Well, I just got up.
The Variac is a great variable voltage transformer and good for many
things...I might want to buy yours.
The trouble with the router is that reducing the voltage to the router will
reduce the current the motor "can" draw as it loads down in a cut. With
limited current it will sag badly and slow way down...more than you want.
The solid state speed controls are entirely different. They control by
actually turning the voltage off and on rapidly. The great thing is that
they also incorporate a feedback system that senses motor speed and
increases the voltage as required to maintain the speed you want. Just run
your variable speed drill at low speed and take hold of the chuck. You'll
actually feel and hear the torque pulses change as you apply load!
So there you go. Buy the speed control. They are cheap ($12 for mine). Of
course having the control built in is great. I'd do the exchange if I
could.
Wilson
"Lew Hodgett" wrote in message
k.net...
Interious wrote:
I've got a hunch this is probably a bad idea. I bought a Milwaukee 5615
fixed speed router and I need to swing a
3/4" roundover bit (~18,000 rpm, according to Jesada). I'm wondering
if I should return this fixed version for the variable speed unit, or
if a 2kw variac will do the job? Dave

You don't want to go there.

I could give you a long explaniation why, but it's late and I'm tired.
Sorry.

What I suggest is you consider something like a table mounted PC 7518.

A 3/4" rounding over bit is nothing to fool around with in a hand held
router, IMHO.

You are probably going to have to probably make multiple passes anyway, so
a table makes it a lot easier and safer.

HTH

Lew