So what does a router do and how to use a router.
I thought I'd first take a look at the word router and this originates from a verb to rout. Rout is also a noun but this doesn't relate to our woodworking router. The definition of the verb appears to be to rummage or to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop, gouge, or machine. So perhaps my definition of a woodworking router would be to gouge out or machine out some part of a piece of wood. This could simply be to make a groove or round the edges of a piece of timber.
Milwaukee Cordless
The first routers were of course hand operated and were similar in appearance to a flat wood plane but having interchangeable narrow blades rather than the large flat blade. These blades would be shaped to make a grove or round the edge of the timber. The electric router was introduced in the first half of the last century but in fact was a very different product for achieving similar results and relied on a spinning cutter and was known as the spindle router. A company called Elu developed some of the first products and I remember having a quality Elu router myself. I believe Elu is now part of the Makita power tool and Makita router range of products.
The first electric routers had a fixed base and subsequent routers called plunging routers were sprung such that the spinning blade would not protrude beyond the based as the weight or pressure was removed. These types of router were moved over the wood area. The alternative method of use is to mount a router to the underside of a router table and then move the wood over the router and maintaining a fixed position for the table router. This is ideal for a workshop environment and lends itself to additional safety features.
The handheld plunging routers can be used (should be used) with a variety of controls. The base of the router can be fitted with a sidebar device to ensure that the cutting blade remains a constant distance from the edge of the wood you are routing. For example you may wish to cut a groove 4 mm deep and 3 mm from the edge of your piece of wood. The depth can be set to the maximum 4 mm and the sidebar guide will ensure that the groove is not made more than 3mm from the edge of the wood. You could achieve the same results by clamping a straight edge over the surface of the wood to be machined and keep the electric router pressed firmly against the straight edge.
Router cutters or router bits come in many different shapes. The different shapes allow you to use your router to cut square, vee and rounded grooves. There are more router bits to enable round, angular and decorative edge finishing. An edge finishing router bit has a spinning guide at the base of the cutter that prevents the blade cutting deeper into the timber. Generally speaking buying router bits can be a little of a lottery because you want the best bits but don't want to spend a fortune. Unless you need a large selection of router bits for professional work I'd suggest buying a set of router bits with most of the shapes you could ever envisage using. You'll probably also require 1 or 2 straight cutting bits and you may wish to pay a little more money to get the best you can afford if you are to use these bits frequently. For example you may wish to have a 3-4 mm straight cutting blade for groves and rebating edges of your chosen timber. A larger 8-10mm is always useful for taking a little timber off a wider area. Cheaper blades will soon lose their cutting edge and could scorch or burn the timer if you are not careful.
You can choose a router from a variety of manufactures notably Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Festool, Milwaukee and Porter-Cable. A router is still very much a corded power tool and is often required for long periods of use so there hardly any cordless routers. The Ryobi ZRP600 Trim Router is an 18v cordless device but very much intended for lighter trim work. Many of the manufacturers also supply factory reconditioned routers and router combo kits.
Once you've mastered the use of a router you'll be amazed how many tasks can be improved by using a router.
