I just bought a Freud FT1700 1/2″ router to put in my table. Not the greatest but for $75 I can’t complain. In the manual it says to unplug it before changing speeds which seems ridiculous to me. I wrote Freud to verify this and theire answer was ” it is safest to adjust it as stated in the manual”. Maybe, but I want to know if you can change speeds while running it. Does anyone know? I don’t want to damage it by trying it. Thanks.
Wide array of answers here. I just wanted to know if adjusting the speed while running the router will damage it and nobody knows. As far as safety goes, I don’t see why it is dangerous, I’ve always adjusted the speed on my other variable speed router while it was running safely. Different size bits run at different RPM’s mostly because of the weight difference, even though the speed is regulated. I usually go by the sound, it gives me a good idea of how fast it’s spinning. That’s why I wanted to know in the first place. Thanks anyway.
Edited 7/13/2008 8:41 am ET by knottyguy
Replies
This is not a knowledge, just my logical opinion. I don't really think a company like Freud would build a machine that must be unpluged to change speed. Can you imagine the waste of time, and the lost of popularity for such an "unusual" caprice ? I own several tools with variable speed and none has such restriction. I kick myself to unplug routers when changing bits for my own safety but no way I would to change speed. I would return the tool right away (by the way, I always read the manual before using a tool). I believe Freud uses the same technology as other companies to build their machines. Is it possible that the answer you got from Freud was from someone who didn't really understand the question ?
Best,
Serge
http://www.atelierdubricoleur.org
Knottyguy,
My Triton router has a safety device that ensures a router cannot be turned on while changing a bit. The only time I change speeds is when going to a large bit (ie.2.5-3.5" wide). So there really is no need to change speeds while the router is running. All that said, I have changed speeds while running and nothing bad happened.
May I ask if you rate your Triton? I am thinking of buying one to replace my big Bosch, the posts are worn such that I have had to remove the plunge lock to get it to move easily. A pity because the motor and bearings are fine.
Multi,I'm very much a hobbiest with a specific set of needs/desires, so it is in that context I'll give my opinion. I was looking for a dedicated router for my 'Norm' style router table ( I use the DeWalt 621 for handheld work). The Triton 3.25 gave me the power at a decent price. It eliminated the need for a separate lift system, provided single wrench bit replacement and made changing bits very fast. Height adjustment is very fast and easy. It has exceeded my expectations.I also treated myself to those brass measuring bars...wow, they are great for both height and depth setting (on the TS too).Good luck with your decision.
Hi BG,
I agree with you about the brass mesuring bars. They make setups much easy. I've been a little further to treat myself; I bought 3 sets from Oak-Park.com. One for each of my router tables and the other on my wall workbench. At each session I reach for one of them. Great little tool.
Best,
Serge- Learn from yesterday, work today, and enjoy success tomorrow -
http://www.atelierdubricoleur.org
Thank you, I also am hobby and do not mind converters for bit sizes.
Mufti,
I've got the Triton 3.25HP router as well. I haven't used it too much so far, but everything works as well as can be expected. The design, as I am sure you are aware is excellent - easy coarse depth adjustments as well as fine adjust; above-the-table one-wrench bit changes. The spring can be removed easily for under-the-table use.
The only downsides I can think of is that it comes with a 1/4" adapter instead of a collet. Also, the plastic looks to be of lesser quality than the plastic on other tools. I would say that it looks plasticky, but that doesn't say much. I haven't dropped the tool, so I can't comment on the plastic's durability.
Bottomline, this is an excellent router for table use. It's a little big for freehand use.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Thank you, the low C of G appeals so I may go for it.
Mufti,
When using freehand, it actually has a rather high center of gravity, as any plunge router does. Still, it fared okay but I would choose a fixed base whenever possible for stability.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Chris, fixed base routers never caught on in the UK except in certain commercial applications, and they just do not appeal to me. I have an Elu in a little Rat, the big Ryobi in the Leigh morticer,( the Bosch was in that) a small Festo and an old Elu for freehand use and a Bosch trim router. The Triton would go in the table to replace the Ryobi!
Too too many.
Mufti,
That I did not know. And it surprises me. I guess plunge routers are more versitile - they can do everything a fixed-base can and more. I find them a little hard to keep stable when shaping the edge of a workpiece (say, when using a bearing-guided profile bit).Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
A plug is a lousy switch. If indeed you have to disconnect the bugger to change speeds I'd get an in-line switch, a component made for the on/off function. Rediculous.
In the manual it says to unplug it before changing speeds which seems ridiculous to me.
Until you loose a finger or two! They have NO idea if you have a foot petal to start the router and you happen to kneel on it as you are chaining bits. My little PC will not let you change a bit unless the power switch is OFF!
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