Re: Needing new variable speed router?
Keith L Newton
Thanks Howard, I'm aware of the power, since I still have 3 working routers of this brand and size plus several that I've worn out before getting them. The question is, does your PC have variable speed, and does it loose torque when you slow it down? Back when I started woodworking, slowing a motor involved draining the power off, then finally VF drives came along where the power stayed high with speed reduction. The electronics of this is above my pay-grade.
I personally believe that having a lot of power is a good thing, and in some respects safer than less power. For instance, if you try to climb cut, the router will keep cutting without slowing allowing the bit to take a proper chip. But when the power is low, the speed range is narrower. If you go a little too fast, the bit slows, and if you don't slow down quick enough, the bit is taking too large a chip to cut off, then it gets traction and takes off out of control. I find it easier to control when there is plenty of power to keep cutting. I've got a couple of wooden bath tubs to make, so there will be lots of pattern routing through 8/4 material.