I want to build either a small portable router table or a full size router table to sit in the corner of my shop. Will this router be enough HP to handle 8+ feet of board for routing, etc?
The length of the board is not really important… it's the size of the bit and how much you intend to hog off in one pass. I have an old 1hp Craftsman industrial router in mine and it works just fine for everything I have ever thrown at it. But I also know its limits, and if I need to remove a lot of material, it may take a couple passes to do so. Also, keep in mind that regardless of what they are saying the HP is, it is NOT 2+ HP if you are running it on a standard 120V@15A wall circuit ;-O
That router is more than enough if you are not in production run.
For safety, always take few passes when you need to route a big chunk off. If you push too hard, you may break the router bit. That is no fun at all, in this case the more horse power, the further the broken bit will go.
I've always had 3+ HP routers in my router tables. I want the beefiest unit I can get in there because when using a panel raising or big moulding bit you have to reduce the speed down in which case my thinking tells me I need plenty of torque to prevent bogging and burning.
I would not buy a new router I would try it out with yours and see you probably don't need a big one unless you're doing production work.
As long as you're not trying to cut raised panels in one pass you'll be fine. As said above, just make a few passes instead of removing all the material in one pass when using larger bits.
I have a Bosch 1617. Cutting raised panels with a 3 1/2 inch cutter, I ran it at its slowest speed and made several passes. Worked great. However, the next time I needed to cut some raised panels, I had upgraded to a Triton 3 1/4 hp. That thing just loafs along.
I guess I am old fashioned. I use set up blocks. No lift. And the Triton has the crank so I can adjust the height from above the table. And the Bosch does also.
Just my opinion...I see a lift being used by someone that is verey meticulous in their work, or they have money to burn.
So it's to each his own. I am very happy with my setup.
Two routers in an adjustable height work bench that can be used for other projects when the router isn't being used.
Thats a good router. Clone of the old USA made Porter Cables. I don't think it's 2,1/2hp howeaver.
I think it will suit your every need.
I'm a shaper man my self. That's a whole 'nother story.
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