Variable Speed vs. Fixed Speed

Phillip K · 02-14-2007, 11:45 AM

I'm fairly new to woodworking. I currrently own a Sears 15 amp variable speed plunge router I recieved as a gift. Since these routers are terrible when it comes to guide bushings and other standard accessories, and since it is powerful, I placed it in a router table that I made. Now I am looking to buy a fixed base router. I am on a budget and can get a PC 690 fixed speed with a PC half blind dovetail jig for $200 at a certain woodworking store. This seems like a good starter deal for me. My question is, down the road, will I need the variable speed option or will the PC 690 fixed speed do the trick?

Joe Lyddon · 02-14-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phillip K

I currrently own a Sears 15 amp variable speed plunge router I recieved as a gift. Since these routers are terrible when it comes to guide bushings and other standard accessories, and since it is powerful, I placed it in a router table that I made. Now I am looking to buy a fixed base router. I am on a budget and can get a PC 690 fixed speed with a PC half blind dovetail jig for $200 at a certain woodworking store. This seems like a good starter deal for me. My question is, down the road, will I need the variable speed option or will the PC 690 fixed speed do the trick?

Hi Phillip

I'm NOT one of the 'experts' around here, but here's my guess...

You will probably be OK with the PC 690 as is...

You would probably want the variable speed control more on the big one in the table... where you would be using the Large Raised Panel bits, etc. at a slower speed...

Just my 2 bits... Wait for the real experts on the subject...

kp91 · 02-14-2007, 12:35 PM

Phillip,

First question, do you need the dovetail jig right now? If so, that sounds like a decent deal. You're probably paying more for the jig than the router.... (The 690 LR by itself is online for around $115). If not, I'd find a decent 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 variable speed router. (chances are you can get a very good deal on them)

I'd look for a combo base router package, because out of the table you'll want a plunge router too. There are a bunch of multibase packages that are all variable speed.

I've got a 693 (my first router)- the plunge version of the 690, and it's a great machine, but I wish I could spin it a bit slower sometimes. It's a quality machine, and it's still running strong over a decade later. There are several after market speed controls you could use, or limit the size of your bits.

Just my humble opinion,

Doug

**bobj3** · 02-14-2007, 12:42 PM

Hi Phillip

I'm Not one of the experts but you will want a speed control down the road so it's best to find a router that has one built in, many on the market place now days.

Take a hard look at the router below.
It comes with one as a default item and the price is right, I don't have one (YET) but should have one this week and I will post a user review at that time.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...TOOL&ihtoken=1
also see the link below for a bit more info.
http://www.routerforums.com/table-mo...e-routing.html

Just a small note****the 2" diam.bits should not be running at 24,000 rpm. the norm would be about 12 to 18,000 rpm and the 18,000 rpm is a bit to fast at that.
You can search for on this fourm for a chart to set the speed on your router for bit size,some routers come with a chart and some have it on the router.

One more tip

If you buy the router from Sears take the money you saved and send off for one of the Oak-Park Box jigs (3 ea.set) , dovetail jigs are nice to have BUT the box jig will do the same so to speak and you will be happy you did every time you use it

or every time you make box or a drawer.
The Original Box Joint Jig by Oak-Park
http://us.oak-park.com/catalogue.html?list=boxj--

Bj

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phillip K

I currrently own a Sears 15 amp variable speed plunge router I recieved as a gift. Since these routers are terrible when it comes to guide bushings and other standard accessories, and since it is powerful, I placed it in a router table that I made. Now I am looking to buy a fixed base router. I am on a budget and can get a PC 690 fixed speed with a PC half blind dovetail jig for $200 at a certain woodworking store. This seems like a good starter deal for me. My question is, down the road, will I need the variable speed option or will the PC 690 fixed speed do the trick?

Joe Lyddon · 02-14-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobj3

Hi Phillip

I'm Not one of the experts but you will want a speed control down the road so it's best to find a router that has one built in, many on the market place now days.

Take a hard look at the router below.
It comes with one as a default item and the price is right, I don't have one (YET) but should have one this week and I will post a user review at that time.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...TOOL&ihtoken=1
also see the link below for a bit more info.
http://www.routerforums.com/table-mo...e-routing.html

Just a small note****the 2" diam.bits should not be running at 24,000 rpm. the norm would be about 12 to 18,000 rpm and the 18,000 rpm is a bit to fast at that.
You can search for on this fourm for a chart to set the speed on your router for bit size,some routers come with a chart and some have it on the router.

Bj

Bob,

That Craftsman combo looks like a worthwhile venture!! Sure looks good to me! But how long does it take for the Bugs to appear and will they fix / stand behind the products like they normally do?

If I didn't have my Hitachi 12svc combo, I think I'd try it.

**bobj3** · 02-14-2007, 01:27 PM

Hi Joe

You know Sears/Craftsman If you don't like it we/they will refund/replace it.

At one time I sold used tools and I had customers come in and ask if I had any old Craftsman tools working or not ,I would sell them cheap and they would take them down to Sears and get brand new ones.
Some people can do that I can't.

Bj

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Lyddon

Bob,

That Craftsman combo looks like a worthwhile venture!! Sure looks good to me! But how long does it take for the Bugs to appear and will they fix / stand behind the products like they normally do?

If I didn't have my Hitachi 12svc combo, I think I'd try it.

StyerK · 02-14-2007, 04:44 PM

I had a 2 hp Craftsman router that I used for years for free hand work. When I put it under a table and used a large bit, I smoked the router after a while. I believe Sears warrenty on power tools are only one year. If I was to have a router exclusively free hand work, I would get a varible speed plunge. For under the table I would get a fixed speed and then add a speed control. I have a PC 7518 which is a 5 speed soft start. If I had to do it over, I'd get a fixed speed with a speed control add on. Better accessibilty.

**AxlMyk** · 02-14-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobj3

Hi Phillip

I'm Not one of the experts................

Bj

You aren't? And I've been following what you post here?
Big mistake.. BIG MISTAKE

**bobj3** · 02-14-2007, 06:54 PM

Hi Mike

Are you being facetious ?

I don't count myself as a expert but one that has done many things with routers and tools and I try and help when I can.

Bj

facetious ▼
1. not meant to be taken seriously or literally: a facetious remark.
2. amusing; humorous.

**Mike** · 02-14-2007, 06:55 PM

Phillip (and Mike), BJ is pulling your leg... he is one of the most knowledgeable people on the forum.
I would suggest spending the money on a combo kit if possible and waiting on purchasing a dovetail jig. I own two dovetail jigs and rarely use them. A combo kit from any of the major brands, whichever feels best in your hands, will be a much better deal in the long run. I prefer using routers with a fixed switch, and an after market speed controller. Here is why: The most likely item to fail in any machine is an electronic chip. They are effected by heat and vibration. Consider the size of the speed controller in a router vs a much larger after market unit. The larger components will disipate the heat easier and should last longer. Many will disagree with me and are very happy with their variable speed routers. I went with my 35 years of industrial machine repair experience on this one.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
My new Scrool saw Hegner Multimax 18V VARIABLE SPEED SAW	del schisler	Wood Scrolling	5	02-04-2008 07:57 AM
Is variable speed important?	S Bolton	General Routing	9	09-29-2007 12:37 AM
Please help - Dewalt Variable speed router - RPM just went beyond the max.	paustin	General Routing	12	07-08-2007 05:05 AM
rule of thumb for variable speed?	rprice54	General Routing	3	01-11-2006 05:50 PM
variable speed routing	Dean VV	Table-mounted Routing	3	03-23-2005 10:12 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Username		Remember Me?
Password