Thread: router start up

My Makita doesn't have soft start or variable speed. Just deal with it

Just deal with it I think. To me it isn't a problem at all.

Not a problem, my Hitachi TR12 has no soft start or variable speed - never really been a problem - just make sure you have a good hold of it when you start it - I don't start mine sitting it on the job unless it is in plunge mode. If you have it set at some set depth and try and start it on the job there is always a chance that the start up "jerk" could damage you job.

Regards,
Bob

A friend of mine has a hard start router and is a real nervous nellie around powertools. He used to lay his router on the bench facing away from him. Then wearing full PPE and "holding it firmly" he would turn it on, and then lift it and start the job. A few months later he is confident enough to hold and start in the one go.

I'm sorry but I don't agree with the guys here. My first Makita router wasn't soft start - a single speed job as well. I used it for everything, including my Leigh FMT jig.

The best used to kick on start-up like a wounded bull.

Since then, I've acquired many more routers - 7 I think - and the only other one that doesn't have soft start / variable speed is the laminate trimmer. That includes two Tritons and another two Makitas.

All are much easier to use and much more versatile. You just can't run large bits in one-speed machines.

So if it was me, I'd take the beast back and pay the extra $ for soft start and variable speed. IMHO of course!

Jeff

You just can't run large bits in one-speed machines.

I gather from this:

Do i just deal with it and use a slower speed

... that the one he has now has variable speed.

I wouldn't take it back just because it doesn't have soft start. I don't think soft start adds anything to a router's versatility, it just makes them more palatable to nervous types. IMHO.

Cadeuceus,
I dont' think a hard starting router is much of a problem, so long as you remain alert when you start it -- and maybe check the screws/bolts/nuts/etc from time to time if you have it table mounted.
Cheers,
Adam

Well I did not know that the discussion here is also about variable speed routers.

when you are switch on your router, You would normally have both hands on it. It should be pretty secured. So whether it is soft start or hard soft should not make much difference.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Well I did not know that the discussion here is also about variable speed routers.

Me too - I think it's just about soft or hard start.

It's probably my fault. I mentioned that mine doesn't have variable speed either. My round about way of saying you don't need to start it on a slower speed, just grit your teeth and switch it on.

Sorry everyone, I'll try to stay on topic in future

The first router I used was a makita with no soft start. It used to scare me - but I'm a sook, anyway.

I got a big Triton - but it was too heavy - I learnt to use it in a table. And love it.

Now also have the smaller Triton with soft start. I find it much nicer to use than the makita, mainly because of the soft start.

Did you wear your earmuffs?

Originally Posted by Wongo

Did you wear your earmuffs?

What?

thanks everybody for your opinions - I now realise that i need to be less of a girl about the hard start up and torque

will now be a man and rout like a man!!!!