Thread: 1/2" or 1/4" shank router.

Go the 1/2". If you do a search on Which Router, you will find plenty of info. The best router for a table, according the majority is the Triton. I have a Makita which is great.

I wouldn't get a set of bits, as you will probably find that a year from now you haven't taken half of them out of the box.

I recommend that you buy or borrow a good book on routing. You will find out how versitile the router can be. After reading it, you will have a much better idea on what bits interest you.



Grunt

Thanks Grunt.

Tony.

Go the 1/2 inch. Some routers ( eg. my Makita 3612 ) come with a 1/4 collett as well. however, if you go 1/4 inch router, you'restuck with 1/4 bits.

Go the 1/2", as mentioned it will often come with another collet for 1/4" or a reducer.

Search the forums for info, Triton Hitachi Makita and Festo will prob come up trumps.

On the bits, I differ from Grunt. I reckon buying a reasonably cheap set of bits when you start out, you will be trying new ideas and techniques and experimenting with different bits. I think unless you have done a bit before and know exactly what you need, at this stage you don't know what you don't need yet. The idea being you buy a cheap mixed set, and narrow down your main bits needed that you may consider forking out for better quality when replacing.

This assumes you have a limited budget like many of us, if money is not really an object go your hardest and buy better bits from the word go. Half your luck

Good luck.........cheers..........Sean the routed

As they said, go 1/2, much smoother running when giving your router a hard time.

1/2 is actuly 4 times more metal than 1/4.

Personally I'd go for 1/2" in the table and 1/4" for bench work.

Definitely 1/2 inch for the router - you can get 1/4inch, 6mm & 8mm collets that fit a 1/2", but no ammount of shoving will get a 1/2" to fit a smaller router.)

A small set of router bits is not a bad thing to start with - Triton make a quality starter set which you may have to get 'them' to order in when you buy the router.

I think the Triton is the best router available on the Oz market - there are some good alternatives but many models available o/s or on the 'Net are just not made in 220-240 volts or otherwise won't pass Oz electrical standards.

Get one of each but get the 1/2" first. 1/4" routers are light and handy for some handheld work but not realy good enough for a table.
If your like me and dont know what bits you want get a cheep kit. The kit will only cost about the same as one good bit. when you know what you want buy a good one and you will amased at how well it will cut.

It is interesting that the latest FWW Tool Guide recommends a "midsize" router (1-1/2 - 2 HP) as the first purchase, which would be a 1/2" bit machine. This could be used both hand held or in a table. This is to be followed next by a Laminate Trimmer, which would be a 1/4" machine. Obviously they see this as a better size (easier to handle) machine for edging.

Personally, I think that this is an excellent idea. I did go down a similar route myself, except that I bought a small Makita 1/4" plunge router as my second machine (the first being the Elu 177e, a 2-1/2 HP 1/2" machine). My third router (GMC fixed base, 2 HP, 1/2") was purchased to dedicate to a table.

So, where does this lead you to regarding router bits? It is possible to get away with 1/2" bits throughout if you do not purchase a small router. But I think that you would be missing out on a vital router-type then, since this size is very useful for delicate handwork (edging, carving, trimming, dovetailing).

Assuming that you do go down this route, then you will need both 1/2" and 1/4" bits. My recommendation is to buy just what you need, and then buy quality bits. They are much more affordable this way, you actually use what you purchase, and they are safer than cheap bits (which have been known to disintegrate - not often mind you).

Regards from Perth

Derek

You said that you are setting up a new workshop. Needless to say you will probably need both a 1/2 and a 1/4 inch router. Even if it is for the smaller jobs a smaller router is better suited. I have three ( not enough) but One (1/4) Makita is for all small jobs like edge profiles. A "D" handle Makita ( for larger work , ie large profiles, dado's or rebates, and a Hitachi TR12 for the Leigh D/T jig.

For larger work a router table is best and probably a v/s is also needed. I have seen Carbatec sell a copy of the DW625 and successor to the Elu 177 (I think) for $399, which seems to be good value, Glenfords have a rebadged Atlas Copco (Casals) for $325.00 here in Adelaide. Both these have functions l like, v/s, s/s, ect.


regards tony

Derek,

Don't mean to be an ignorant A--E, but what is a WWF tool guide, and where can I obtain one.
Tony.

Originally Posted by tonyjune

Derek,

Don't mean to be an ignorant A--E, but what is a WWF tool guide, and where can I obtain one.
Tony.

That would be World Wrestling Federation which has a lot of tools on tele but if you meant FWW that would be Fine Wood Working being a reasonably well known WW Mag

It was too good an opportunity

Cheers

Tony

"FWW" is Fine Woodworking magazine, and the 2005 Tool Guide is in the newsagents currently. This is a collection of reviews on 316 power and hand tools from 2004.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Tony, I have quite a number of routers and trimmers obviously dedicated to tasks so that set-up time is down to a minimum.

BUY yourself a good quality router with a 1/2 " collett capacity that also gives you the facility to employ a 1/4" collett.Times past some also offered the 8mm collett also.
A 1/2" router will enable you to mount it on a router table for numerous moulding/edge straightening tasks as well as giving you the option to use it "free-hand" on bench/jig tasks.
Whereever you can use good quality 1/2" bits to keep keep 'lateral flex to a minimum moreover if addressing heavy portions of timber.
When considering buying the router feel the heft and how comfortable you would be if doing numerous onerous tasks ...ergo consider how it sits with your own feeling of comfort.

As has been stated a trimmer is also of invaluable use being light and great for trimming as it suggests as well as inlay work with small bits and not as tiring as trying to employ a larger router.
But as this suggests it could be something to consider down the track as your requirements dictate but it also requires smaller bits which can flex if too much lateral pressure is applied to the task at hand.

The cheaper router bit sets are a good learning tool to practice and get the feel and demand of your router and won't cost you an arm and a leg but will not give you an extended expectation of use out of them due to the quality of the tungsten used in the manufacture.

I hope you enjoy the router experience,search the BB and garner what you want from the reams of info in there.

Cheers