So what does a router do and how to use a router.
I thought I'd first take a look at the word router and this originates from a verb to rout. Rout is also a noun but this doesn't relate to our woodworking router. The definition of the verb appears to be to rummage or to hollow out or furrow, as with a scoop, gouge, or machine. So perhaps my definition of a woodworking router would be to gouge out or machine out some part of a piece of wood. This could simply be to make a groove or round the edges of a piece of timber.
Porter Cable Tool
The first routers were of course hand operated and were similar in appearance to a flat wood plane but having interchangeable narrow blades rather than the large flat blade. These blades would be shaped to make a grove or round the edge of the timber. The electric router was introduced in the first half of the last century but in fact was a very different product for achieving similar results and relied on a spinning cutter and was known as the spindle router. A company called Elu developed some of the first products and I remember having a quality Elu router myself. I believe Elu is now part of the Makita power tool and Makita router range of products.
The first electric routers had a fixed base and subsequent routers called plunging routers were sprung such that the spinning blade would not protrude beyond the based as the weight or pressure was removed. These types of router were moved over the wood area. The alternative method of use is to mount a router to the underside of a router table and then move the wood over the router and maintaining a fixed position for the table router. This is ideal for a workshop environment and lends itself to additional safety features.
The handheld plunging routers can be used (should be used) with a variety of controls. The base of the router can be fitted with a sidebar device to ensure that the cutting blade remains a constant distance from the edge of the wood you are routing. For example you may wish to cut a groove 4 mm deep and 3 mm from the edge of your piece of wood. The depth can be set to the maximum 4 mm and the sidebar guide will ensure that the groove is not made more than 3mm from the edge of the wood. You could achieve the same results by clamping a straight edge over the surface of the wood to be machined and keep the electric router pressed firmly against the straight edge.
Router cutters or router bits come in many different shapes. The different shapes allow you to use your router to cut square, vee and rounded grooves. There are more router bits to enable round, angular and decorative edge finishing. An edge finishing router bit has a spinning guide at the base of the cutter that prevents the blade cutting deeper into the timber. Generally speaking buying router bits can be a little of a lottery because you want the best bits but don't want to spend a fortune. Unless you need a large selection of router bits for professional work I'd suggest buying a set of router bits with most of the shapes you could ever envisage using. You'll probably also require 1 or 2 straight cutting bits and you may wish to pay a little more money to get the best you can afford if you are to use these bits frequently. For example you may wish to have a 3-4 mm straight cutting blade for groves and rebating edges of your chosen timber. A larger 8-10mm is always useful for taking a little timber off a wider area. Cheaper blades will soon lose their cutting edge and could scorch or burn the timer if you are not careful.
You can choose a router from a variety of manufactures notably Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Festool, Milwaukee and Porter-Cable. A router is still very much a corded power tool and is often required for long periods of use so there hardly any cordless routers. The Ryobi ZRP600 Trim Router is an 18v cordless device but very much intended for lighter trim work. Many of the manufacturers also supply factory reconditioned routers and router combo kits.
Once you've mastered the use of a router you'll be amazed how many tasks can be improved by using a router.
Black Friday Porter Cable PC3Pak Finish Nailer/Brad Nailer/Stapler Compressor Combo Kit 2011 Deals
Nov 17, 2011 04:53:14
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Black Friday Porter Cable PC3Pak Finish Nailer/Brad Nailer/Stapler Compressor Combo Kit Feature
- Innovative shroud allows for better protection and portability
- 150 psi max allows users to drive more nails than a traditional 135 max psi compressor
- 6 gal tank allows users to drive a large quantity of nails on a single tank charge
- 2.6 SCFM 90 psi allows for quick compressor recovery time
- 2.6 SCFM 90 psi allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217; 34 lbs weight allows compressor to be easily carried
Black Friday Porter Cable PC3Pak Finish Nailer/Brad Nailer/Stapler Compressor Combo Kit Overview
Includes 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor, 1-3/8-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN138, 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - FN250C, 1-in Narrow Crown Stapler - NS100B, 25' Air Hose w/ Coupler & Plug, (500) 2-in Finish Nails, (500) 1-1/4-in Brad Nails, (500) 1-in Staples, Canvas Carry Bag, Operating ManualsBlack Friday Porter Cable PC3Pak Finish Nailer/Brad Nailer/Stapler Compressor Combo Kit Specifications
Porter Cable’s PC3PAK combo kit comes equipped with the FN250C 16-gauge finish nailer, the BN138 narrow-crown brad nailer, the NS100B 18-gauge crown stapler, and the 6-gallon pancake compressor--providing a well-rounded tool kit ideal for installing crown molding, chair rails, base cap molding, wood casing, and more. Complete with hose, nails, staples and a carrying bag, the PC3PAK serves as a convenient kit for the next remodeling, repair, or workshop project.
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 The PC3PAK’s sturdy and lightweight compressor makes it easy to transport to various project sites. View larger |
The 150 psi max compressor stores more air than traditional 135 psi compressors, increasing productivity by allowing for more nails to be driven. Its 6-gallon tank also improves upon the quantity of nails that can be deployed on a single tank charge. A standard household current supports this 120-volt electric unit, and its innovative shroud and 34-pound weight advances protection and portability.
Nailers and Stapler
The FN250C finish nailer utilizes standard 16-gauge finish nails from 1 inch to 2-1/2 inches long, and it features an internal piston catch for consistent maximum power on every shot and a rear exhaust to keep contaminates away from work. Its oil- and maintenance-free motor prevents oil from staining the work surface and extends tool life. The BN138 narrow-crown brad nailer uses standard 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches long. It too comes with a long-life motor, and it has a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads (as does the FN250C). And the NS100B stapler dispenses standard 18-gauge 1/4-inch staples from 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. Like the nailers, the stapler also features an internal piston catch; additionally, it has a split-nose design for easy removal of jammed staples, a sequential-style trigger with lock-off switch, and a removable non-marring nose tip.
What's in the Box
6-gallon, 150 psi compressor; 16-gallon 2-1/2 inch finish nailer; 18-gallon 1-3/8 inch brad nailer; 18-gallon 1-inch stapler (1/4-inch crown); 25 feet of 1/4-inch air hose with a coupler and plug; 500 finish nails of 2-inch length; 500 brad nails of 1-1/4 inch length; 500 staples of 1-inch length; carrying bag.
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| The PC3PAK includes the BN138 narrow-crown brad nailer, the FN250C finish nailer, and the NS100B stapler. (Click each to enlarge) | ||
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