The best manual wood milling cutter. How to choose a manual wood router?

The need for spot processing of lumber does not cease to be relevant even in the age of new technologies, composite plastics and carbon raw materials. The natural tree thanks to the ecological compatibility, flexibility in processing and unique texture is still of interest for both the construction and manufacturing sectors. Nevertheless, this does not in any way cancel the process of the appearance of new technical means of material processing, including milling machines. The very principle of mechanical correction of sawn timber has survived, but in recent years the technological approach to this operation has changed significantly. Therefore, those who want to get a quality groove or hole in the workpiece, the following question is quite logical: "How to choose a manual wood milling cutter?" Manufacturers produce units in different designs, so an inexperienced user will have difficulty choosing.

Immersion or immovable?

The choice should be based on the most appropriate working principle. The basic separation according to this feature is the method of processing the target material. There are submersible and fixed modifications. What is the difference? The design of the router can be divided into two parts - the frame and functional equipment, represented by carvers and the engine. In the case of a mobile structure, the frame is placed on the workpiece to be machined, and the milling cutter with the motor moves along it, realizing operational actions. The stationary tool, in its turn, does not imply a separate movement of the cutting part, although in general the unit can be shifted as the operation is performed. That is, the mutual coupling with the frame determines the structural and functional features that the hand-held milling cutter has. Which to choose? The first option is suitable for creating profiles, grooves and holes, and the second one, due to the adjustment of the depth of milling, will be able to cope with edge processing optimally.

Varieties of professional models

Professional, or specialized, models of mills can be considered as representatives of a family of fixed models. Usually, lamellar, rotary and additive aggregates are isolated. As for lamellar technology, it works by means of a disk cutter, which can be operated by the user, pressing the handle. As a result, a specialized scoring tool is obtained, which removes thin lamellas from the wood surface, that is, oval plate shavings. The lamellar types of hand milling cutters are similar in structure to the filler tool. But if they are guided by a soft selection of the grooves, the filler models are supplied with spiral cutters, due to which it is possible to obtain exact holes in the configuration of the arrangement. Rotational units are characterized by an elongated body provided with rubberized inserts. This is necessary for a more tenacious retention of the tool during work operations. The operator can form with such a milling cutter quality holes not only in wood, but also in plastic, ceramic tiles and plasterboard.

Power selection

In terms of working capacity, this is by no means the most important parameter of choice. The fact is that even the minimum power capacity is enough for most operations today. Power is more likely to be considered as a class marker, which determines the functional and structural capabilities of the machine, as well as weight. Thus, the initial class has a capacity of about 450-600 W. It is an easy tool, the mass of which rarely exceeds 3 kg. And here we must take into account that such models are more suitable for simple operations - for example, in removing the edges of small blanks. If there is a question about how to choose a manual milling cutter for a universal purpose tree, then it is worth to rely on the middle class. This model for 800-1250 W, the mass of which can be 5 kg. With the help of such an aggregate, the operator can easily process the edges, execute the required holes, etc. The power potential of a heavy milling machine with a power of about 2000 W is not directly affected by the ability of efficient processing. With the proper skill, the same quality of grooves and profiles can be obtained using a 1500 W apparatus. But in the mode of continuous operation without interruptions the power reserve will have to be by the way, since it will protect the instrument from overload.

Speed selection

The number of turns has a greater effect on the nature of the mechanical effect. In this case, the nominal value of the speed of rotation of the mill will also be important, and the possibility of its adjustment. The wider the adjustment range, the more operations with high accuracy can be performed by the tool. The possibility of changing the number of revolutions takes place in cases where the manufacturer indicates not a specific speed at idle, but a range. How to choose the right wood router by the number of revolutions? Consider the recommended upper value, which is an average of 10,000 rpm. But in this choice it is important to initially have an idea of the characteristics of the blanks. The above speed is suitable, for example, for working with a tool with a diameter of 10 mm. If you plan to work with wood cutters of 40 mm, then the number of revolutions should be already about 20,000 rpm.

What should be the optimal working stroke?

If the speed of rotation is to some extent a force parameter, then the stroke is determined by the design characteristics. In other words, the size of the treated zone depends on it. Thus, the entry-level models are able to perform milling at a depth of 30-40 mm, and for powerful aggregates this value can reach 80 mm. In the question of how to choose a manual wood router in terms of the optimal depth of immersion, the processing constraints must be taken into account. For example, a formal depth value of 30 mm does not at all mean that the milling cutter can achieve this particular value in practice. Usually the actual value of 3-4 mm is less than the declared value, which is explained by many technical factors. That is, to the required value it is necessary to add another 5-6 mm for the stock.

Functional provision

To increase ergonomics, safety and efficiency, manufacturers supply milling cutters with additional functions. Among them we can mention the soft start button, anti-vibration protection, overload protection systems, etc. How to choose a manual wood milling cutter with functional filling? On the one hand, the more useful additions, the better. But here it is important to maintain a certain balance, since the presence of options heavies the design, makes it more difficult, and this is not to mention raising the price tag. Experts recommend to sacrifice fashionable marketing inclusions, which expand the field of action of the tool. They are ineffective and rarely required in practice. But it is undesirable to ignore means of increasing reliability and security.

What to consider in choosing a rig?

The main task in this part is to determine the types of mills that will be used in equipping the unit. The most common are the groove elements, which are used in the formation of profile niches for connecting parts. They have a different diameter, as well as a structural device, which should be taken into account in the choice. Spiral types of wood milling cutters are also in demand for a manual router, which are made of reinforced alloys and outwardly resemble classic drills. In the selection of such cutters, it is also necessary to immediately calculate the possibility of working with metal preforms, since such equipment, depending on the quality, can also cope with the processing of solid materials.

Which manufacturers prefer?

If you need a powerful technique for milling, then it makes sense to refer to Bosch products. German designers offer modern technological models, equipped with a wide range of adjustment options, and electronic control. Among the competitors of this manufacturer can be identified companies Metabo, Makita, Einhell, etc. But this is a group of first-class manufacturers whose offers are of high value. And how to choose a manual wood milling cutter, whose reviews equally positively reflect both the working qualities of the tool and the price policy of the manufacturer? This range of search covers little-known, but responsible companies Talon, Sparky and Latvian firm Rebir. Users of these products indicate not only a decent performance, but also emphasize the availability of a modern option, not inferior to the level of Bosch.

Price issue

Models from premium companies like Einhell and Metabo are on average available for 10-15 thousand rubles. For comparison, the products of Sparky or Rebir can cost several times cheaper, but this does not mean that such equipment loses in quality. The difference in prices is often due to the same set of options, some of which just to increase the price and is included. A multifunctional model costing 20 thousand in practice to perform the standard tasks for creating a groove may well correspond to the result of the work, which will be demonstrated by a budget hand-made wood milling cutter. What is the preferred option? Of course, the accessory of the unit to the model segment for 3-5 thousand does not always guarantee high quality and, moreover, does not imply the existence of the same security systems. But in the families of the above manufacturers, decent models are also found at this price level. If you need a professional router, it is advisable to immediately turn to the assortment of Makita or Bosch.

Conclusion

As the technological development of the construction and production tools expands, the scope of its application also expands. Therefore, a key criterion can be a list of tasks that a particular model can solve. But there is another position among experienced masters, which says that the best manual wood milling cutter is one that copes qualitatively with 2-3 primary tasks. In this context, multifunctionality does not matter at all. As for the qualitative performance of their direct tasks, this applies not only to the processing of blanks as such. Modern milling machine should also differ in fault tolerance, high resource of the element base and protection from external influences.