Routers & Trimmers: specifications, types

The general design features and purpose of the router depend on the type.

— Vertical. The classic, most common type of milling cutter. Usually, vertical devices consist of the motor itself and a sole of a special design that provides support during operation. The sole is often made adjustable in height, which allows you to change the distance that the cutter protrudes and, accordingly, the depth of processing. However, this change can be done in another way.

— Edge. As the name suggests, this type of router is mainly used for edging and chamfering. Such units are lighter and more compact than vertical ones, which, in particular, facilitates work in cramped conditions. On the other hand, they are less performant and have less customization options (in particular, they are very rarely equipped with depth adjustment).

— Lamella. Specialized milling cutters designed for cutting grooves for lamellas — fasteners in the form of thin plates. The design of such a tool is such that each groove is cut literally in one movement — this greatly speeds up and simplifies the work. For other purposes, lamellar routers, usually, are not intended.

— Additive. Similar to the lamellar ones described above, filler mills are used to cut out “seats” for fasteners. However, in this case, these places are intended for dowels — o...blong products with a round or elliptical section (also known as chopiks or dowels) and are not grooves, but holes, usually quite deep.

— To remove varnish. The purpose of this type of milling cutter is clear from the name: they are used to remove paint and varnish coatings; the principle of their work is similar to angle grinders ("grinders"). Varnish stripping jobs often deal with fairly large areas to be treated, so this type of tool usually allows the use of large cutters that provide a large working width. In this case, the engine power may be low, because. the load on the cutter in this case is small.

— Milling motor. This type can be described as minimally equipped routers — consisting of a motor in a housing, a spindle and a collet and devoid of a sole, guide rails and other similar devices. Usually, such tools have an elongated body and a rather small size and weight, which gives quite extensive possibilities for their use — from working as an impromptu manual engraver to installation on an automated machine. However, in most cases, router motors will still require additional attachments.

— For cutting tiles. Another type of milling cutter, the purpose of which is described by the name. By themselves, such devices have an oblong body and work similarly to drills; however, the case is not limited to round holes along the diameter of the cutter — the cutter can also cut a line in the material, for example, to create a hole for an exhaust fan, or to cut a fragment of a non-standard shape. Such features are indispensable when working with tiles.

— Disk. Milling cutters using a cutting nozzle in the form of a disk. Their main purpose is to cut grooves. By design and principle of operation, milling machines of this type are similar to circular saws, however, an equal sign cannot be put between these tools. Unlike saws, circular routers do not cut through the material—they only create a groove of a certain depth, usually a V-profile, in the surface. Also, they use milling cutters instead of saw blades. One of the most popular applications of such a tool is cutting fold lines on aluminium sheets.

The total power of the router, more precisely, the engine installed in it. The higher this indicator, the more productive the device is, the better it copes with complex work, the more force on the cutter (torque) it provides during operation, and the greater the spindle speed can be (although a powerful tool is not necessarily high-speed). On the other hand, high power significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool, plus power consumption and network load increase accordingly. In addition, high torque in some cases (for example, with delicate processing) is frankly undesirable. Therefore, a tool should be chosen according to this parameter, taking into account the real needs and the specifics of the planned work.

There are three main categories of milling cutters in terms of power: light (up to 700 W), designed mainly for simple household work; medium (up to 1500 W), able to cope not only with domestic, but also with most professional tasks; and heavy (1500 W or more), used in cases where high power is critical. However, this gradation is true only for routers (see "Type"), other varieties have their own specifics: for example, lamellar models, in principle, do not need high power.

The slowest spindle speed (in revolutions per minute) provided by the router motor.

For different jobs, the optimal spindle speed (and, accordingly, the cutter) will also be different. For example, hard materials like stone require fast rotation, but wood does not; some types of nozzles work better at high speeds, others at low speeds, etc. Detailed recommendations for each specific case can be found in special sources. Here we note that the smallest value of the minimum number of revolutions found in modern milling cutters is about 3000 – 5000, and in the most "fast" models this figure can exceed 15000. When choosing, pay attention not so much to the minimum rotation speed as to the total speed range — how it corresponds to the planned tasks.

The highest spindle speed provided by the router motor. Measured in revolutions per minute. For models that do not have speed control (see "Functions"), this paragraph indicates the standard number of revolutions.

