Australian Routers

[andy_ck87028]

Hi

Has anyone noticed that Australian router design varies from the US in that the Australian routers universally have handles embedded into the casing?

On the other hand, US routers are normally a cylindrical casing that can be pulled out of the plunging chassis (with the handles therefore not being attached to the router casing).

Have a look at Ebay and just compare all the pictures. By looking at picture alone, I can tell if the router is a US router or an Aussie / UK router.

Trimmers in Australia are of the design I am referring to but trimmers are too small (400W), no variable speed and small collets.

The reason I mention it is that the US design lends itself far more easily toward attachment of a router onto a Z axis.

Has anyone else noticed this and how did you overcome it?

Andy

[ger21]

Originally Posted by andy_ck87028 Has anyone else noticed this and how did you overcome it? Andy

Order one from the US.

[andy_ck87028]

US 110v AU 240v

[ger21]

How about this one? http://www.internationaltool.com/Mer...outers_Planers

[Rodm1954]

Hi Andy
I know what you mean but you need to go and have a good look at them as a lot are suitable for mounting. The handles are a problem but depending on how you angle the router it might be possible. To get rid of the handles is a problem because the switch is usually located there but you might be able to remove one making mounting easier. Some do have collars for mounting and the others you could design a plate to fix to the router base.
Although it would not be big enough for you I found an Ozito variable speed (11,500 to 32,000) trimmer with 1/4 inch collet for $49 which hopefully will be good for my hobby CNC router.

[andy_ck87028]

I feel a right goof on this as I have designed with the assumption that US style routers are available!

I've been walking through Bunnings for ages pondering over the difference but had not taken my observation seriously enough and just assumed that I needed to look elswehere.

Thanks for the url Gerry (you are very resourceful).

Looks like I'll have to consider this aspect very carefully now as I want to design with flexibility in mind and not lock myself out just because my dream router turns out to have a switch on the handle

With CNC, there seems to be a devil behind just about every decision.


Andy

[andy_ck87028]

I've just recalled why I ignored Aussie style routers.

If it does not have a detachable baseplate, it makes for a very limited machine as the baseplate reduces the capacity to make angled cuts (think in terms of a 4wd and the entry / departure angle limitations caused by the front / back overhang)

A cylindrical router is much preferred as depth of reach is therefore a lot better.

I have allowed for 6 inch z travel which cannot be fully exploited if I have a router with a baseplate.

Seems like your url could be very useful Gerry. !!

Andy

[Phase1]

Hi Andy,

Hope yu get this message as this is not a very active forum.
Aus is same as N.Z, all routers with plastic castings with handles. Only the small Ozita & Dewalt routers could be mounted to a CNC machine.
The good news the US style routers are available right here in Auckland, N.Z in small numbers.
The other day i came accross the Porter Routers at a power tool centre, they are 240volt models, very rare. The shop owner is very keen to get rid off them as there is No demand for US style routers in N.Z. How to get the routers to yu & have the shop owner sell them at a decent price is another battle.

Michael

[paulC]

I have been looking at a real cheap router at Super Cheap Auto. Made in China job but looks like it should be real easy to mount. Dual collet size and variable speed for less than $100NZ
Paul

[andy_ck87028]

Thanks for that input re. sourcing from the land of the long white cloud.

Options are starting to arrive but looks like I'll end up going offshore!

Thanks

Andy

[Vaughan Sage]

I have a Chinese 8mm >> 1/4" vari/speed router that slips out of the base & you can hold it freehand like a die grinder. I got it from Bunnings cuppla years ago I think.. These would be easy to mount in a split housing collar on your CNC mill. Switch etc is on the end

[paulC]

Originally Posted by andy_ck87028 Thanks for that input re. sourcing from the land of the long white cloud. Options are starting to arrive but looks like I'll end up going offshore! Thanks Andy

Andy,
Just thought that as Super Cheap Auto is an Aussie company they may have the same on your side of the ditch.
I have since purchased this router. Its 650 Watt, can be mounted with a round collar and has a good long neck that extends from the router a conciderable amount. Stripped of the plunge mechagnisim (one screw) it looks similar to a lot of the US die grinders just router speeds.
Paul