Cyber Monday Milwaukee 2694-22 M18 18-Volt Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit 2011 Deals
Dec 07, 2011 08:33:17
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Cyber Monday Milwaukee 2694-22 M18 18-Volt Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit Feature
- M18 Cordless ½" Hammer Drill / Driver with Milwaukee 4-Pole Frameless Motor delivers 550 in-lbs of peak torque, 0-450/0-1,700 RPM, & 29,000 BPM
- M18 Cordless Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw with Patented Gear-Protecting Clutch and Counter Balance Mechanism
- Includes: M18 2620-20 1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver, M18 2620-20 SAWZALL ® Recip Saw , (2) M18 XC High Capacity LITHIUM-ION Batteries, 1-Hour Charger, (1)General Purpose SAWZALL® Blade, Contractor Bag
Cyber Monday Milwaukee 2694-22 M18 18-Volt Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit Overview
The Milwaukee M18 cordless 2-tool combo kit includes the 1/2in. Compact Hammerdrill/Driver and Sawzall Reciprocating Saw. The M18 Cordless System's patented technologies and electronics, innovative motor design, and superior ergonomics provide the most efficient blend of power, weight and performance in the industry. Tools Included: Hammerdrill/driver, Sawzall recip saw, Storage Case Included: Yes, Volts: 18, Battery Type: Li-Ion, Battery Included: Yes (2), Charger Included: YesCyber Monday Milwaukee 2694-22 M18 18-Volt Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit Specifications
The Milwaukee 2694-22 M18 18-Volt Cordless Two-Tool Combo Kit provides tools that boast patented technologies and electronics, innovative motor designs, and superior ergonomics for power, comfort, and performance. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, this two-tool kit includes the 2602-20 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver, and 2620-20 Sawzall Reciprocal Saw.
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 Built with a Milwaukee 4-pole motor, the 2602-22 delivers 550 in-lbs of peak torque. |
Included in the kit is the 2602-20 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver, which is able to drill 20 percent faster in concrete than the competition. It owes its robust performance to a four-pole motor that delivers 550 in./lbs. of peak torque and 29,000 BPM, and it features a variable-speed trigger that provides speed control between 0-1,700 RPM (high speed) and 0-450 RPM (low speed) and an all-metal 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck for bit retention. For added flexibility and long life, this hammer drill/driver has the only metal gear case in its class.
 Patented gear-protecting clutch absorbs impact and extends the life of the tool. |
 Reliable, long-lasting LITHIUM-ION power is just one part of a full feature set. |
Cordless power frees you from the hassle of extension cords, but a cordless tool is only as reliable as its battery--that's where Milwaukee's M18 XC High-Capacity LITHIUM-ION batteries come in. Engineered to deliver torque, speed, and extended runtime, these batteries make use of Milwaukee's trademarked Digital Power Management technology to ensure long battery life. Additionally, overload protection, a temperature management system, and individual cell voltage monitoring guard your battery and your tools during tough jobs.
A convenient power gauge on each battery displays remaining runtime, and a second battery is included with the kit, so you never have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a task. Plus the M18 LITHIUM-ION battery charger is designed to recharge batteries in one hour or less.
Since lithium-ion batteries are significantly smaller and lighter than 18-volt NiCad batteries, they play an integral role in keeping Milwaukee's M18 tools ergonomic and comfortable to use. For added versatility, M18 tools also work with even lighter M18 Compact LITHIUM-ION Batteries (not included).
Launched in 2008, the M18 series from Milwaukee balances power and ergonomics. M18 tools pack the best-in-class, heavy-duty performance that you expect from Milwaukee into lighter, more compact bodies than those of traditional tools. This translates to improved versatility on the jobsite and reduced user fatigue at the end of the workday.
In 1924 Milwaukee Electric Tool introduced the Hole-Shooter, the first lightweight, portable, one-handed 1/4-inch capacity drill, and the company has been dedicated to producing innovative, heavy-duty electric power tools that meet the needs of professional users ever since.
Milwaukee's product line has grown to include more than 500 tools and over 3,500 accessories. Milwaukee uses state-of-the-art technologies and sophisticated manufacturing techniques to ensure that quality is built into each of its tools, resulting in durable and reliable professional products.
Warranty
This tool is backed by a five-year warranty that protects against defects in materials or workmanship. M18 XC High-Capacity LITHIUM-ION batteries are backed by a five-year, 2,000-charge warranty.
What's in the Box
One 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver; one Sawzall reciprocating saw; two M18 XC high-capacity lithium-ion batteries; one one-hour charger; one general-purpose Sawzall blade; and one contractor bag.
 The Milwaukee M18 line includes a full complement of compact, powerful cordless tools that are built to last. |
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Available In Stock. |
| This Cyber Monday Milwaukee 2694-22 M18 18-Volt Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
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