Thread: Aftermarket speed controller

Hi Tinkerbell I have my router set on about 20,000 in the table even though it has variable speed. I haven't had any problems using it with larger bits up to 50 mm size at that speed, just to dam lazy to change the speed setting. Having said that it would be much safer to cut the speed down to about 12,000 rpm.

Most "speed controllers" are really rheostats that reduce the amount of current to reduce the speed - as a direct result the power is reduced as well. I would put the money towards a router with built-in variable speed, which will reduce the speed but retain the power. Incidentally, running a 50mm bit at 20,000rpm is not lazy, pal, it's foolhardy and asking for trouble.

Ray

Originally Posted by tinkerbelle

I am asking for any advice about purchasing a speed controller for my makita router.I didn't, see any threads on your forum.How do other members rout with larger bits,do you all own a router with inbuilt variable control,or do you just use the single speed?
many thanks.

one version of a router bit speed chart (sourced from Rockler.com)

Router Bit Diameter	Maximum Speed
Up to 1"	22,000 - 24,000 rpm
1" to 2"	18,000 - 22,000 rpm
2" to 2-1/2"	12,000 - 16,000 rpm
2-1/2" to 3-1/2"	8,000 - 12,000 rpm

I wouldn't use large diameter bits (bigger than about 45mm) in a fixed speed router.

Also, which Makita router do you have?
From what I can see on Makita's AUS site, the mid-sized routers with a 1/2 in collet don't have the power to spin a bit bigger than about 50mm.
If your router only has a 1/4 in collet (or even if it has an 8mm one) -- I don't think you can get bits larger than about 30mm


however, if you have a problem with the finish off your router which you think variable speed might fix, I suggest you think about this ...

(from Ian Kirby) "The results of all wood machining are related to cutter speeds, depth of cut, feed rate and hardness of the stock. And all of these assume that the setup of fences, guide blocks and hold downs are correctly in place. Good results come from the totality; picking out one link in this chain doesn't make a strong chain. Put the parts together as you think appropriate and then begin the task of methodically improving the processes if improvement is needed. That's the most important guideline."

source: Router Bit Speed / Rockler How-to

I have a background project to put an unused Hitachi TR-12 router into a table. It doesn't have speed control or soft start so I looked at the SuperPID controller.
It does however require that a speed sensor is connected to the router motor shaft which has slowed the project down a bit while I work out a reliable way to do that.
It does involve mains wiring so usual warnings/disclaimers apply.

hi Geoff

the easier alternative might be to limit the bits you use to 50mm or less.
would really only mean you can't use large panel raising bits

Single speed 18k rpm for me, even with big bits. Run them by hand off the bearing with no problems. Not even the slightest vibration.

I've looked at this problem also. I have a TR12, like Geoff. Just finished my router table top today in the third attempt .
(MDF was giving me too much trouble, so I finally laminated one up out of 19mm gum boards. That worked a great deal better.

I've searched and searched for a decent suitable external speed control (circuit board, even) and could
not find anything I'd buy with confidence. You'd need one that clips the rising part of the curve rather than cutting the tops of
the curves as I recall the theory, in order not to loose too much power. Diac? Triac? I've forgotten too much and can't put a
circuit together any more. Not to mention source the parts .....
So I have decided to regularly do a search on auction sites and see if I can't get a 1/2" router with
speed control second hand instead. Only a question of time, surely! I think by the time you buy the parts, the enclosure,
etch a circuit board, etc you'd spend nearly as much as for a decent 2nd hand machine!

Since I have no plans of using a panel raising bit any time soon I'll be just fine with what I have for now, I figure.
Patience little grasshopper!

-P.

Thank you for your comments.I think I will stick to the single speed for the time being.From what I have read,their seems to be a divided opinion about using them.
Ian has asked which router I own.Makita,1/2 inch,plunge type.Cant tell you the model as on holidays and not at home
Regards. Tinkerbelle

Hi I was in the same boat with the same concerns.
Bought a speed controller for the router, and put it inside a small box with a power point on the outside. Since then I've bought several more for other tools, including my vac.
2000W SCR Motor Speed Controller Voltage Regulator Module Modulation Good 6AIT | eBay
They are all working just fine.
Contrary to above stated belief, most speed controllers are NOT rheostats, but electronics (SCRs) which slice off a piece of the AC 50Hz waves delivered to the motors. So they do not reduce the current draw per se, but reduce the time the motor is 'ON' (100 times per second). So the motor can still draw its design current and develop its design torque, but at a reduced speed. Since power is speed x torque, there is obviously a reduction in power developed. That needs to be considered in the size of cutter being used.

Originally Posted by tinkerbelle

Thank you for your comments.I think I will stick to the single speed for the time being.From what I have read,their seems to be a divided opinion about using them.
Ian has asked which router I own.Makita,1/2 inch,plunge type.Cant tell you the model as on holidays and not at home
Regards. Tinkerbelle

Tinkerbelle,

You probably have the 3612 router. This is the speed controller I use with mine. Have updated since the last one I built.

240V 10A Motor Speed Controller Kit with Soft Start | Control & Automation | Electronic Project Kits | Kits, Science & Learning | PRODUCTS | KC5526 | Jaycar Electronics

There is a thread on speed controllers that discuss the merits of different types of speed controllers.

Speed Control for brush motors

Hope this helps.

From what I recall, from about 10 years ago the 3612 routers were variable speed, so I'm thinking that Tinkerbelle may own an RP1800 or one of the earlier models, which from memory were around 1200-1400W.


A 1400W router probably doesn't have the oomph to spin a large panel raising bit.

Originally Posted by ian

From what I recall, from about 10 years ago the 3612 routers were variable speed, so I'm thinking that Tinkerbelle may own an RP1800 or one of the earlier models, which from memory were around 1200-1400W.


A 1400W router probably doesn't have the oomph to spin a large panel raising bit.

Ian,

There were 2 models 3612 and the 3612C which was the variable speed one.

Even if he has the RP1800 it says it's 1/2" 1850 watts and it doesn't have a variable speed model.