Features of the Electronic Router

The milling machine is a machine tool that, since it first appeared, has evolved and adapted to the needs of the metalworking industry. Milling machines are ideal not only for the metal industry, but also for carpentry, cabinetmaking and for DIY enthusiasts. Among the different types of milling machines available today, the best option for small workshops and private users is the electronic router.

What is the electronic router?

The electronic router is a tool of small size recommended for people who want to get started in carpentry, cabinetmaking and other DIY tasks. This machine can be used to machine parts made of wood, metal, plastic or aluminium, which makes it a versatile accessory. The electronic router is very easy to use and can carry out many tasks such as grooving, polishing, profiling, eroding, roughing, bevelling, cutting and so on.

The electronic router is also known as the surface router. It is an improvement on conventional milling machines because it is electric and portable. It is not only a great choice for people who have small workshops or are DIY hobbyists, but also for large machining shops and factories. The portability of this machine makes things more comfortable for operators.

This machine is also recommended for artistic work, since it can smooth, pierce, carve and shape different figures. The results with this tool are high quality and very attractive.

Features of the electronic router

The electronic router is characterised by its ability to make rotary cuts at high speed and to machine parts by swarf removal from wood, thin metals and other materials such as plastic. With it you can make grooves, mouldings, hinge recesses and other decorative operations; in other words, this machine allows not only traditional milling but also other types of decorative work.

On the surface router, the working spindle holds the cutter by its shank. As with large milling machines, the cutting tool of this electronic machine is the milling cutter. The cutter is a tool fitted with edges or lips that rotate until they come close to the surface of the workpieces in order to remove swarf. On these machines the cutter is usually positioned perpendicular to the surface of travel.

This type of router also belongs to the so-called direct-drive machines. This means that the router does not need a reduction gear, which is what uses the motor's revolutions to drive the cutting tool.

Specific jobs

We have already mentioned some of the jobs that the electronic router or surface router can do and, although it seems to be a machine for carpentry only, there are various metalworking parts that electronic routers are capable of producing. Here we find, for example:

• Dovetail profile or ducktail
• Drilling or piercing
• Creating rounded edges
• Half-round milling
• Flush trimming
• Machining of frames
• Milling of recesses
• Creating slotted holes
• Bevels
• Signs
• Edges
• Profiles
• Copying

Construction

The electronic router consists of a base tray that is guided by two columns; these have a stroke ranging between 35 and 80 millimetres. The columns are fixed to an aluminium base plate with non-slip synthetic material.

Adjustment on these routers is quick, since they have a spindle lock that allows quick changes between cutters. The handle has an ergonomic design that makes milling more comfortable. In addition, surface routers are fitted with adaptable clamping collets. Depending on the model, these collets can measure 6, 8, 10 and 12 millimetres or 1/4, 1/2 or 3/8 inch.

Advantages of the electronic router

Although it is a machine tool of small size, electronic routers offer a series of benefits for different workshops and industries. In addition to their compact size and portability, these tools are very versatile and useful for carrying out many tasks, not only machining and shaping but also finishing.

Furthermore, routers of this type can work on different materials, including metals (preferably soft ones), aluminium, plastics and woods. In terms of power and accuracy, these machines have proven to be a great alternative.

How to choose the best surface router?

If you are considering buying an electronic router for the workshop or for home, you should know that there are different types on the market. The choice of router should be made according to the uses the machine will be put to and the materials that will be worked on it. Bear in mind the power, since this is what determines the tool's working capacity.

For example, to work softwoods, a router with a power of around 1200 W will be enough. When working harder materials such as metal or plastic, powers of 1600W or higher are the most recommended. The power of the machine determines not only its working capacity but also the size of the cutter. The more power the tool has, the larger the cutter diameter that can be fitted.

Finally, depending on the manufacturer, electronic routers may include accessories such as a dust extractor, a worktable and guides.