For different work, the optimal speed of rotation of the spindle (and, accordingly, the cutter) will also be different. For example, hard materials like stone require fast rotation, but wood does not; some types of nozzles work better at high speeds, others at low speeds, etc. Detailed recommendations for each specific case can be found in special sources. When choosing, it is worth paying attention not so much to the maximum rotation speed as to the general range of speeds - how much it corresponds to the planned tasks. We only note that in models with a large allowable cutter diameter (see below), the maximum rotation speed can be relatively low - the working edge of a large cutter moves quickly even at low speeds, and for effective acceleration of such a nozzle, too much power would be needed.

The largest collet size that the router can use.

A collet is a special type of fastening used, in particular, for installing working nozzles in milling cutters. For proper installation, the size of the collet must match the size of the cutter shank. Modern cutter shanks and collets for them have standard sizes - 6, 8 or 12 mm. The larger the size, the larger the cutter itself, the more powerful the tool and the more difficult the work for which it is intended.

As a rule, the maximum size of the collet is the size of the fixture that is standardly installed in the router. Thinner cutters can be mounted using special adapters (however, care must be taken, as such a nozzle may not be designed for the increased power characteristic of tools with a large collet).

6mm collets are found predominantly in light routers (see "Power"), 8mm mounts are found in most intermediate and professional level tools, and 12mm collets are found in the most powerful and heavy models.

The largest diameter of the cutter that can be installed in the router.

The larger the cutter, the faster its cutting edge moves and the more material it can capture, but larger nozzles require more torque. Accordingly, the maximum diameter of the cutter is directly related to the power of the tool (see above): the larger the allowable size of the nozzle, the more powerful and advanced, usually, the router is. However, large cutters (as, in fact, high power) are not always really needed. Therefore, when choosing according to this parameter, it is worthwhile to adequately evaluate the upcoming work and not chase the maximum size.

The greatest depth of grooves or holes that the router can make. This parameter is relevant only for lamellar and filler models (see "Type") — in other varieties, such a parameter as the stroke value has a similar value (see below). In most cases, the maximum groove depth does not exceed 30 mm — this is quite enough to use the lamellar / filler router for its intended purpose. In some professional models, this figure can reach 70 mm, but this is very rare.

The distance by which the height of the cutter can change relative to the support platform of the router, in other words, to what depth the working nozzle can be lowered relative to the upper position. This parameter is used for vertical and edge models (see "Type"); however, edge routers with height adjustment are very rare. In fact, the amount of travel not only describes the maximum working depth provided by the tool, but also indicates the presence of depth adjustment; for models without such adjustment, this parameter is not indicated at all.

As for specific numbers, for simple household work, a stroke of 25–30 mm is considered quite sufficient, and in a more serious tool, values of 70–80 mm can be found.

— Soft start. The presence of a soft start engine in the design of the milling cutter. A feature of most modern electric motors is that when connected to the network directly, without control circuits, at the time of start-up, there is a sharp jump in current through the motor. This, on the one hand, creates voltage fluctuations in the mains (which can “knock out” fuses or become fatal for some devices operating nearby), on the other hand, it leads to a sharp jerk of the tool, due to which it can be released from hands (and this cause damage to surrounding objects and even injury). This function also limits the current at the moment of starting the motor. Due to this, the speed increases smoothly, without jerking the tool, and the power grid is not subjected to excessive overloads.

— Adjustment of frequency of rotation. The presence of a speed controller in the design of the milling cutter. This function allows you to change the spindle speed, adjusting it to different types of work — for example, to effectively cut hard material, you may need a high speed, and with soft woods, you can work at low speeds. Tools with speed control will be useful especially for those who have to deal with a wide variety of materials. In this case, the range of such adjustment may be different.

— Microlift. The presence in the design of the router of a system for fine-tuning...the depth with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. The standard setting with the limit pin is very coarse, as the errors are quite large. The microlift is used where it is important to set the depth very accurately. It is implemented mainly by means of a threaded connection that limits the vertical downward movement, or is completely integrated into the vertical travel design, where unlocking is not needed to make the necessary adjustments.

— Backlight. The presence of a lighting system in the design of the router — in fact, an ordinary flashlight that facilitates work in dimly lit places. The need for backlighting may arise even in daylight or bright artificial lighting — the place of work is quite often in the shade (for example, from the head of the operator himself).

