimmer device with SCR control or similar and I have been looking at some of the suppliers. Jaycar electronics is an option, radio parts if they are in Canberra. HPM and Ring grip also have dimmers of different sizes. Middendorp electric supply the trade with a proverbial plethora of electric and electronic goodies. Seek out a major wholesaler in Canberra and see what they have, you will need a about a 2000watt device to allow for start up.
John Pope, Nhd and D&M Agencies are in Canberra and would be a starting point.

[STEPHEN MILLER]

ARLEC made a speed suitable for power tools my father in law has used one for a number of years dont know if they still available though. regards Steve