Variable-speed routers

"Richards" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> todd wrote:
> > I'm taking a woodworking class right now in Chicago. I'd classify
myself as
> > an intermediate-level woodworker, but am taking this class mostly to
learn
> > something about hand tools. While everything we have done to this point
has
> > been with mallet, chisel, and saw, we discuss other aspects of
woodworking,
> > including power tools. The instructor (a gentleman with an extensive
> > woodworking background starting as a German apprentice 30 or more years
ago)
> > commented on his dislike for variable-speed routers. His opinion is
that
> > because the variable-speed works by reducing the voltage to the motor,
that
> > frequent running of the router at a speed other than the full speed has
the
> > long-term effect of damaging the motor, at least with the class of
router
> > they have, which is a P-C probably not dissimilar to my 8529. I'd like
to
> > know what informed wreck'ers think of that.
> >
> > todd
> >
> >
> Why not ask the various manufacturers? They are the ones that would
> have to handle warranty work.
>
> Several of my routers have built-in speed controls. So far, none of
> them has had any problems.

In fact, I have done so with Porter-Cable. I'm awaiting a response.

todd

todd wrote:
> I'm taking a woodworking class right now in Chicago. I'd classify myself as
> an intermediate-level woodworker, but am taking this class mostly to learn
> something about hand tools. While everything we have done to this point has
> been with mallet, chisel, and saw, we discuss other aspects of woodworking,
> including power tools. The instructor (a gentleman with an extensive
> woodworking background starting as a German apprentice 30 or more years ago)
> commented on his dislike for variable-speed routers. His opinion is that
> because the variable-speed works by reducing the voltage to the motor, that
> frequent running of the router at a speed other than the full speed has the
> long-term effect of damaging the motor, at least with the class of router
> they have, which is a P-C probably not dissimilar to my 8529. I'd like to
> know what informed wreck'ers think of that.
>
> todd
>
>
Why not ask the various manufacturers? They are the ones that would
have to handle warranty work.

Several of my routers have built-in speed controls. So far, none of
them has had any problems.

todd said:

>commented on his dislike for variable-speed routers. His opinion is that
>because the variable-speed works by reducing the voltage to the motor, that
>frequent running of the router at a speed other than the full speed has the
>long-term effect of damaging the motor, at least with the class of router
>they have, which is a P-C probably not dissimilar to my 8529. I'd like to
>know what informed wreck'ers think of that.

The routers I have which are variable speed use PWM to control the
motor speed, not harmful at all, and increases torque at low speeds -
and are designed to operate that way.

The add-on router speed controller boxes, from what I have seen, are
nothing but light dimmers in a box. They could conceivably damage a
motor not designed for their use - especially from the cooling aspect.


Greg G.

Universal motors are designed to be run at varying voltages (hence,
the "universal"). They can also run on AC or DC. At lower voltages,
they draw less power.

Induction motors (as found in larger power tools, like table saws)
must be run at the right voltage and frequency (AC only) or they can
be damaged. At lower voltages, they draw *more* power.