router speed settings

[jow104]

My Triton router has speed settings but there are no instructions on setting speeds and there use.
Can anybody give me any advice please.
John u.k

[Stuart]

There are no hard-and-fast rules written about what RPM to use, as there are too many variables (bit size, timber, thickness, cut depth, feed rate etc)

The rule-of-thumb is to do test pieces. Use the sound produced as a guide to whether you are too fast or slow, with the final result being the best indication. If you are getting burn marks, your feed rate is too slow, or your router speed too fast, conversely, if you are not getting a good, smooth finish, then you are feeding too fast, or the bit is too slow.

Use the size of the router bit as a guide to how fast to set the router- a large diameter bit should be used at a lower RPM, at the tip speed on your bit will be huge. If it is a very small diameter (such as 1/4" straight bit), then you will need to use a much higher router speed to get sufficient tip speed.

Keep in mind that the speed of the router on its own is not the only variable that affects the speed that the tip of the router bit actually is impacting onto the wood.

The actual speed of "tip impact" required depends on the type of timber, the moisture content, router bit shape and depth of cut. This "tip impact" speed is a function of router speed, bit diameter and feed rate (ie how fast you are pushing the wood into the bit).

Hope this helps a bit http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

[Red neck]

CMT suggest the following router speeds for bit diameter (mm) –v- RPM:

Up to 25 24,000
25-35 18,000
35-50 16,000
50-60 14,000
60-80 12,000
80-90 10,000

RN

[JackG]

10000 rmp for a 90mm bit seems very very fast to me, I would not try it on a hand held router...
These must be maximum speeds.

Jack

[John Saxton]

If in doubt ...do a litle reading/research there's good sound info about the size of router bits used either in handheld or table mounted routers.

Common Sense dictates that larger bits are better employed in table mounted routers and definately with a means of speed reduction on the router.
To forgo this is a recipe for disaster....hence the need to query your router bit manufacturer for speed recommendations on the bits you purchase.

Redneck got the speeds right in the main...you have to with experience gauge what is determined as suitable sizes for either the handheld or the table mounted.

Personally I prefer to err on the side of caution and any thing other than a straight bit ....that then would be a shaping bit, and that I would employ in a table mounted machine as I would the same as using the shaper mahine in the workshop.
I feel by doing this you have more control over the sitiation.
Just my 2c worth.
Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif


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Johnno

[soundman]

It is as important to run a router bit at enough speed as it is to not run it too fast.

You want the bit to spin fast enough to cut cleanly and not chatter.

Example;
My spindle molder will take a 1/2 inch bit but it won't spin a 3/8 roundover fast enough to not chatter, top speed 8000 RPM.

Ifthe job chatters there is therfore also more risk of kickback.

If the bit was run at adequate speed it is more likely to cut cleanly than chatter or grab.
The manufacturers speeds are more likely to be correct than not.

Remember a router is a high speed tool.

It can be argued that you should run a router bit as fast as safely possible.

[bill-e]

Here's another chart which can be printed and hung in the shop.
http://www.thewoodworkerschoice.com/safe_routing_tips.htm

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Bill Esposito
[email protected]
My WoodWorking Home Page and Pics (http://cerealport.net/woodworking)