Replies

1. 
   DougF | Nov 12, 2004 05:18pm | #1

   Ragman,

   Noise is an issue and that is why ear protection is important but, IMHO, I wouldn't buy a router solely based on this factor unless there are other considerations you haven't mentioned.   I think the emphasis should be on the router that performs well for the work you intend to do.  Also, sound readings are specific to the router bit being used, the type of wood being fed, the amount of waste being removed and particularly the type and design of the cutters.  If sound is sole concern, I would be looking at the combined effect of all of these factors including your DC system when it is running in conjunction with the router.

   You also mentioned the the sound-insulated router cabinet and opening the door for the motor to cool.  I would suggest that you need adequate air exchange in the router enclosure to help keep the air circulating for cooling and chip/dust collection purposes.  Too little air entering the chamber can reduce the chip/dust extraction as well as increase overheating after prolonged use. 

   Doug

2. 
   Len | Nov 12, 2004 06:29pm | #2

   Ragman,

   I'm with Doug. You should look into an enclosed cabinet and wear hearing protection. If there are others than yourself you are concerned about. Ie. The new baby, sleeping wife... then you might have to consider location of your router table.

   As for the lift. I purchased a woodpecker one. I believe most people believe it's Incra. I like it. I don't have an opinion about Jessem.

   enjoy

   Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...
1. 
   ragman | Nov 13, 2004 05:09am | #3

   Hi Doug

   What do you mean that the wood pecker lift is believed to be the Incra one. I thought it was or It is made by Woodpecker and since they market a lot of incra stuff, most people thought the make is Incra.

   Have you tried the Incra Wonderfence and Ultra 16" set. I am thinking of getting it too.

   Thanks for the tip

1. 
   Len | Nov 13, 2004 07:10pm | #10

   Ragman,

   Got your email.

   Yes, that is what I mean. Since Woodpeckers lift is anodized gold like Incra products it's sometimes is mistaken for an Incra product. I don't know if Woodpeckers and Incra have any affiliation. I would guess they do.

   I have the Ultra fence and LS positioner. I also have the plunge router lift and the Hitachi M12V. I already have the TR12 and it has been great in the 15 years I've had it. So I thought I would stick with Hitachi. Not mention I got the M12V for a great price.

   As for using them. I haven't yet. They are sitting on my den's floor. I have used my friend's same basic fence setup. We also have several older versions of the Incra fences at work which I've used. I not been disappointed with any of them.

   Hope this helps. Good luck.

   Hi, I'm Len and I'm a Toolaholic...

3. 
   ragman | Nov 13, 2004 06:10am | #4

   Has any one here mounted a PC 892 or the PC 8529 in a table. Does it work as advertised ?? in terms of smoothness of lifting and changing of bits.

   Many thanks all

1. 
   SgianDubh | Nov 13, 2004 12:51pm | #8

   Ragman, of all the routers I've used (or seen used) in the workshops I've been around the quietest running without load I've ever come across are the Festool range. They're comparitively quiet compared to other routers in use too in my experience, but I haven't done any kind of testing to establish that as a fact-- I simply note that they don't seem to make as much noise.

   There aren't many routers out there in both Europe and North America that I haven't seen in action or used with the exception of the Triton which is designed with inversion in a table in mind as Telemiketoo described in an earlier post. I can't therefore say how noisy they are, but they are definitely aimed at the inverted router user.

   A few plunge routers now have a means to disable the spring mechanism which makes them easier to use inverted-- the biggest Bosch router has this facility for example which makes them more adaptable for both hand use and intermittent table use.

   If noise in use is a primary concern I'd look hard at the Festool range. They are very well made routers and work extremely well--- this is reflected in their cost. Be prepared for that shock, ha, ha. Slainte.RJFurniture

4. 
   Telemike | Nov 13, 2004 06:50am | #5

   I put the Triton router into a table. It works great and it is very quiet compared to the PC 690 and the big hitachi router. I bought it because it was built to be table friendly.

   It's been there a year and a half with moderate use. No issues. The PC also looks good - the 690 is a great router.

1. 
   ragman | Nov 14, 2004 02:18am | #11

   Hi telemiketoo

   Thansk for the tip on the Triton but it is adjusted from below the table top, Yes. How you find it. As i am going to mounted it permanently in a sound insulated box, i thought it be better for me to get the PC 892 ( 91 db )or something like that. However i really like the Triton too as it is really rugged looking and designed to be used in a table. I'll have another look and maybe ask you some more questions if you don't mind.

   Mike advise a sound insulated baffle/hole for the box is good but how to do it. I note that the noise is actually generated when the bit hit the wood. That can't be help and i am OK with that. I have an induction motor table saw and it is really quiet when running expect for when it hits the wood so i know the feeling.

   I'll have a look at Frestool ( Wrong spelling i know) also as someone very kindly advise.

   Thank you all for the inputs, i'll let you guys know what i finally get and how it works for me, have a great weekend. I got 2 side table waiting for me in my workshop.

5. 
   mudman | Nov 13, 2004 08:00am | #6

   I have the Master Lift and love it. I have had no problems with it at all. You can insulate the cabinet for sound by lining the inside with acoustic eggshell or suspended ceiling acoustic panels (easier to find and cheeper). Then you can still have adequit ventilation by making a simple sound baffeled intake vent. Then it will be very quiet.... untill the wood hits the bit. That is where most of the noise comes from in any router table set up.

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
6. 
   Michmesquite | Nov 13, 2004 11:23am | #7

   Even if you could find a router that had a zero noise at 20,000 RPM, the moment the bit touched the stock the dB would probably peak around 100.

   Buy the router that will do the job and wear ear protection. I have the 8529 and it is a nice plunge router with built in dust collection. I also have a Woodpecker PRL with a 7518 installed. It is a nice set-up but it costs around $500+. The 7518 can be ordered without its base if you want to have it as a dedicated table router.

   Wear ear protection.

   _________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell 

7. 
   bones | Nov 13, 2004 03:45pm | #9

   Ragman, If you mean Woodpeckers PRL when you say incra, then I have that lift.  I bought the 7518 for it, because of the horses needed to do the job I wanted. I want to make raised panels and the consensus is that a 3+ hp router would be recommended. The 7518 also fit it right out of the box. So does the Jessum. I looked at that one as well. I also have the 890 combo kit for hand held work. The 890 will fit the PRL, but you will need to buy the collar for it for 25$.  If you do buy from Woodpeckers join the email club and they send offers for discounts every Friday. Current one is some plates and free shipping on orders over 200. The current coupon code is BIG10.  It is a very beefy lift, and I like the chain drive.  I built norms cabinet and use hearing protection. If you do enclose the cabinet provide for good cross ventilation. Heat kills tools.  Take care and good luck on the purchase.