Variable speed controller for router.

[Mike Halmarack]

Hi d-i-y'all I just came out of hibernation and attempted to buy a variable speed controller for my router from the only source I could find: Woodcraft. That is "Woodcraft Supply Corp, an SBR Company of the USA". It looks a lot like they ship internationally on their checkout forms. This may be only to US service personnel though, as the process wouldn't accept my post code when combined with a "State" of: "[Not Applicable]". Apparently the cave men were just as smart as we are but didn't have such complicated forms. Any road up, can someone tell me of any sources for these items in the civilised world as an alternative?

[John Rumm]

How about something like:

[Mike Halmarack]

This could be just the thing I need. I can't really tell until I see it in it's box with knob or switch attached. I take it that the one displaying the extrovert posture is the male? Perhaps I'll buy the breeding pair. :)

[Andrew McKay]

I guess it might sound like a bad suggestion, but I wonder if it is really worth the bother of purchasing an add-on to give your router speed control?

In all seriousness you can get a half-decent router for £100 or less (you'd pay a lot more for a good quality one obviously). And most of the time I would think you'd want to wind the speed full up.

I would think a controller is likely to set you back £30+.

Just wondering whether buying a half-decent variable speed router might be a better option for dealing with those situations where you need to wind down the speed?

You could feasibly get shot of your existing router on ebay and buy a new one complete with controller for roughly the same outlay I would have thought.

Andrew

[Mike Halmarack]

You're so right. I just have great difficulty parting with old tools. The longer I have them the more difficult it is. Over 20 years for this router it seems. Every sensible option points to doing exactly what you say and putting my existing router on eBay and getting a more appropriate one. I wonder If I can bring myself to do it?

[John Rumm]

I guess you will have to use you own knob so to speak...

clothes an optional extra it seems.

There is actually three of them IIRC, mummy, daddy, and baby! (375W,

750W, 1500W)

[Mike Halmarack]

Faulty and rather corroded, sad to say. As with the other items I'll probably have difficulty letting go of it, even though a new one is called for.

Far be it from me to break up the happy family. Hope they're not fussy about the temperature of their porridge.

[Andy Hall]

You can probably get a cream for that.

Regarding the Woodcraft controller, if you were thinking of that... it's probably 110v as well. I've seen one in one of their shops.

[Mike Halmarack]

Thanks for the help and advice I've received on this. As the speed controller suggested by John is quite inexpensive, I'm going to buy it and try it. When I take Andrews advice, which I most certainly shall, I can eBay the old router along with the speed controller.

[Mike Halmarack]

I had some but used it in the porridge.

Very likely true. Good job you came along.:)

[Dave Plowman (News)]

If you're handy with a soldering iron, Maplin do a drill speed controller kit.

5.5 amp max, so should be ok for most routers.

Part Number is VE90 at 20 quid.

I used one with a drill in a bench stand for many years.

[Mike Halmarack]

Thanks, I'll have a look.

[bigcat]

The simplest speed control is a lightbulb. Wire a holder in series, with a switch to short the bulb, and put whatever bulb in gives you the speed you want. Crude, but quick and free.

NT

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Trouble is you'll also reduce the torque. A decent speed controller will maintain a low impedance supply.

[Mike Halmarack]

The way this is going, I may not be getting much woodwork done but I'll be having a lot of fun trying out the suggestions.