— Maintain momentum. The presence in the design of the milling cutter of a system that automatically adjusts the engine operation mode depending on the load on the working nozzle — in such a way that the rotational speed remains constant, does not fall under load and does not increase at idle. Thanks to this adjustment, a constant quality of processing is ensured, practically independent of the pressure on the nozzle, wear of the nozzle and the tool itself is reduced, as well as overall energy consumption.

- Mains 230. Powered by a 230 V network, in other words - an ordinary household outlet. Such power allows you to work almost unlimited time, besides, it is suitable even for the most powerful modern routers. On the other hand, in the absence of sockets , the “network” router becomes useless, and the wire limits mobility and can interfere during work and movement. However, all these shortcomings are not particularly critical, and most routers are produced specifically for 230 V networks.

- Power supply 110 V. Tools powered in the American and Japanese manners - from power networks with a voltage of 110 V. Power tools with such an operating supply voltage are produced for the market of North and Central America, the Land of the Rising Sun, Saudi Arabia. Also, 110 V power grids are found in the UK. To avoid tool failure when connected to standard 230 V household networks, you will need an additional link in the face of a step-down transformer or a special 110 V converter.

- Accumulator. Powered by own battery. The main advantage of such a tool is that during operation it does not need to be plugged into an outlet; this is very convenient for frequent movements from place to place and allows you to work even in the complete absence of electrical networks. At the same time, other things being equal, a cordless router turns out to be much more expensive and...heavier than a “network” one, and the power of such routers is relatively low - otherwise they would need too heavy batteries, and there would be no talk of portability. In addition, battery life is limited, and charging takes quite a long time and still requires external power. In light of all this, there are few battery models on the market, and you should pay attention to them only if the absence of a mains cable and independence from sockets are decisive points.

The technology by which the battery is made in the router of the corresponding type (see "Power source").

— Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium). The most "old" option found in modern power tools. It is distinguished by high reliability, resistance to temperature extremes and good charging speed even with high capacity (which is important, given the "voracity" of the power tool). The main disadvantage of this type of batteries can be called a pronounced "memory effect" — a decrease in battery capacity if it is set for charging without being completely discharged. In addition, Ni-Cd cells are considered environmentally unsafe. Nevertheless, they are still widely used in tools — not least due to their low cost with decent performance.

— Ni-Mh (nickel-metal hydride). Such batteries were created as a development of the nickel-cadmium batteries described above. Retaining all the main advantages of their predecessors, they are at the same time devoid of most of the shortcomings — in particular, they are practically not subject to the memory effect. Of the own shortcomings of this option, it is worth mentioning a slightly lower durability and higher cost than the original Ni-Cd.

— Li-Ion (lithium-ion). A type of battery originally developed for use in portable devices; however, with the development of Li-Ion technology, it has also been used in power tools. The main advantage of such batteries in this case can be called a high capacity with small dimensions and weigh...t. It is also worth noting that they are not subject to the memory effect and are able to charge quite quickly. On the other hand, this option is not without its drawbacks — this is, first of all, sensitivity to too low or elevated temperatures, as well as a high price.

Nominal voltage of the battery installed in the router of the corresponding type (see "Power Source").

The voltage, like other characteristics of the battery, is selected by the manufacturer in such a way as to ensure the necessary performance of the tool itself. Therefore, when choosing this parameter, you can not pay much attention; note only that more battery voltage may (but does not necessarily mean) more engine power. And accurate voltage data may be needed only in specific situations — for example, when looking for a third-party charger or a replacement battery.

The capacity of the battery supplied as standard with the tool of the corresponding type (see "Power source").

A more capacious battery is able to accumulate more energy and, accordingly, provide a greater battery life of the tool. However, note that in fact, battery life also depends on engine power and some other factors that affect the power consumption of the router. Therefore, it is possible to compare different models with each other in terms of battery capacity only if they have similar characteristics; and it is better to evaluate the battery life of a particular tool not by this parameter, but by the time of operation on a charge claimed in the characteristics (or according to practical application data, for example, from reviews).

The presence of a spare battery in the scope of delivery of the router of the corresponding type (see "Power source").

This feature will be especially useful for long-term work, when one battery charge is not enough for the entire amount of work, and there is no way to charge it (or there is not enough time). When the charge of one battery is exhausted, you can install a fresh one and continue working; and a discharged battery at this time can be charged if there is an outlet nearby. Buying a kit with a replaceable battery is often easier than looking for a spare battery separately — after all, in the latter case, you still need to choose it according to its characteristics.

