Universal milling cutters: models, characteristics, purpose

Quite often, consumers are wondering if there are universal milling cutters that can be used to perform all the necessary operations. To solve this problem, it is necessary to test several models that are time-tested.

Selection by characteristics

Among the main qualities that should be present in a universal milling unit, it should be noted:

• power;
• Motor with smooth start;
• Good balance;
• Possibility of easy and smooth immersion;
• Availability of controls;
• The supply of useful and useful supplies.

Universal tool will be in the case when its power allows you to work with any milling cutters, here you should include the largest ones. If we are talking about a motor, then we must take into account that it must have a smooth start and have constant electronics. This is necessary to maintain a certain speed, when the equipment is loaded.

Additional features

Important and convenient controls that can be used in manual mode. Specialists consider the device to be universal, when the operator is able to smoothly load the cutter into the workpiece. Controls should be located conveniently, the outset of the cutter should be adjusted when the table is used. The equipment must also be taken into account, it should contain:

• Nozzles for vacuum cleaner;
• Lateral stop;
• Replacement bases with holes;
• A copying sleeve;
• Centering housing;
• Durable storage bag or plastic case.

What models of universal tools for milling are worth considering

Universal Makita routers are known not only to specialists, but also to private consumers. However, as alternative solutions, the following models can be considered:

• Bosch MRC23EVS.
• Triton TRA001.
• Ridgid R29302.
• Triton MOF 001 C.
• Craftsman 28084.
• Milwaukee 5616-24.
• Porter-Cable 895PK.
• Bosch 1617EVSPK.
• Freud FT3000VCE.

Some of them will be discussed below, while others, those that do not participate in testing, you can buy, if you want to choose a truly universal device.

The choice of a universal model in terms of capacity

Universal milling cutters, as mentioned above, should have sufficient power. For comparison of some models it is necessary to try to make with their help in oak blanks shaped profiles, nests and a profile. Sockets for example will have a depth and width, which are 38 and 13 mm, respectively. As for the profile profile, it will need to be done in the amount of 3 units per pass.

To check the power it is recommended to make a quick manual feed of the fold, the section of which is 11x13 mm. Many models at performance of the given works are capable to impress work without an overload even at manual submission. But to form a profile for a couple of approaches there is an opportunity with the help of not all tools. In this issue three models are distinguished: Triton TRA001, Freud FT3000VCE and Bosch MRC23EVS. The engines of these three variants have a power of more than 2 kW.

The choice of the universal model in terms of milling speed and speed

Considering the universal milling cutters, it is necessary to pay special attention to the milling cutter speed and speed. For most models, the speed varies from 8000 to 10,000 rpm. However, the models from the Craftsman manufacturer are distinguished by the fact that their lowest speed is 12,000 revolutions. Specialists nevertheless argue that it is preferable to choose options with fewer turns to work with wood, which is prone to chipping.

More than the rest in this issue is able to surprise the model Ridgid, which did not slow down more than 35. This fact is surprising, considering that its motor is the most powerful among the competitors represented. However, in this test, the current consumption increases in the test, which results in a temperature increase of 3 ° C after each pass. If you work with such a load for a long time, the service life of the router will be reduced. For comparison, the Bosch MRC23EVS model should be cited, the current consumption of which increases only slightly, and the heating is not appreciable.

Tool selection for milling depth

On the market today you can find small and large milling cutters, submersible or with a fixed base. However, when choosing universal milling cutters, it is necessary to pay attention to those tools with which you can accurately and quickly, and also conveniently set the sample grooves. Among the variants with a fixed base, the Porter-Cable model, which has a rack-to-pin regulator, should be placed first. This model has a handwheel for fine and coarse adjustment, as well as a latch, the first of which is easy to use.

Ridgid and Milwaukee have mechanisms for quick setup and as practice shows, they are very effective. If we compare the Craftsman models to each other, then both have fixed bases, in addition, as in Bosch, the fixation is carried out with a latch to deepen the case. This reduces the amount of movement of the collet, and if it is necessary to pull out the cutter or to reduce the outreach, you have to rearrange the latch and use the threaded regulator. Submersible Triton mills have a fairly rough depth adjustment, which is provided by turning the handle. It is used to immerse in the material, but this function is not only inconvenient, but also difficult to implement.

Selecting a model for ease of operation

A universal manual wood router must not only be precisely and precisely tuned, but also be easy to operate. Too heavy tools are brands Triton TRA001 and Freuda, in addition, they are prone to overturning because of the impressive mass, awkward, which is noticeable when working with edge blanks. The Bosch MRC23EVS weighs even more, however it has a low center of gravity and is highly controllable compared to large submersible tools. This model has one more feature, which is expressed in a switch built into the handle.

For other options for turning off and on, you have to release one of the handles, while weakening the grip. The Bosch model has the same switch that is present in the specialized submersible tools, so they are easy to control, and the operator can not change the position of the hands.

Alternative solutions for universal milling machines

One of the most popular manufacturers in the modern market of electrical equipment is the company Makita, its universal RP 2300 FC has a support platform, which is made of cast aluminum. This not only facilitates the weight of the instrument, but also protects the equipment from scratches. This device has a function of speed control, and the working stroke of the cutter is 70 mm. The power of the device is 2300 W, it has a smooth start, but there is no built-in connection for a vacuum cleaner.

If you are interested in universal two-base milling cutters, then you should pay attention to the model FELISATTI RF62 / 1500VE, which costs 14,800 rubles. This tool is a multifunctional equipment that has a submersible and edge base. This model can be installed on the milling table, which will provide a stationary full-featured tool with height adjustment. This universal Felisatti router weighs only 3.1 kg, and the collet diameter can be 8 or 12 mm.

Fraser "Interskol" is also quite often chosen by consumers. As an example, we can consider the model FM-32 / 1900E, the cost of which is 6700 rubles. The power of the device is 1900 W, there is a smooth start, and the number of revolutions per minute varies from 9000 to 26 000. This milling machine "Interskol" is characterized by the working stroke of the cutter within 40 mm.