Router ON/OFF Switch

kolias

I have a no name brand router and one of the features I like most on it is the build-in ON/OFF switch in one of the handles.

I was looking on the new routers and noticed that the majority do not have the ON/OFF switch in the handle and was wondering why. On some you even have to release your hold in one of the handles to reach the ON/OFF switch.

Isn’t that a safety issue? Shouldn’t all routers have this switch in one of the handles?

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Nicolas

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seawolf21

Nicolas, I have one with a switch in the handle. I went through h-ll trying to rewire a new switch in it. With the help of one of the guys on this forum, and the photos he sent me, I did the job. If you can afford it, get a router table switch that has a plug outlet for the router and a safety switch on it. They have one at Woodcraft for $25.99. I just ordered one today.

Gary

Hamlin

Hi Nicolas,

IMHO, this would work great in the "D-handle" style. Not so great with the other styles. It's location and comfort. Remember, some have just a simple round knob for a handle. I prefer a good ol' toggle switch.

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Ken

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"A VETERAN"
"Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life". That is HONOR, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -Author Unknown

kolias

Gery I do have a router table safety switch but I was referring to when you handheld the router.

I agree Ken that the “D handle” is most appropriate. Another thought I had was that experienced users like you, don’t rely care where the switch is but for beginners like my I definitely fell more comfortable having the ON/OFF switch in my hand.

Perhaps the manufacturers discover that the consumers, who the majority are experienced, prefer the round knob and that’s why most are with this style knob.

Personally I prefer the “D handle” style and definitely with build in ON/OFF switch. My next router will be this style unless I can’t find a decent one

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Nicolas

Ralph Barker

Ah, that's the problem. You're supposed to have a second one for hand-held work.

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- Ralph

Mike

Nicolas, I doubt if very many people prefer the round knob handles. Yes, the switch should be on the handles for best results. This is a problem with interchangeable bases. That is why the switch is on the motor.

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Mike
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kolias

Mike now I understand, it’s the interchangeable base for the switch not to be on the handles.

The interchangeable base is a nice option but when the time comes I think I would still choose a router with the switch in the handle. In addition, I prefer the “D-handles” than the interchangeable base.

Ralph when I use the router for hand-held work, it’s plugged on the router table outlet which is controlled with an ON/OFF foot switch. But to my opinion nothing is faster than a switch on the router’s handle

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Nicolas

harrysin

You guys from the US and Canada sure have some strange routers, no wonder most of your routing has been done on the table instead of the safer, more versatile plunge method, I am however gratified to see that over the last couple of years more and more members are discovering that there's a big world of exciting routing beyond the table, which is still required of course for some operations.

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Harry

The best advice that I can give a newcomer to routing is, learn to use the router mounted, this can be as simple as a board held in a vice, with the router firmly attached and a simple fence held with clamps, and when he/she feels competant and confident in it's use and is familiar with all aspects of safety, THEN, and only then proceed to learn how to use the router hand held. This is MY opinion, and may or may not coincide with that of the forum management, but is based on a lifetime of woodworking.


http://members.dodo.com.au/~sharry02/

Hamlin

I believe there is a router that does have this setup. I'm not sure as to which one. I think Harry has one.

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Ken

***Please fill in your profile, at least your location. As this will help us help you better.***

"A VETERAN"
"Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life". That is HONOR, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -Author Unknown

Ralph Barker

Understood, Nicolas. I was just teasing about having multiple routers. I probably have 6 or so, acquired over the years.

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- Ralph