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SETTING THE ROUTER SPEED
The router is equipped with a variable speed dial (Fig. 13) that can control the bit
rotation speed from 8,000 - 23,000 RPM. If the router speed is too high, friction
will generate excessive heat and burn the workpiece. If the router speed is too
low, the bit will tear the material and result in rough or uneven cuts. The optimal
rotation speed of a particular router bit varies, depending on bit's diameter, the
material being cut, the cutting depth, and the cut's style.
In general, the larger the bit's diameter, the slower you should set the router speed. This is because larger bits have
a greater tendency to generate vibration at high speeds. Refer to the instructions and maximum speed specified by
the manufacturer of your router bit. You can also use the chart below (Fig. 15 - Router Speed and Feed Rate Set-
tings Chart) as a rough reference for setting the router speed. To best determine the router speed, test the speed on
a scrap piece of the same material. This will allow you to see the cut result and make adjustments before working
on the actual workpiece.
CAUTION! The fan does not cool the motor effectively at lower speeds and may cause the motor to
overheat. Do not run the tool at low speeds for extended periods. Occasionally run the router at high speed
with no load to allow the motor to cool down.
FEED RATE
The rate at which the router is moved through the material also has a significant effect on the quality of the cut and
the lifetime of your router and bits. Moving the router through the cut too fast or overloading the tool will cause the
bit to take larger pieces of material with each rotation, resulting in a rough, uneven cut. Moving the router through
the workpiece too slowly tends to burn the workpiece and possibly overheat the bit.
The proper feed rate to use depends on the bit size, the material being cut, the depth of cut and the speed selected.
Use the chart below (Fig. 15 - Router Speed and Feed Rate Settings Chart) as a reference for how fast your router
should be moved along the workpiece. The best way to ensure that you get a quality cut is to practice on a scrap
piece of the same material to get a feel for what feed rate to use. This will also show you exactly how the cut will
look and allow you to check your cutting depth.
Material
Pine
Oak
Cherry
Maple
Particleboard and MDF
Soft Plastics
Hard Plastics
Aluminum
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS
Bit Diameter (inches)
≤1/2
3/4
Router Speed Setting
5-max
5-6
5-max
4-6
3-5
3-5
3-5
3-5
5-max
5-max
3-5
3-5
2-4
1-4
3-4
3-4
Fig. 14 - Router Speed and Feed Rate Settings Chart
≥1-1/2
1
1-1/4
4-6
3-5
3-5
4-5
3-5
2-4
3-4
2-4
2-3
3-4
2-4
2-3
4-max
3-5
3-5
3-4
2-4
1-3
1-3
1-2
1-2
2-3
2-3
1-3
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Feed Rate
Fast
Moderate
Moderate
Slow
Fast
Slow
Slow
Slow
13
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