Router speed control switch question

[JTimmons]

Was in the chat room yesterday talking about routers and Stan suggested the HF Router Speed Controller switch and gave me a link to the Hitachi 2 1/4 HP Single Speed Router deal at Amazon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43060

Was going to go in this direction, but remembered that I had a couple of $10.00 gift cards at Lowes so I picked up the VS version.

I am building the below cabinet and need an external switch. Thought it would be cool if I could adjust the speed from outside in hands reach without having to open the cabinet.

http://store.woodstore.net/tilrouttab.html

My question:
I seem to remember someone saying you could not use a speed control switch on a VS speed router, that it could mess up the motor. Is this correct or does it matter?

The speed control box says it'll work with any universal AC/DC brush type motor.

<Edit>
The Hitachi Router is not soft start.

[gmack5]

That's a &quot;NO NO&quot;!

You'll have TWO Speed Controlers circuits fighting each other, the one in your Router and the one you propose to add. Trust me, they will NOT play nice!

If there's still some doubt of what I'm telling you, contact your Router Service Center and ASK them if what you propose is a workable solution.

[JTimmons]

You'll have TWO Speed Controlers circuits fighting each other, the one in your Router and the one you propose to add. Trust me, they will NOT play nice!

If there's still some doubt of what I'm telling you, contact your Router Service Center and ASK them if what you propose is a workable solution.

No need I trust you, it didn't seem right, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks!

[LCHIEN]

yeah, two speed controls = definately bad.

[Stan]

Bummer you can't control the VS remotely TJ, but as other have said -- 2 speed controls ain't such a good idea.

[Stan]

Maybe you could return the VS router to pick up the single speed -- that would give you the features (remote VS and on/off) you were looking for.

[maxparot]

With the Hitachi routers a extenal speed controller Will Not Work! This is because of the soft start feature built into both the single and variable speed models.

[Stan]

Where did you find the soft-start info on the M12SC maxparot?

I downloaded the owners manual off the Hitachi website and a search on the PDF document for the word 'soft' does not return any found words.

I'm definitely a novice, but I thought soft-start was only a feature found on VS routers. Nothing to base that on, just an assumption on my part.

[maxparot]

The manual on the website is for a M12SA. It is a different model.
I have a KM12VC which is the dual base variable version. The manual that came with mine covers both the single speed and variable.

[Stan]

Ok, not sure I understand.... but ok.

Good thing I have a couple PC 6902 motors then.

[vaking]

I have Hitachi KM12SC - that is a single speed dual base kit. It has a soft start and I tested it with external speed controller from MLCS. IT DOES NOT WORK. If you activate the speed controller the router will not move at all regardless of speed setting. Like you did not even plug it in. The only way to make it spin is to put speed controller into overdrive (turn on the switch on the controller that effectively bypasses the control circuitry). That is the same as just removing the speed controller. And of course it will go at full speed.

[Stan]

Well JT, I gotta appologize for pointing you towards the Hitachi Single Speed motor, I had no idea it was a soft-start motor. Great thing is, is that you posted the question here and the group came through with the 'right' information.

In looking at the router table your planning on building though -- it may not be too bad to get to the VS control on the router with the flip-top table. That should give reasonably good access.

[JTimmons]

No Problem...

Well JT, I gotta appologize for pointing you towards the Hitachi Single Speed motor, I had no idea it was a soft-start motor. Great thing is, is that you posted the question here and the group came through with the 'right' information.

In looking at the router table your planning on building though -- it may not be too bad to get to the VS control on the router with the flip-top table. That should give reasonably good access.

You were only trying to help, it was only $9.00 which I can return.