I would like to know how many people are using a single or variable speed router on their machines as I don't know if the suggested Porter Cable Single Speed Laminate Trim Router will be ok for my 37" x 25" wood router (Also built out of wood). I would also like to route some alumunium if possible.....

(Multiple choice poll, you can click more than one point - Please dont click two that contradict)

For one thing, your bits will last a lot longer with variable speed. Speed creates heat. Heat dulls bits. Variable speed is also important when using larger bits, which should be run slower.

Does anyone know of a Laminate Trim Router (I dont think full size will fit on the solsylva machine) that has variable speed?

Always use a variable speed one. Their not that much more expensive and the are well worth the money

The only one I know of may be hard for you to get. http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1104745922.1151687629@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccaddiejikklmcgelceffdfgidgjm.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24

You might also want to check out the Bosch Colt.

I suppose someone has to be different! :rolleyes:
When I designed my CNC router, I choose to use a
Makita 30,000 RPM Die Grinder with a 1/4" & 3/16" collets!
They are plugged into a vari-speed control for brush type
motors, the speed control was purchaces from Granger!

Does that disqualify me? (chair)

Eric

No reason to limit yourself to single speed when you can buy that 2.5HP Hitachi router from Lowes for 114 dollars, which works very nicely.

No reason to limit yourself to single speed when you can buy that 2.5HP Hitachi router from Lowes for 114 dollars, which works very nicely.

Unless you live in Ireland, maybe. ;)

I've found it immpossible to find an american style cylinderical router for my machine over here in Australia so I'm considering buying a GMF1400 router from the UK since the UK and Auatralia both have the same 240V power supply.

Maybe this would be something you could consider over in Ireland. However it may be slightly too large and pricey for your machine.

check out this link
websitehttp://www.bosch-pt.com/uk/en/gw/newdeals/media/P15-16.pdf

It has an electronic power booster for heavy loads. (I'm not really sure what this means)

Does it mean that it is variable speed as and when it requires it, i.e if it senses that its struggling to maintain a speed it applies more power?

If any one can answer this I would much appreciate it.

-Nikki

RASPNC
Thanks. Im not sure if that Bosch would fit but looks like a nice router. I imagine that its just like you say. Underneath where it says that on your link, it also says it is variable speed, so I imagine you can set the speed yourself, and if the rpm drops below or rises above the set rpm it will increase/decrease power automatically to adjust and try to keep the rpm constant at whatever setting. The quote below is about the Ridgid Laminate Trimmer suggested above your post but I imagine its the same thing:

"An electronic speed control module senses the load applied to the motor, and increases or decreases motor voltage to compensate for and maintain desired RPM."

Also, re. buying equipment from the USA visit the link below and subscribe to it. It hasn't been added to in a while, but when I finally get around to ordering eqpt from the USA and testing it, I'll be posting my results so you can see if they work ok or not. Incidentally, if your mains in Australia operates on 60Hz frequency you are fine ordering from the USA, simply use a step down transformer for the voltage and you wont have any problems. If your mains is 50Hz you are fine ordering from the UK.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19877

ger21,
Thanks for that link. After a quick google I see that I can get the same laminate trimmer sent to me from amazon.com (Its also $20 cheaper!). The variable speed is only adjustable between 20000 to 30000 rpm. That doesnt seem like a huge difference, but better than nothing I suppose. Now all I have to do is figure out my mains frequency problems and I'll be set. :) Thanks. L8rs.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJOO1M/102-5324696-3729731?v=glance&n=228013

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYN6NE/qid=1151854293/sr=1-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5856241-1680952?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013

Thanks ger,
Even better again, although at a price to boot. But we pay for what we get. :) L8rs.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANRZE6/qid=1151936504/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/102-5856241-1680952?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013

Thanks again ger. I started with none available to me and now I have a choice. :)