Variable Speed Router Control

[Jason Solodow]

The kind that plugs into the wall and then the router plugs into it. Do those actually work? I would be concerned about it causing damage to the router with extended use. ?????

[David Perata]

I've had one for a few years now and it works great. No damage to router that I can tell. The only thing is ascertaining what speed you want. It's all by ear as far as I can tell.

[Chris Tsutsui]

If it's a simple router with the mechanics of "an electric motor that spins given power", then adding a variable speed mechanism should be fine.

[David Christopher]

Jason, dont use the speed control with a soft start router

[Chris Tsutsui]

I think some routers have a special circuitry that regulates its power to maintain a constant RPM/torque when cutting material.

I would be wary of using a router like this with an auxillary speed control.

[Jason Solodow]

My router is a Porter Cable 690, will that work with it?

[george wilson]

As said,do NOT use the control on a soft start router.

[David Christopher]

My router is a Porter Cable 690, will that work with it?

the speed control will work fine with the 690

[John McClanahan]

Be careful. As you slow the speed down, you are also slowing down the cooling fan. Add to that, you probably want to use a large bit. That can make the motor work at full load. Together, it can cause the motor to overheat. Variable speed routers limit the slow speed to around 8,000-10,000 RPM.

John