Router speed and Various bit Sizes.

[FrankCouture]

I recently bought my first router (Porter Cable 690LR ). Very pleased with it. I have it attached to my BT3100 table. I want to make some raised pannel doors but the Bits that I have looked at say they should be used in a router at 10,000 RPM. The porter cable only does 27,500. After dishing out that much money for the router, I don't really want to buy another one. Can I use such a bit in this router? Is this unsafe? Any other recommendation?
Thanks in advance.

[bmyers]

Frank,

You can slow the router down with an external speed control. HF sells them for $13 on sale. There are a few different models, I dont know what the difference is between them.

The other problem I think you might have is that a 3-3 1/2" raised panel bit wont fit through the hole on the BT router acc. plate. Sooner or later you'll out-grow the small amount of surface area on the BTs stock router setup. I've made 2 router stations that are attached to the BT. I'll post some pics of that to give you some ideas.

You might want to look at a vertical raised panel bit if you have to use the BT router setup. Or build a table that will work with a large bit.

Bill

[LarryG]

Frank,

Bill already wrote most of what I was going to say. You should not run bits larger than about 1" diameter in that router. An external speed control is probably your best bet at this point.

Unless ... how recently did you buy the router? Any possibility of exhanging it for the 690LRVS, the variable-speed version of that same model? The difference in price should be around $25-30 and IMO this would be a better solution than using an external speed control.

[Tom Hintz]

Frank,
However you do it, you absolutely have to slow the router down for larger bits. the external speed control mentioned in another response may be your only option without buying another router. Keep this in mind when the next router gets on the "can buy" list. Most of the newer models have variable speed control built in.
I have a chart with rule-of-thumb bit speeds for various diameters at the link below. The manufacturer should include a safe operating speed in their literature, and always follow that advice!

http://www.newwoodworker.com/ref/rtrbtspds.html

[leehljp]

One other thing that should be noted too, if you are not already aware, - take small bites by adjusting the fence. Do not try to do full paneling cuts on one pass, or two for that matter.

What I do is usually place several layers of 1/8 to 1/4 in plywood or masonite against the fence (clamped on) and make a pass, remove one layer, make another pass and so on. That way, the fence stays the same for all pieces.

[vaking]

I have seen a reasonably competent opinion that said that single speed router combined with external speed control is a good alternative to a variable speed router. The argument made was that in the table external control is easier to reach than the dial on the router itself. For hand use majority of work is done with small bits (under 1" as per chart) and needs speed of 24000rpm which is a typical speed for single speed router and that means hand work does not need much speed control. And when you need to slow it down - external control does not make things more difficult.
One more thing I want to suggest: MLCS sells external speed control for about $20 with free shipping. I would probably have chosen MLCS for myself over HF and with shipping it is about same price.

[bmyers]

IMHO the external speed control had an advantage over a router with built in speed control, if you are doing work with the router mounted in a table. The reason is you dont have to go digging under the table to adjust the speed. The speed control will be on top of the table somewhere within easy reach.

Bill

[LarryG]

quote:Originally posted by bmyers

IMHO the external speed control had an advantage over a router with built in speed control, if you are doing work with the router mounted in a table.

Agreed. But ... do the add-on VS units incorporate soft-start? To me that's the single biggest reason to have the speed control built right into the router, since to my knowledge all VS routers have soft-start. Even with the speed control set wide open, the soft-start circuit will ramp the motor up to speed gradually rather than instantly, and that's nice for handheld use.

[FrankCouture]

Thanks for the Advise everyone. I think I will purchase some vertical Raised pannel bits. Since I don't have the router or Table, this looks like the best option at the moment. BTW, I am not familliar with "MLCS" what store is that? Thanks again. Frank Couture

[Pappy]

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/

Decent bits for home shop/hobby use. Shipping is always free whether you buy one bit or 100. On my paised panel and rail and stile sets I went with their Katana bits.

[bmyers]

quote:Agreed. But ... do the add-on VS units incorporate soft-start? To me that's the single biggest reason to have the speed control built right into the router, since to my knowledge all VS routers have soft-start. Even with the speed control set wide open, the soft-start circuit will ramp the motor up to speed gradually rather than instantly, and that's nice for handheld use.

Good point Larry. I'm not even sure if you can use an external speed control with a soft start router.

BTW: Are 4 routers enough for 1 person? I think I have a routing issue[)]

Freud 2000
Craftsman 1617
Ryobi 180PL
PC 693LRPK

Bill

[rabmaxx]

External speed control is not recommended for soft start router. Everyone I have seend advises against it.

Ron

[Vitofresh]

I would like to install a router to my bt3100. how do i do that. thanks a lot.

quote:Originally posted by FrankCouture

I recently bought my first router (Porter Cable 690LR ). Very pleased with it. I have it attached to my BT3100 table. I want to make some raised pannel doors but the Bits that I have looked at say they should be used in a router at 10,000 RPM. The porter cable only does 27,500. After dishing out that much money for the router, I don't really want to buy another one. Can I use such a bit in this router? Is this unsafe? Any other recommendation?
Thanks in advance.

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by Vitofresh

I would like to install a router to my bt3100. how do i do that. thanks a lot.

quote:Originally posted by FrankCouture

I recently bought my first router (Porter Cable 690LR ). Very pleased with it. I have it attached to my BT3100 table. I want to make some raised pannel doors but the Bits that I have looked at say they should be used in a router at 10,000 RPM. The porter cable only does 27,500. After dishing out that much money for the router, I don't really want to buy another one. Can I use such a bit in this router? Is this unsafe? Any other recommendation?
Thanks in advance.

If you haven't already, read the FAQ or "Frequently asked questions". you can find a permanent link to them in the 1st post under "getting started" topics section:
http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=12490

This question and a hundred more are answered.

[FrankCouture]

Vitofresh.
Just an FYI, I did not want to pay the $100 for the accessory kit, All I needed was the router mounting plate. Instead I purchased a piece of 3/8" Lexan from the local auto glass place. They even cut it to spec. only cost me $10. Four bolts from the hardware store and my router was installed.