SIZING THE ROUTER AND DUST COLLECTOR

[Howard Andersen]

In doing flat back relief carving with some detail and looking for a good finish, I understand this can be a fairly slow process. Is there any point, then, in having a router of more than 1/2 h.p. or so? Same for dust collector? Any info/advice is appreciated.

[Wdyasq@yahoo.com]

Dust collectors always seem to work better if they have more volume.

You are correct in thinking a small diameter router bit can only 'use' a certain amount of power. I use the larger routers because of the strength of the 1/2 inch bits that are available and the versitility on having only one router/zero/dust-collector skirt.

Ron

[ron_cleaver]

I just tried a 2" flat bottom bit for leveling my table. The 1/2" shank bit works well except for one thing - the dust collector can't handle the dust. I supposed it's because of the radius of the bit - I have no dust collection problems with other bits.