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Thread: 1/2" or 1/4" shank router.
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3rd December 2004, 11:24 PM #1Member
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1/2" or 1/4" shank router.
Am in the process of setting up a new workshop. With all the experience available , would you GENTLEMEN purchase routers with either 1/2 or 1/4 inch.
I want one for a router table that I intend to make myself, but also a plunge job for external stuff. If you would be so kind, what would you consider to be a good set of bits to start off with.
I know, depends on what I want to make. At this time undecided, but beleive that if you start with good equipment, you dont have to replace it later.
Thankyou in advance.
Tony.
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3rd December 2004 11:24 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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3rd December 2004, 11:33 PM #2
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.
GruntPhoto Gallery
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4th December 2004, 12:07 AM #3Member
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Thanks Grunt.
Tony.
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4th December 2004, 01:04 PM #4
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.
The Thief of BadGags
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4th December 2004, 02:23 PM #5
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
The beatings will continue until morale improves.
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4th December 2004, 08:50 PM #6
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.
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4th December 2004, 09:35 PM #7
Personally I'd go for 1/2" in the table and 1/4" for bench work.
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4th December 2004, 11:32 PM #8GOLD MEMBER
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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.
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5th December 2004, 02:48 PM #9Senior Member
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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.
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5th December 2004, 04:23 PM #10
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
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5th December 2004, 04:26 PM #11
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
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5th December 2004, 11:46 PM #12Member
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Derek,
Don't mean to be an ignorant A--E, but what is a WWF tool guide, and where can I obtain one.
Tony.
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6th December 2004, 12:08 AM #13Originally Posted by tonyjune
It was too good an opportunity
CheersSquizzy
"It is better to be ignorant and ask a stupid question than to be plain Stupid and not ask at all" {screamed by maths teacher in Year 8}
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6th December 2004, 12:09 AM #14
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
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6th December 2004, 09:32 PM #15
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.
CheersJohnno
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