Many do-it-yourselfers think that the larger, best sander for trim work powerful devices are basically better. The small one-hand routers, which are also called edge milling machines or table milling machines, have their own application focuses. In some cases, the possibilities of small routers overlap with drills such as. the B Forstner drill.
You can see whether this applies to your application by briefly comparing the advantages and disadvantages of a small one-hand router compared to a larger two-hand router:
Advantages
- More suitable for model making, for edges, decorations, and profiles
significantly lighter
- Milling on finished furniture (e.B. for inserting new fittings) is more possible
Disadvantages
- Too low power for continuous use with large workpieces
- Guidance along with straightening logs in two-hand operation is much easier
Tip: If you have not yet used a router, you should practice something with the device and lead it hands-free on a test piece. It is best to use the router to test face milling and groove milling in order to get a feel for the handling of the device and to make first experiences. For example, the fact that too high speeds can quickly lead to high heat and burn marks.
What accessories should a router have in 2022?
The most frequently supplied accessory for a router is a parallel stop. Other straight guides are easy to build. All you need is a sturdy, straight board (e.B. straightening board) and clamps for fastening. For round shapes, a milling circle is very practical, which is included with some devices, just like the copy sleeve with centering mandrel for milling within templates.
For the work you absolutely need milling cutters for the router. There are many different types of these, including many different groove milling cutters, edge cutters, profile cutters, tine milling cutters, rounding and hollow milling cutters. For starters, a small set is enough. However, many shapes can also be easily implemented with a template and the copy sleeve. Also make sure that the attachments of your router have a soft start.
If you want to mill surfaces smoothly, then you need a face milling cutter for your router. If you also want to use the device in a milling table, a suitable insertion plate for the router is very practical to mount it under a milling table. For use in the milling table, the router also needs a crank for height adjustment. If you have a router with battery, then a replacement battery is practical.
The most important user questions and answers about routers
Answers to frequent user questions that were not answered directly by our purchase advice can be found here.
Which manufacturers and brands are known for routers?
Practically all known manufacturers have routers in different categories on offer. These include, for example, Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Festool, Triton, Arebos, Einhell and Güde.
Has Stiftung Warentest carried out a current router test?
Currently, there is no router test on the foundation’s website and thus no router test winner. Of course, this is a snapshot and can change at any time.
Tip: The router can be milled in synchronisation or in counter-rotation, i.e. best ridgid belt sander in the direction of the feed or against the feed direction. In synchronisation, milling is mainly carried out in the milling table. When working manually, there is a great danger of losing control of the milling machine.
