Router Speeds

[sancho57]

I checked the Product manuals and supplimenttery manual and I did a cursory search of the site and was unable to locate the info.

My question is what are the various router speeds. Meaning a 1 on the router speed control equals what RPM. I havent had any issues routing , I have been able to find a chart either chart.

Im just curious

 

[tbellemare]

I try to set a router to the lowest speed I can without chattering. That way, I know it's cutting properly and not dwelling. It makes the bits last longer and helps prevent burning - both because dwelling causes heating.

It's also safer...

Tom

 

[GarryMartin]

They're a constant step speed, so on the OF 1400, approximately...

10,000 RPM      1
12,400 RPM      2
14,800 RPM      3
17,200 RPM      4
19,600 RPM      5
22,000 RPM      6

 

[sancho57]

I try to set a router to the lowest speed I can without chattering. That way, I know it's cutting properly and not dwelling. It makes the bits last longer and helps prevent burning - both because dwelling causes heating.

It's also safer...

Tom

I do to Tom, But in the case of some bits they'll say not to exceed XXX RPM. I pretty much geuss at it right now.

 

[sancho57]

They're a constant step speed, so on the OF 1400, approximately...

10,000 RPM      1
12,400 RPM      2
14,800 RPM      3
17,200 RPM      4
19,600 RPM      5
22,000 RPM      6

Thanks Garry,

Thats exactly what Im looking for. Im going to take those speeds and have them in written somewhere in my shop or referance.

 

[Gary in Texas]

I couldn't find anything in the manuals for the actually speed selection (thanks Garry), but there are some charts with recommended speed settings depending upon both cutter diameter and material. The charts attached are for the OF-1010 and OF-1400 (one chart references the 1400, the other chart is for the 1010).

Operating router bits, especially those with a larger diameter, is important info to know.......

 

[sancho57]

thanks, you'd think somthing as important as knowing a routers speed wouldd be in the manuals.

 

[tbellemare]

The "tip speed" of a 3mm diameter bit at a rotational speed of 1000 RPM is dramatically different than the tip speed of a 100mm diameter bit.

That's why adjustable rotational speed is important.

Tom

 

[Gary in Texas]

Spot on comment Tom, and something to bear in mind when it comes to safely operating large diameter bits!

 

[tbellemare]

Part of the beauty of the MMC Electronics, which one gets with Festool routers, is constant speed.

Constant speed means that your router isn't going to try to spool up when it has a lighter load. If a typical electric motor has no load, it will spool up - turn faster. That's a bad idea when there is a cutting mechanism attached to that motor shaft, whether a blade or bit...

It's important for the user(s) to adjust the tools according to the usage and that's easy to do.

Tom

 

[ear3]

Just as a general note, am I right that the speed limits on bearing guided bits are more forgiving?  I understand that the outer edge of a 1 1/2" bearing guided bit and a 1 1/2" straight bit are still nominally the same, but since you're only cutting with half the width (actually, even less including the bearing offset), you're not stressing the router as much.

I ask because it was with some trepidation that I mounted a 1 1/2" bearing guided bit on my OF1010 when I first got the router, which exceeded the max 35mm  recommended width for bits on that router.  So I started off at speed 1.  But I found that the optimal cutting speed for my feed rate was actually 3, and the router performed beautifully.

 

[tbellemare]

Those are two different issues.

The first is the cutter and the second is the router. Your Festool routers are fine.

Bearing guided bits have all of the same limitations as their non-bearing brethren. They are typically the same bit. One has a bearing loaded on and the other doesn't.

Tom

 

[sancho57]

What Tom said, addding : RPM is based on bit dia not whether it has a bearring or not here is a decent chart

http://www.freud.ca/PDFs/SpeedChart.pdf

 

[GarryMartin]

I've posted this before, but thought it would be useful to repeat in this thread.

Maximum router cutter diameters;

OF 1010 - 35mm (1 3/8" *)
OF 1400 - 63mm (2 1/2" *)
OF 2200 - 89mm (3 1/2" *)

* to nearest 1/16"

Bill Hylton worked with some "rocket scientists" (!) who calculated that the maximum safe tip speed is about 130 mph.

This equates to a maximum "safe" speed of 17615 RPM for a 63mm (2 1/2" *) bit in the OF 1400.

However, any number of other variables influence an "appropriate" and "safe" speed as opposed to a theoretical "safe" speed, and it may be that running that 63mm bit slower is required; perhaps to route plastic or similar materials.

I have this NewWoodworker article bookmarked as it has some great information about bit speed but also a multitude of other considerations such as cutter length, not just diameter. Great resource.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/rtrbitspds.html

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Garry

I am in the middle of filming a comparison of the three Festool GP woodworking routers and have a different figure for maximum cutter diameter of the OF1010:

[attachimg=1]

I would be grateful for some clarification before I publish this. My figures are taken from the Festool web site.

Peter

 

[GarryMartin]

My figures are taken from the Festool web site.

That's interesting; my figures are taken from the router manuals. I've checked through the Festool UK links to the manual for the OF1010 to ensure nothing had changed, and it still states 35mm...

[attachimg=1]

 

[Stone Message]

Many thanks Garry. I think that the lower figure that you quote is more likely to be right and that Festool have an error in the Specifications part of the web site for the OF1010. I will let Festool UK know and let them sort it out. Also, the product description for the "set" version does not show the side fence which is actually included.

Peter

 

[GarryMartin]

I think that the lower figure that you quote is more likely to be right...

I'm not so sure Peter. Lots of other country sites list a dimension closer to 50mm and I've just measured my OF 1010 and I'd say the 50mm is more likely to be correct.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Stone Message]

I think that the lower figure that you quote is more likely to be right...

I'm not so sure Peter. Lots of other country sites list a dimension closer to 50mm and I've just measured my OF 1010 and I'd say the 50mm is more likely to be correct.

[attachimg=1]

I've sent an email to Phil Beckley asking him to find the definitive answer. It could still be 35 mm but we shall see. I do not have any 8mm or below cutters which go beyond 35 mm but then I have almost always bought 1/2" ones.

Cheers.

Peter

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
I have emailed Germany for clarification on the correct max size for the O.F.1010. Due to the holiday season it may take a while. I think it is the smaller size as stated in the manual

As for cutter size - the bigger the cutter the slower the speed. This really comes in to play with shanks of 12mm and a large diameter such as required for panel raising. It also shows the advantage of the MMC electronics as the 'torque' is kept constant to produce a decent cut. Slowing the speed will also help the bearing life.

I used to teach bench saw 'rim' speed to students and get them to work out the maths. One unlucky student would always volunteer to walk the distance the tooth travelled - until they realised it can end up being a long, long way!!

rg
Phil