Additional equipment included in the delivery of the router in addition to the device itself.

— Fresa. Working nozzles — milling cutters — can be included in the delivery set of milling cutters, this eliminates the need to purchase such nozzles separately. On the other hand, before buying a tool with this feature, you should make sure that the complete cutters correspond to the features of the planned work — otherwise you may overpay for unnecessary nozzles. Usually, there are several cutters in the set.

— Dust collector. A special container for collecting dust, sawdust and other debris generated during the operation of the router. Most often it is made in the form of a soft bag, and a special pipe is used to connect to the tool (a vacuum cleaner can also be connected through the same pipe). Note that the overwhelming majority of modern milling cutters are equipped with nozzles for dust collectors, but the bags in the kit are relatively rare. Usually, a dust bag can be purchased separately, but for some users it is preferable to immediately buy a tool with a bag.

— Copy base. The copy base is the base (sole) of the router (see "Type"), specially designed to work with copy sleeves. The copy sleeve is a ring fixed on the tool body, into which the cutter is threaded. When working with such a sleeve, the operator rests the outer edge of the ring agai...nst the template and moves the tool in such a way that the base is constantly pressed against the template. Thus, the distance between the cutter and the template remains unchanged, and the working nozzle repeats the shape of the template; this is indispensable for precise work, especially with lines of complex shape. Many routers allow you to install a copy sleeve on a regular sole, however, there are models in which you need to install a special copy base for this. Such a base has certain differences from the standard one, due to the specifics of the work — in particular, it usually does not have depth adjustment, because. the presence of an adjustment mechanism can adversely affect the accuracy of work.

— Protective limiter. The protective limiter is a small ring that covers the working nozzle. This ring, as the name suggests, provides additional protection for the operator from dust, chips and other debris generated during operation. In addition, it prevents foreign objects (primarily fingers) from getting under the cutter and increases the efficiency of collecting debris in a vacuum cleaner or dust collector (see above). And so that the operator can control the process of work at the same time, the protective limiter is usually made transparent.

— Guide rail. A device designed primarily to ensure that the router during operation can move parallel to the edge of the material being processed. The rail rests against this edge during operation, and the tool itself extends a certain distance from it on special guides. Thus, it is possible to cut recesses parallel to the edge of the workpiece. The distance from the rail to the cutter can be adjusted, some models even provide special scales on the rail itself.

— Case / bag. This category includes all devices designed for storing and transporting tools; at the same time, hard containers in the form of characteristic suitcases are usually called cases, while bags, on the contrary, are made of soft materials. Anyway, the case / bag simplifies storage and carrying: firstly, due to the fact that such devices themselves are more convenient for long-term carrying than a tool; secondly, due to the fact that the router, the power cord, and all additional accessories can be folded into one place, reducing the risk of losing any of it.

The length of the power cord provided in the design of the router.

The long cord, on the one hand, allows the tool to easily “reach” quite remote sockets, provides additional freedom of action and eliminates the need to switch to another socket once again. On the other hand, it can be inconvenient if the power source is not far away and the excess cord has to be stored on the floor, chair, etc.; and with insufficient length, it is quite possible to use an extension cord. Therefore, in most modern routers, the length of the cord is about 2 – 4 m — this is quite enough to reach the outlet in most cases, and at the same time not so much that there is inconvenience due to the large excess.

The noise level produced by the router during operation. This parameter is quite approximate, since the actual “loudness” depends not only on the characteristics of the tool itself, but also on the material and shape of the workpiece being processed, the type of cutter, the speed of work, etc. Therefore, in fact, the noise level may differ both up and down; in the characteristics, a certain average value is given, by which, however, it is quite worthwhile to navigate.

The “quieter” the tool, the more comfortable it will be to work with it, the less likely it is that the operator will need protective headphones. At the same time, we note that routers, by definition, are quite noisy — the most “quiet” models give out about 75 dB. Also, keep in mind that the decibel is a non-linear quantity, so it is best to use comparison tables when estimating the noise level.

Here is a simplified version of such a table for the range in which most modern routers operate:

75 dB — scream, loud laughter at a distance of 1 m;
80 dB — motorcycle engine, mechanical alarm at the same distance;
85 dB — a loud cry at the same distance;
90 dB — demolition hammer at a distance of 1 m, a freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
95 dB — subway car (inside or at a distance of about 7 m).