![]() The flexibility of these routers makes it suitable for both professionals and hobbyists woodworkers. The routers are available with a fixed –or plunge style base and can do almost every type of routing job. The mid-size routers are also available with multiple bases. ![]() Because of the integrated motor, these routers are not well suited for CNC Router tables The massive size of this router makes it easy to plow through a project but awkward to move around or change bits. The full-size routers are designed for production use and are frequently fixed to a router table. They are usually rated at 3 HP or 3¼ HP, and are integrated with a bigger plunge or fixed base with an integrated motor. The full-size routers are the biggest and at one time were the most dominant woodworking routers. Therefore, roughly speaking, half the amps could be estimated to be half the horsepower. Multiplied by 746 we get 0.86 HP which will probably be rounded up to 1 HP. Following the same formulas, we have 5.5 Amps * 115 Volts = 632.5 Watts. Now let’s find the HP for the Compact router. With some marketing freedom and engineering safety factors, I guess we can round that up to 2 Horsepower. In the case of the mid-size Ridgid router – 1,265 watts / 746 = 1.69. The next step is to use the conversion factor of 746 (watts per horsepower) and calculate the horsepower using: W / 746 = HP. First, convert Amps to Watts by multiplying: 11 Amp * 115 Volts = 1,265 Watts. Start with the Mid-size router to check the math. Now I would think that because the Amp rating is 1/2 for the trim router that possibly the horsepower would also be halved also. The trim router only lists the Amps the motor uses: “5.5 Amp”. The mid-size router lists both the Amps and the Horsepower: “11 Amp, 2 HP” Let’s look at the Ridgid Mid-size router – Model #R22002 and the Ridgid trim router Model # R24012. This number will always come out a little low vs mfg ratings due to built-in safety factors and such. Then use Watts to find Horsepower by dividing by 746 (watts per horsepower) Watts / 746 = Horsepower. To convert from Amp to Horsepower use the following: Amps * Volts = Watts. Horsepower has a time component and Amps is only a measure of electrical flow so it is not possible to directly convert Amps to Horsepower. ![]() I am no electrical engineer so I cannot make the conversion in my head. I have always used Horsepower to evaluate any motor-driven tool in my shop. When comparing routers, it is good to even the playing field and convert everything into one unit. Some manufactures advertise the router power in terms of Amps and some in terms of Horsepower. ![]() One thing before we start evaluating the different router offerings. The rest of this article will discuss other topics related to this question, including the different types and the must-have features of a good woodworking router. Woodworking routers are classified into three standard machine sizes, which mainly has to do with the highest horsepower their motors will generate however, every size has comparative and practical features worth mentioning. The size of the woodworking router you need is dependent on the material and the task you’re undertaking. Other options include smaller 1.25 HP trim routers and the larger full-sized 3 plus HP router. This size router will handle most jobs from small to large. Most woodworkers will start with a moderately priced 2 Horsepower handheld router. But, with the many types of routers available in the market today, what size will you need best for your project? Regardless of the woodworking project you want to work on, there is a good chance that you will need a router. For the longest time now, routers have been helping woodworkers cut, trim and shape wood, plastic, and many other materials.
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