router head

[benthriftb]

Hello all,
I am planning to build a slot morticer,can anyone tell me where I can purchase a router head. I have seen these from time to time in woodworking articles, they are basically router body and spindle etc, but without all the 'gubbins' needed for a hand held machine. I have looked on the Trend website but they only have a range of hand held ones. I live in England but would appreciate answers from anywhere !! Many thanks. Richard T.

[Stiletto]

Most plunge routers can be easily separated from the bits you dont want.

[wardd]

here is a site that may be of interest

http://woodgears.ca/pantorouter/index.html

http://woodgears.ca/joinery.html

http://woodgears.ca/index.html

[benthriftb]

Many thanks for that chaps - I'm sure i can canibalise an old machine I have.

[Don Z.]

Well, you said canibalise, but FWIW, the Bosch 1617 is a router head with detachable fixed and plunge bases... you attach the one you need that day. I think there are others out there that are similar, but I know the Bosch...

[Bob Cleek]

Yep, the Bosch 1617 is what he's talking about.

[oznabrag]

One should always use spiral, up-cut bits in a router-based slot mortiser.

The straights will do you dirty in a hand-fed, shop-built machine.

I'd like to know if you've got any ideas for a router-based tenoner?

[oznabrag]

Well, you said canibalise, but FWIW, the Bosch 1617 is a router head with detachable fixed and plunge bases... you attach the one you need that day. I think there are others out there that are similar, but I know the Bosch...

I've got one of those kits. My quibbles with it are that the Allen-wrench-operated clamp for the plunge base is a royal PITA to operate, though it holds it's position like the North Star, and the fact that the net travel is problematic with longer bits... I don't recall exactly what that issue was, but I do remember being frustrated and disgusted several times.

The big Hitachi gets dragged out, then!

That kit is damned passable, but it displays the consistent fault of all such multi-purpose tools: It doesn't really excel in any of its configurations.

[Don Z.]

I've got one of those kits. My quibbles with it are that the Allen-wrench-operated clamp for the plunge base is a royal PITA to operate, though it holds it's position like the North Star, and the fact that the net travel is problematic with longer bits... I don't recall exactly what that issue was, but I do remember being frustrated and disgusted several times.

The big Hitachi gets dragged out, then!

That kit is damned passable, but it displays the consistent fault of all such multi-purpose tools: It doesn't really excel in any of its configurations.

Allen wrench? Gross tune is with a cam operated handle (the same one used to tighten/remove the base), fine tune with a big knob. The only time I use a wrench is on the normal base, and that's in the table. Loosen the cam, one turn is a 32nd of an inch.

Net travel I cannot speak to, as I don't have any very long bits. I can't say I've ever had either of the problems you mention. My quibbles with any router is that they are loud and spray dust everywhere.

[oznabrag]

Allen wrench? Gross tune is with a cam operated handle (the same one used to tighten/remove the base), fine tune with a big knob. The only time I use a wrench is on the normal base, and that's in the table. Loosen the cam, one turn is a 32nd of an inch.

Net travel I cannot speak to, as I don't have any very long bits. I can't say I've ever had either of the problems you mention. My quibbles with any router is that they are loud and spray dust everywhere.


UGHH!

Mea maxima culpa, amigo!

I've got the Porter Cable kit!

With 17 routers, it's easy to get mixed up!

And yes, all 17 of them are loud, and spray dust everywhere!

[Blowtorch]

I call 17 routers AGood place to Start!


I wish somebody made a offset head for the Router which would let you swing about a 2" bit at appropraite speed. To let you get right in tight to the corners.

[oznabrag]

I call 17 routers AGood place to Start!


I wish somebody made a offset head for the Router which would let you swing about a 2" bit at appropraite speed. To let you get right in tight to the corners.

You mean like a laminate trimmer's offset base?

With a 2" diameter bit?

What possible use?

[Bob Cleek]

One should always use spiral, up-cut bits in a router-based slot mortiser.

The straights will do you dirty in a hand-fed, shop-built machine.

I'd like to know if you've got any ideas for a router-based tenoner?

I learn something new every day. Thanks! I've always known cutting slots was tricky and required good fencing, but now I realize why. Du...uh! Thanks again. Gotta go get me a few spiral cutters.

[oznabrag]

I learn something new every day. Thanks! I've always known cutting slots was tricky and required good fencing, but now I realize why. Du...uh! Thanks again. Gotta go get me a few spiral cutters.

WOW! I've enlightened The Cleekster! <G>

It's as you say: When you think about it, it only makes sense!

Now, has anybody got a source for ideas for a router-based tenoner?

[Don Z.]

I think this (http://woodgears.ca/slot_mortiser/index.html) can be used for tenons as well... but I do not assert it...

[oznabrag]

I think this (http://woodgears.ca/slot_mortiser/index.html) can be used for tenons as well... but I do not assert it...

Thanks, Don.

I'll look into that a little further.

[mike hanyi]

being in UK makes things a bit difficult for this guy

220v or 110v is in UK, if 110v then lucky guy! buy from the states from many choices of manufacturers

if only 240v avail there is only one can type router avail in 240v 50hz range
bosch "gmf1400 ce" same as the bosch 1417 from the states

this goes for all Europe

check out axminister and also ebay.de for the best price in europe, difficult to get for under 400euros, comes with 3 year international warrenty from bosch