Router questions

1/3/21, 10:40 PM #1

Barry Irby
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Router questions

Barry Irby

I have mentioned before that I have a big old PC router that runs at 24,000 RPM. I am trying to set it up to flatten slabs. Bought a bit 1 1/4" in diameter to try it out. When the bit came it's packaging indicates top speed is 18,000. And the even bigger slab bits that have replaceable cutters run that slow or slower.

So Two questions....

Is there a practical way to use a speed controller with this router? Where does one come from? Does it rob the router of power?

OR, where can one get a sizable bit that will run at 24,000rpm.

(I have e-mailed both Freud and Porter Cable and am awaiting their response.)

Re: Router questions

1/3/21, 11:48 PM #2

Brian gunsmith From colorado
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Re: Router questions

Brian gunsmith From colorado

Most references have a speed limit on big bits. That is also why some of the bigger routers have variable speed versions. I have what is called a CNC spoilboard surfacing bit by Whiteside.

Got it at Woodcraft in Colorado Springs. On the back is a set of Max RPMs

up to 3/4" 24,000 RPM,

3/4 to 1 1/2 18,000 RPM,

1 1/2 to 2 1/4 16,000 RPM and

2 1/4 to 3 1/2 12,000 RPMs

I would say that Whiteside is pretty serious about those numbers. I have seen tables similar to this in other sources. Bottom line is that larger bits need to spin at slower RPMs as they are bigger. My bit is the 2 inch span with a 1/2 inch shank. By the table it should be 16,000 RPMs MAX.

I intend to use this for final flattening of my new Maple workbench top. When I get it made.

Hope this helps.

Re: Router questions

1/4/21, 1:48 AM #3

William Duffield
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Re: Router questions

William Duffield

What is the model number of the router? The only honkin' big PC router I'm familiar with is the 7518 3-1/4 HP model, which is variable speed. Maybe you missed the highy camoflaged speed control?

I'm probably grasping at straws here, but I figure it was worth a shot.

Re: Router questions

1/4/21, 5:16 AM #4

Barry Irby
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Mine is a 75362 Porter Cable....

Barry Irby

Type 1. 24,000 RPM. 13 amps. I am trying to make something out of nothing. Now that I have thought about this more, I recalled that a friend bought it at an estate sale for $2 and the base was jammed tightly in place with corrosion, crud, and sawdust. I cleaned it up for him so he could sell it. He gave it to me. It's been sitting around for a year or two and in fact was at a repair shop so long I forgot it. When it dawned on me that I might use it, I called and got it back. There was supposed to be an ancient recall on it but they never found out about it from PC so now I will put it back to work. I am sorry it does not have a speed control like yours. Wonder if I could upgrade mine?

Re: Router questions

1/4/21, 2:49 PM #5

Bill Houghton
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Re: Router questions

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

I recall some while back that you could get variable speed controllers, separate from the router, that you plugged the router cord into. Dig around on the interweb.

Re: Router questions

1/4/21, 8:42 PM #6

Neal in SC
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Re: Router questions

Neal in SC

I don't recommend the after market speed controls. Many years ago a friend attempted something similar to what you are contemplating and purchase one of the speed controllers. The router overheated and he ended up letting the smoke out. He now has a heavy duty variable speed router that he purchased to finish the job and a useless speed controller.

Note, this is a sample size of one, and you might get away with it with light cuts and frequent breaks to let the router cool down.

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