Router Bench - Which Router is best?
Here at Router Bench we are not too concerned about the brand of Router. We are more concerned about the routers output and capability. It is far better to use a cheaper brand of Router in your Router bench with more capability than a better brand with less capability.
The things to look at are the router collet size. This determines the size and range of Router bits you can use. A 1/4″router cutting bit can never be as good as a 1/2″ router cutting bit purely because of the strength of the shaft. A 1/4″ router cutting bit is probably 50x as likely to bend than a half inch router cutting bit. This means that the type of projects you can tackle with the smaller shaft are limited in scope. I have seen quarter inch style and rail router cutting bits but never a quarter inch raised panel router cutting bits.
The next thing to look at is the power output. An underpowered router is not going to last in any usage at all. Also beware of the “24 hour armature” It is told in the industry that DIY tools have a 24 hour armature because thats how long they last when any serious work is being done with them. Always remember a DIY tool is engineered for use by a home owner who generally is believed to need to drill 3 holes a year with his drilling machine. The standards for a Router will also estimate very low usage. These machines are not designed to be run for a few hours at a time.
The next thing is the router speed. The higher the better. If the router is trying to spin a large router cutting bit like a raised panel cutter, It needs power and speed. The faster the cutter spins the cleaner the cut. Its simple mathematics. If you think about it the wood is far more likely to splinter and burn if the router is dragging.
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