I see router speed controls that you can buy for routers that do not have variable speed built in them. They say that you can not use them on a soft start router. Does anyone know why? They also have a swith to use full power on the external control, couldnt I just start on full power and turn it down when I am using a larger bit that I want to slow the speed on? I dont want to use one and fry a perfectly good router if for some reason it would harm the motor. Thanks.
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I've always been told the add-on speed control will damage the soft start circuitry. I don't have any first hand experience, so I can't answer the full power question. -
I don't think I'd try it - routers without the soft-start circuit are basically just universal motors with a collet on the end to hold a bit. You can easily control the speed of the motor by varying the voltage using one of those speed controls. But the soft-start circuit on routers that have it is in the way - you're not applying power directly to the motor, it has to go through that circuit first. So varying the voltage will not only affect how fast the motor runs, but also the voltage that the circuitry sees, which can be bad news for sensitive solid-state bits and parts. Some routers might be able to handle it, depending on how they're designed, but I wouldn't risk making an expensive paperweight to find out.
Plus, even if your idea worked, it's kind of complicated, and all it would take is one accidental slip-up in the "start on full, reduce power, shut off, return to full power, start on full..." cycle to kill your router.Comment
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agree
I was thinking the same thing and thats why I posted the question, you both have confirmed my suspicion and appreciate your feedback. JakeComment
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I have a Hitachi soft start,single speed and with using the speed control, it will not run at all. Been there, done that. I didn't keep the power for any length of time fearing that I would fry the circuitry. I was lucky.No good deed goes unpunishedComment
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