Fred wrote:

1/2" *is* stronger, but also much bigger and heavier. Which you need
depends on the job you are doing (in reality you will probably need one
of each eventually)

Thanks. I had read the faq but I thought that since the Titan was able
to use 8mm, 1/4", and 1/2" collets it was quite versatile and saved me
buying one of each.

Most 1/2" machines will come with a collet adaptor to take 1/4" bits.
The 8mm is of less use on a 1/2" machine than it is on a 1/4" since
there are larger cutters than are available in 8mm shank but no 1/4".

I think the 1/4" model weighs 3.6kg and this one weighs 5kg. Do you
notice the extra weight? Surely it is resting on whatever you are
working on?

The better 1/4" one are usually 3kg or less. Sometimes it is resting on
what you are working on, and hence not a problem - however the size and
the balance of it can make it harder going for decorative work, or when
using it on vertical edges in situ when you are carrying the full weight.

Its a tad low on power for a 1/2" router, and the minimum speed is too
fast for use with the larger cutter sizes you may want to use in a
router table.

What power would you expect for a 1/2" router and what minimum and
maximum speeds would you want?

If you were looking at high end machines then 1500W would be ok (ish)
but something nearer 2kW would be more versatile. Often the budget
machines tend to dissipate more power in their gearboxes and bearings
etc, so the available mechanical power is less than the numbers suggest.
Having said that, this will only be an issue on work with big cutters
(e.g. panel rasing, or large moulding cutters etc), or on heavy cuts in
things like worktops.

For the largest cutters, the maximum speed can be as low as 9000 rpm. So
a range of 8000 - 20K+ is quite handy.

(Something like the Freud FT2000E is often considered a good general
purpose "big" router, that adapts well for use in a table. The nice big
fine height adjuster being easy to grab etc. - I notice however that not
as many places are stocking that now)


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/