Hey everyone! I'm relatively new to woodworking and want to level up my skills a bit. I'm looking to buy a router for making furniture pieces like foot stools, table lamps, and coffee tables. I've been considering the Dewalt 900w premium plunge and fixed base router combo. I'm curious about the limitations of a 1/4" router. Is it sufficient for making mortises and tenons, or do I really need a 1/2" router for that kind of work? I plan to work with some tough Australian hardwoods like ironbark and spotted gum. I appreciate any advice or suggestions you have!
2 Answers
If you can, get a router with both collets. When working with tough hardwoods, 1/2" bits will last much longer than 1/4" bits, which can dull or break easily. If you're hogging out a lot of material, the larger bits make a big difference in durability!
Definitely go for the 1/2" router if you plan on doing a lot of heavy duty work. It's all about heat dissipation; bigger bits can withstand more heat before they fail. If you're using larger bits or working on dense woods, you'll be glad you chose the 1/2". That said, a good 1/4" router will get you through many projects. Just keep in mind that eventually, you might want to upgrade to a 1/2" router for greater versatility and durability.
Thanks for the insight! Have you found a full-sized router to be manageable for smaller projects using 1/4" bits? Is it a good trade-off?