How can I reduce the speed of my wood router?

How can I reduce the speed of my wood router?

Make practice cuts in scrap stock, especially when using an unfamiliar bit, router, or material. When routing highly figured wood, slow the speed a little more to avoid tearing out wild grain. Maintain the same approximate feed rate.

Why is my router bit jumping?

The most common cause of kickback is the router bit cutting too deeply into the material, causing it to become stuck, and unable to turn. If your material is not secured to the worktop, the router bit will continue to try and spin while stuck and will fling the material away from it.

What RPM should you run a router at?

Router Bit Speeds

Bit Diameter Maximum Speed
Up to 1 inch 24,000 rpm
1 to 2 inches 18,000 rpm
2 to 2-1/2 inches 16,000 rpm
2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches 12,000 rpm

Why router has variable speed?

Routers come with variable speeds. This is important because certain bits require certain speeds, not only to give you the best possible cut, but also for the sake of safety. Most routers have a range of 8,000 rpm to 24,000 rpm [source: Spielman].

Do you need variable speed on a router?

Variable speeds If you need to use large router bits with a 1/2 inch shank, that variable speed comes in handy so that you can slow down the rotations. Inexpensive routers tend to have one speed, while other routers come with a dial to speed up or slow down the bit as needed.

What happens if your router bit spins too fast?

This is especially prevalent when routing end grain—a router bit spinning too quickly can grab onto areas of the wood that are soft, fibrous or inconsistent with the rest of the surface you are routing.

How is the speed of a router bit chosen?

Choosing a speed can depend on the type of wood you are routing, but also on the type and size of the bit you are using. A tool spinning at too high an RPM may burn wood, while a tool spinning too slowly can leave you with a ragged, rough-cut.

What’s the best way to speed up a router?

The chart at the bottom of this page provides a guideline as to the maximum speed that should be used for particular diameter bits. However, this chart is just a general guideline. Consult your router’s user guide or the documentation that accompanied your particular bit for specific details on setting the appropriate speed for the bit.

How does rpm work on a router motor?

Many modern woodworking routers allow you to adjust the RPM speed of the motor to match your needs. Choosing a speed can depend on the type of wood you are routing, but also on the type and size of the bit you are using.