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Time to upgrade router!?

3K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  jschaben 
#1 ·
I have an old Craftsman hand-me-down router. It has to be at least 10-12 years old. Works great. Trouble is the router has a 1/4" collet. I was gifted the Porter Cable 4210 (basic) dovetail jig. The jig comes with the 1/2 set and 1/2 guide. However, my router is set up only for 1/4".

Are all routers able to somehow switch to the 1/2" collett or is it time to invest?
 
#3 ·
Hi - you would just need to get the proper bits in a 1/4" shank configuration. Not a big issue as MLCS and many other suppliers carry such things in stock. I have an old craftsman router I just dedicated to dovetailing as the depth of cut was such a PIA that once I finally got it right, I didn't want to change it. That may be a reason to upgrade if your's is one of THOSE. The older Craftsman have more than enough power to cut dovetails.:smile:
 
#9 ·
Your "old" ( my old Craftsman is 3 times as old as yours) router is still perfectly good for most jobs. However, if you want to get into work like rail and stile cutting you will need more power.

Do not get rid of the old router, just add a newer one. As stated, most of the new ones are fine.

George
Hi! I agree with George 100% :thumbsup:! There are still many uses for a 1/4" router, and if you still have the 1/4" bits to fit it, all the better!
Factor in the cost of buying new 1/2" bits for all your cutting needs,
and there goes your $50.00 "trade in" coupon :thumbdown:!
Plenty of great 1/2" routers out there to choose from...and buying a 1/4" adapter for your 1/2" router, and changing it every time you change shank size is frankly a PITA :furious:! Also, adapters may reduce accuracy.
If you switch bits fairly often, then 2 routers aint gonna be too many to own. MY $.02 worth.
Best, and thanx George,
Marena
 
#11 · (Edited)
most cutters arent available in 1/4 inch. its not about a mentality. 1/2 shanks are safer - produce a better cut - and unless youre adding a simple roundover youll need a 1/2 collet to hold the cutters that are bigger more versatile. i cant remember any of my 1/4 bits vibrating.

how do you users of 1/4 collet routers make a 3/4" stopped dado ?

with that said i love my bosch colt with only a 1/4 inch collet - i use it as my dedicated 3/16 roundover and i still use my OLD OLD craftsman 1/4" collet as my dedicated 1/8" roundover ( ive had this puppy since about 9th grade )
 
#13 ·
most cutters arent available in 1/4 inch. its not about a mentality.
Which bits are you referring to when you say "most"?

how do you users of 1/4 collet routers make a 3/4" stopped dado ?
Why would there be a problem with a 3/4" straight cutter with a 1/4" shank, making a stopped dado?





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#17 ·
Kind of a rule of thumb I've developed is anything under 3/8" cutting diameter is preferably a 1/4" shank, anything over 3/4" cutting diameter is preferable in 1/2" shank. In between it would be either or both, depending on the profile. Table I try to stick to 1/2" shanks because I will tend to push the feed rate some.:smile:
 
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