Router for dovetail Jigs

[Moonsafari69]

I'm looking for buy a new router for use outside the router table, on dovetail jigs and the like. I have a Trend T11 mounted in the table and it's becoming a pain in the b*tt taking it in and out.

What power / size router would be ok for jobs outside the router table work? Would a 600W palm router be powerful enough for a dovetail jig or would I need to get a bigger fixed base unit? I do have use for a palm router so if that would do the job that would kill two birds with one stone.

What do you think?

 

[LancsRick]

What size is your jig? I've got the Axminster one and use an old Elu MOF96 in mine, works a treat. Most jigs take 1/4" bits, and to be honest I'd probably find my Mv12 too big and clunky to use on the jig. Stay small would be my vote.

 

[Moonsafari69]

What size is your jig? I've got the Axminster one and use an old Elu MOF96 in mine, works a treat. Most jigs take 1/4" bits, and to be honest I'd probably find my Mv12 too big and clunky to use on the jig. Stay small would be my vote.

Hi Rick. I have the Axminster jig too. Do you reckon a palm router would be too small for the job? Dave.

 

[n0legs]

Could either of you guys give some feedback on the Axminster DT jigs please?

 

[Moonsafari69]

Could either of you guys give some feedback on the Axminster DT jigs please?

Hi n0legs, the Axminster jig is good for a low cost piece of kit. It's primarily for half blind DT's but I understand it can be used for box joints too. With a usual amount of initial setting up the half blind's do come out well. It's a bit limited on the width at about 12" but most of the small jigs are similar in that respect. For the cost I do rate it though.

 

[LancsRick]

Hmm, I reckon a palm router might struggle on tougher hardwoods. That's only a guess though.

I find the jig really good to use ONCE you've set it up, which was one of the most frustrating things I've ever done in a workshop. I now keep the jig and my router with the bit permanently attached, kept in a drawer. I'd strongly advise making a little right angled setting jug for the lefthand plastics stops, which is on my to do list.

 

[Moonsafari69]

Yep that plastic stop on the left would have been so much better supplied as a metal part. You're right, that does let it down.

Well as I do need a 2nd router I will see what fleabay has to offer and see if I can pick up a cheap 1000w unit. As I do want a little palm router that would quickly bring my total from one to three..... must remind myself to stop there.

 

[Eric The Viking]

FWIW (prob not much), I'm with Rick.

The problem is that you cannot make the cuts in mutiple passes, as you normally might with a low powered router. You need something that has enough power to do this. If you have a bigger router, try it to see. You'll be annoyed if you buy one and find it's underpowered.

 

[Moonsafari69]

Eric, Rick,
Thanks both for the responses, I'll have a look for a cheap router online so I can keep the T11 in the table (plus it's quite heavy to lug around). There's a lot of choice in the 900-to-1100W range, do you think this will be about right?

 

[Bod]

Eric, Rick,
Thanks both for the responses, I'll have a look for a cheap router online so I can keep the T11 in the table (plus it's quite heavy to lug around). There's a lot of choice in the 900-to-1100W range, do you think this will be about right?

Get another T11, then all the kit you already have will be usable.

Bod

 

[LancsRick]

Sounds about right. Ref Bod's comment, I wouldn't necessarily get a T11, but definitely worth ensuring they have standard Trend fitting holes.

 

[Moonsafari69]

Opted for a T5, pretty light at 3kg. Saves me buying new sets of bushes etc. Only 1/4" collet but it looks like all of the smaller routers are similar in this respect, it's a sensible price too. Thanks for the help all.

 

[Honest John]

Think you've already done it, but I would suggest aT5. I've used a T3 with the trend jig, and it will work, but the T5 is a better option. I mostly prefer to hand cut now, but the jigs can be useful, and the comb for making box joints even more so.

 

[Eric The Viking]

Opted for a T5, pretty light at 3kg. Saves me buying new sets of bushes etc. Only 1/4" collet but it looks like all of the smaller routers are similar in this respect, it's a sensible price too. Thanks for the help all.

I also think that is a sensible choice.
You can probably get an 8mm collet for it, which allows the use of a wide range of industrial-quality cutters, and ones that are quite a bit tougher than 1/4" ones. Worth looking around (Wealden sell third party ones, I think but they're not cheap for collets). I don't have one fro my T11 (they are available) but I do for my Bosch 500 & 600 series ones. Tip: if the collets snap in as they do for Trend's bigger routers, buy the collet nut at the same time - relatively cheap and far less awkward than trying to pop out the collet from the nut when you're in a hurry.

HTH, E.

 

[Moonsafari69]

Opted for a T5, pretty light at 3kg. Saves me buying new sets of bushes etc. Only 1/4" collet but it looks like all of the smaller routers are similar in this respect, it's a sensible price too. Thanks for the help all.

I also think that is a sensible choice.
You can probably get an 8mm collet for it, which allows the use of a wide range of industrial-quality cutters, and ones that are quite a bit tougher than 1/4" ones. Worth looking around (Wealden sell third party ones, I think but they're not cheap for collets). I don't have one fro my T11 (they are available) but I do for my Bosch 500 & 600 series ones. Tip: if the collets snap in as they do for Trend's bigger routers, buy the collet nut at the same time - relatively cheap and far less awkward than trying to pop out the collet from the nut when you're in a hurry.

HTH, E.

Thanks Eric, that's a good shout about the additional collet nut. Yes the blurb says it will take an 8mm collet which will definitely be a benefit. Happy with that, thanks again. Dave.

 

[dickm]

Assuming the Trend collet is just a rebadged version of those for the old Elu OF97, it's worth looking on Fleabay. Got a couple of genuine Elu stock for my OF97 that way at a very reasonable price.

 

[Moonsafari69]

Assuming the Trend collet is just a rebadged version of those for the old Elu OF97, it's worth looking on Fleabay. Got a couple of genuine Elu stock for my OF97 that way at a very reasonable price.

Thanks Dick, I've ordered a spare collet & nut already, I found a new set for £10 incl delivery off the aforementioned fleabay. Can't grumble at that. Dave.