Thread: Advantage in going variable speed ?

The routers are always a pretty intimidating tool to use hand held and the variable speed ones usually have a soft start that makes them more docile.
I own a TR12 for about 3 4 years and it is a great tool I just feel like it will last forever, I used a M12V or whatever is the equivalent once and I really liked it.

If I had to buy again I'd go for the M12V.

Jack

ps: How did you kill a TR12 ?

Eastie,if you have no intention of mounting the router in a bench to employ larger bits and intend for the main using it on your Leigh(a MV12 is a fair beast to be using on a Leigh jig) then I'd save my money if'n it was me but...if you have that chance of needing the speed option then you would consider that also.
I do have the MV12 ..although it's a good machine you have to think about what your usage is for it.
Choosing your router is a question folk should ask of themselves is of how long if hand-held would I be using it and where my comfort zone is in the ergonomic application?
In other words a big man may feel comfortable throwing a hefty machine around all day without little effort whereas a smaller bloke whilst admiring a hefty machine, may well tire easily ..not something you want if in the shop all day on a job.
Cheers

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Johnno

Having recently become the owner of two wariable speed routers I've gota say I'm hooked.

I have a TR12 & it has been good to me & great value at $300 odd.

The M12 is a much bigger unit.

The love of my life is now a little festo machine, Its delightfull and much more powerfull than I had expected. The Electronic speed control makes the unit so smooth to use and much quieter than I had expected. I don't expect it to do heavy hogging work I have the TR12 for that Or the BIG porter cable ( also variable speed ).

If you don't mind spending $500 to 600 do yourself a favour and test drive a small festo if you can.

I got mine at a price too good to refuse but having used it I would be prepared to pay full price.

My opinion.
Variable speeed is worth it for the anger it takes out of the machine.

Cheers

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to re-read it and give it some more thought.

Soundman, I've looked at the little festo and the only drawback for me was the low power - only 1010 W.

Although everything else looks well balanced, I'm afraid it would not handle red gum and the occasional piece of iron bark too well. Am I right ?

As for the old tr12 its casing is held together with epoxy but it's not dead yet. It's being serviced and then past on to one of my nephews to expand his tool kit (which basically compromises all my old tools).

Best wishes,
Mark

[This message has been edited by Eastie (edited 27 September 2002).]

As I've said in previous posts the small festo seems low powered on paper but seems plenty gutsy in the hand.

The limiting factor is the 1/4" collet, as you probably have 1/2" bits.

I havn't had a chance or reason to give mine a real good push yet but it doesn't seem to slow down at all pushing a half inch bit thru 10mm sign board.

Must try a 1 on 1 with the tr12 as a reference when I have time.

The ELU seems to be very popular overseas.
The tr12 is still good value & below the tax right of threshold if that matters.
cheers

Soundman,
You convinced me. I went out and bought the Festool 1010. Only problem is I have to wait until tomorrow morning to try out...Something about not able to use powertools after 6.00pm

regards

Kev

well kev is it smooth or what?

Originally posted by soundman:
As I've said in previous posts the small festo seems low powered on paper but seems plenty gutsy in the hand.

It must be a Festo/german thing to conservatively rate their tools. My ATF55EB saw I wax lyricaly about is only rated at 1200W
But It had no dramas ripping some 35mm thick marri (denser than jarrah) I cut just to see how it would go

Mabe the Germans/Festo use real watts and everyone else uses inferior watts??

Darryn

I've happily ended up with another TR12
I had a good look and play with the little festo and have to agree that it is a great tool, but with only a 1/4" chuck I'd have to sell all my bits and by newuns.

As for power, most are only just getting around to forgetting about horses and realising that watts is a better measure for comparison. Problem is companies often don;t specify if yur dealing with watts in our watts out?

The old tr12 may not be the worlds most wonderfull router but they are a faithfull old beast.
Mine has been good to me.
Some say the tr12 is a better machine than the m12 series.

Spinn er up mate.

Hi guys,
I have a TR12 as well and I am very impressed with it. When using it hand held you really have to "hang on" especially when starting, but I have not experienced any problems or hassles using it.
If I was looking at a new router I would be looking seriously at the Triton Router. Its powerful, variable speed, good dust extraction and appears comfortable to hold.
Does anyone have any coments/experience with them?

Glen

A bloke from the UK came in here asking the same question about a month ago. It may pay you to check back in archives.
I have a Triton and think it is great. If you get one and use it under a table, take the spring out carefully. The damned thing can go into orbit if you don't hold on tight.

Soundman,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but unable to get my hands off the Festool. You're right it's a dream to use, smooth, quiet but extremely powerful for its size.

On another note, can not wait for the Melbourne WWW Show, i am making the trip from Tassie especially, wonder what bargains one will find to fit in the luggage.

Kev

festo MMMMM tasty!