The main difference between a plunge router and a fixed base router is the way in which the router bit is activated. With a plunge router, the router bit is activated by plunging the bit into the material being cut.
With the fixed base router, the bit is activated by turning a switch on the base of the router on. The plunge router is more accurate and can easily create cleaner, more precise cuts such as decorative edges and mortises as the plunge below the surface of the material.
The other difference between a plunge router and a fixed base router is their size. Typically, plunge routers are larger and more powerful than fixed base routers, making them better suited for handling large and dense materials such as hardwoods.
Plunge routers also have more features, such as the ability to adjust the depth of the plunge, which is not possible with fixed base routers. Lastly, plunge routers tend to be more expensive than fixed base routers, due to their larger size and additional features.
What are the 2 types of router bases?
There are two main types of router bases: fixed bases and plunge bases. A fixed router base has a stable base with a fixed motor height while a plunge base consists of a moveable base with a motor that can be raised and lowered.
Fixed router bases are used for making straight cuts and other simple router operations, while plunge router bases are best for executing complex cuts, trimming edges, and making technical shapes or 3D profiles.
What is the advantage of a plunge router?
A plunge router is a versatile power tool with a number of advantages over conventional fixed-base routers. Perhaps the most important advantage of a plunge router is its ability to make plunge cuts, which involve starting the router bit in the middle of a workpiece and cutting down.
This makes it possible to cut accurate, consistent holes in the middle of a piece without having to first drill an entry hole, making it faster and easier than with a fixed-base router.
A plunge router also has more precise depth control than a fixed-base router. This is because the plunger attachment allows you to adjust the router bit to an exact depth and make repeated cuts with accuracy and precision.
This makes it easier to achieve clean, consistent results on router projects.
Finally, a plunge router offers superior visibility compared to a fixed-base router. With the collet, the motor and the base removed from your workpiece, you have a clear view of the cutting area and can safely make the plunge cuts you need.
Can all routers plunge cut?
No, not all routers can plunge cut. Plunge cutting is a specific technique used in certain types of applications like shaping material and cutting joinery, and requires a specific type of router with special features to handle this type of job.
The router must be able to adjust the depth of the plunge cut and have an accurate depth gauge. Special plunge cutting routers have a lever on the side that allows you to easily adjust the depth of the cut.
Additionally, they usually have a fully enclosed motor and a base plate equipped with multiple screw holes which are used to attach template guides or fences to create multiple types of cuts quickly and accurately.
If you need to perform plunge cutting, you’ll need to buy a plunge router specifically designed for this task.
What is a fixed-base router used for?
A fixed-base router is an essential tool for woodworking, and is used for a variety of tasks including shaping, grooving, cutting, trimming, and routing. It consists of a motorized base and a router head, with a rotating cutter that can be adjusted in depth, allowing for different shapes and precision cuts.
It can create flat surfaces, straight lines, and rounded, beveled, and pointed shapes. It is also used to cut mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, dadoes, rabbets, door hinges and locks, moldings, and other intricate shapes.
The fixed-base router is also an essential tool for creating inlays and decorative pieces.
What cuts can a router make?
A router is a tool that can be used to make a variety of cuts in a variety of materials. The type of cuts that a router can make depend on the bit that is being used. With the right bit, a router can make straight cuts, chamfering cuts, rabbet cuts, flush cuts, bevel cuts, keyhole cuts, roundover cuts, dovetail cuts, and mortise and tenon joints.
When cutting wood, a router can also be used to make arch-top doors, sliding grooves, create tongue-and-groove joints, do intricate inlays and engravings, and carve out arches or curves in the surface of a piece.
It can also be used to cut circular holes in surfaces, cut circles out of boards, plane edges and shapes, create molding and trim for projects, and much more. Depending on the tool, some routers can even be used for cutting and shaping non-wood materials like metals, plastics, and aluminum.
Do routers break easily?
No, routers are designed to be resilient and generally don’t break easily. The majority of routers are specifically made to handle the heat, power, and traffic of a home or business network. Most routers will last for many years if they are properly maintained, which includes keeping all of the associated software and firmware up to date.
Additionally, if a router malfunctions, reboot can often remedy the issue, unlike a desktop or laptop computer. In some cases, a faulty router may need to be replaced or serviced by an authorized technician, but thankfully, routers are relatively inexpensive and trouble-free devices.
Is a plunge router worth it?
Whether a plunge router is worth it or not is largely dependent on the specific projects you have planned for it and the amount of money you can comfortably invest. Plunge routers provide greater control and a more precise cut when used for tasks like creating mortises and dadoes, or creating perfect straight or curved routs with the help of a template.
They are generally easier to use than fixed-base routers and can make quick, precise shallow cuts. On the other hand, a plunge router and its base can be more costly than a fixed-base router and a good-quality router and its base can cost hundreds of dollars.
Overall, while a plunge router has many advantages compared to a fixed-base router, it may not be worth the extra cost if you are only planning to do occasional light routing projects. However, if you do a lot of routing-intensive projects and are comfortable investing the extra money to gain more precision and control, a plunge router would be a wise investment.
Which way do I push my plunge router?
When using a plunge router, the direction in which you push the router depends on the type of material you’re cutting. Generally, it’s best to push the router away from you for softwoods, in order to prevent the wood from being pulled out from under the router.
For harder woods, such as hardwoods and plywood, it’s best to push the router toward you so you can keep the wood in place. If you’re using a pattern bit, you should also push the router in the direction that coincides with the pattern’s grain in order to achieve the best look possible.
Be sure to use slow, controlled movements when using a plunge router, as going too fast can cause issues with the bit or the material. You should also ensure that you’re properly holding the router in position and not through any of the moving parts, as this can cause the router to become stuck or even cause injury.
Finally, use a power cord designed for outdoor use if you’re routing outdoors so you don’t run the risk of electric shock or shorting out your router.