Light dimmer / speed controller

[Cagey]

Any electrical clever dicks know if could use a good quality dimmer switch to control the speed of my 1850 watt single speed router in the router table? I got the router gratis from work when we upgraded, which i converted to be depth adjustable from above, and have managed to aquire everything else i need by beg-borrow-steal method. Speed control would make that little bit sweeter.

[Harry72]

I dont think a light dimmer switch would hande 2hp+ load going through it, they are made for light bulbs 100w max.
There used to be a kit from jaycar/dicksmiths for a drill speed controler I think it was designed by one of the magazines Silicon Chip or Electronics Australia, dunno it may still be available.

[soundman]

In theory it is posible, in practise its not quite that simple.
Firstly it will need to be a big dimmer like at least twice the rated load to account of the inductive load.
secondly the speed controll will not be as good as a built in speed control as all the good ones have some sort of extra smarts in the electronics.
If you did want to go down theadd on speed controll road a purpose made powertool speed comtroll is waht you will need.
Even building one from a kit it starts to make a free router a bit expensive.

sorry to disapoint.
cheers

[Harry72]

Yup your right soundy, the kit from DSE is 143 buckaroonies(cat K3087) and then you've got to assemble it... got a soldering iron?
Keep the 1850watter for handheld work and buy a triton for the table.

[Cagey]

Just found a Dick Smith kit for $143 bucks on the net, so I might check it out. It does make the free router a bit pricier, but it is an Hitachi in good nick, and the controller can be used for other things i suppose.

Thanks for the help

[Ashore]

Cagey
You could go with a frequency controlled but the cost could be the same as a Good spindle moulder say a couple of K mind you its been couple of years since I priced one might only be 1.5 K



Russell
He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless dead.

[Cagey]

ah sure.....

[soundman]

I'm not real enthusiastic about after market of powertool motors at all.
A router motor is a pretty "enthusiastic" thing & trying to controll it with a simple speed control just rings alarm bells.
I gather its a tr12 you have.
They are a pritty respectable router & aren't too bad at all as a hand held machine.
just my 2 cents worth.
cheers

[Wizened of Oz]

Just found a Dick Smith kit for $143 bucks on the net, so I might check it out. It does make the free router a bit pricier, but it is an Hitachi in good nick, and the controller can be used for other things i suppose.

Hello Cagey
I have one of those DSE Speed Contollers on a paper folder here. I built it a few years ago when they wanted about $450 for a genuine replacement part. The kit cost $120 then but I seem to remember it had a part missing and another of the incorrect rating. But it works very well (far better than the original) on the paper folder which is a low powered machine.
The DSE controller says "suitable for series motors rated up to 10 amps". If I'm satisfied it wont damage the controller I'll give it a tryout with a Makita single speed router I have here and let you know my opinion.

Regards
Brian

[Wizened of Oz]

Hello Cagey
If I'm satisfied it wont damage the controller I'll give it a tryout with a Makita single speed router I have here and let you know my opinion.

Regards
Brian

Well I just had a look at the router, a Makita 3612BR, and it's rated 10 amps.
Considering likely startup spikes and overloads I wouldn't put the DSE speed controller on it. In 5 minutes I would burn up my $120 and several hours of assembly time.

Kind regards
Brian

[routermaniac]

agree with the above, do not try it because there is a chance you will fry $140, is it not simpler to buy another router and keep one for handheld use? Plus you will get a warranty on the new machine.

[Shaty40]

Cagey

Have a look here,

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ead.php?t=3448

Might be some imfo to help you.

Tim

[Cagey]

I didnt want to buy another router because i also have a Makita 3612 for hand held use. Guess i'll have to put up with it not being able to run bigger bits for now.