Overview of the best wood cutters in 2018
Craftsmen who make furniture or perform other work related to shaping wooden parts with a curved shape and finely fitting them make extensive use of the router. With it, you can select a quarter, drill a hole of the required shape, and perform a decorative thread. The design sometimes allows you to fix the hand mills in the table, but more often they are used as a mobile woodworking tool. The most common are small electric models, called submersible or vertical. The rating of hand-held milling machines for wood in 2018 will help a beginner to choose the right equipment for this class for themselves.
Content
10. Makita PR0900
Typical model for vertical milling machines low power. Japanese brand produced in China.The main elements of the body are made of cast aluminum and durable plastic. Two ergonomic handles have a rubberized coating. The tool is different regarding light weight - 2.7 kilograms, ease of use and simplicity in maintenance.
An engine power of 900 W at an operating speed of 27,000 revolutions per minute allows, in a sparing mode, to perform any operations with a standard set of cutters for a collet of 8 mm. The depth of processing is set with high precision.
The limiting factor of the use of the router of this brand is a relatively small working stroke - 35 mm.
The relatively low price of the tool makes it attractive for home and professional craftsmen.
- ease of handling;
- low weight;
- sufficient reliability;
- The package includes a copier.
- no connection to a vacuum cleaner;
- no soft start system;
- The speed is not regulated.
Prices Makita PR0900:
9. Interskol FM-55 / 100E
Continues review domestic developmentsuccessfully competing with European and Asian models. The tool is equipped with a nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner, a protective glass and optional nozzles, which allow to perform various operations with high precision.Lightweight 3.1 kg, rounded handles, clever cable connection design make it convenient to use even in cramped conditions.
The engine power of 1000 W with an adjustable rotational speed from 20,000 to 27,000 allows you to quickly and accurately perform accurate processing of wood. The size of a grip is 8 mm. The working stroke of the 55 mm cutter gives the master ample opportunities to use the tool effectively.
- high quality performance;
- lack of backlash, allowing to perform accurate work;
- convenient form.
- there is no soft start system;
- relatively high cost for equipment with such characteristics.
Prices Interskol FM-55 / 100E:
8. BOSCH POF 1200AE
An excellent household tool of German design, designed for processing wood, plastic and other building materials of moderate hardness. The model is used in the manufacture of shaped products, cutting figured holes and processing edges. There is a possibility connect to a vacuum cleaner.
Ergonomic handles with soft lining and thoughtful arrangement of control buttons contribute to the speed of development and ease of use.
An engine power of 1,200 W with a wide range of speed control allows the accurate processing of material of any density. A set of interchangeable collet chucks allows the use of various cutters for wood. The tool travel is 55 mm. Immersion depth fixed by a limiterlisted on the scale.
- ease of handling;
- reliability;
- the ability to control the speed of rotation;
- copy milling function;
- a wide range of operations performed.
- there is no soft start system;
- insufficient strength of the protective shield of transparent plastic.
Prices BOSCH POF 1200AE:
7. Hitachi M12V2
Powerful professional tool for intensive work has an original design and great functionality. The package includes guide and centering devices, two collet bushings for 8 and 12 mm, removable connection for connecting a vacuum cleaner. Comfortable handles can be adjusted in all directions.
The 2000 W electric motor allows you to work for a long time without stopping, even under high loads. Soft starter eliminates jerks during switching on of the unit, which makes it possible to save the selected settings and high cut accuracy.The control system includes the ability to control the rotational speed and maintain the required number of revolutions regardless of the resistance of the material being processed. The working stroke of the 65 mm cutter contributes to the universal use of the tool.
- high performance;
- long service life;
- wide opportunities;
- The optimum ratio of price and quality.
- a large weight of 6.3 kg;
- coarse adjustment;
- inconvenient location of the start key.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Prices Hitachi M12V2:
6. Ryobi RRT1600-K
A good tool that is better to buy for home, but can also be used in professional activities. It takes up little space and is easy to handle, but with intensive use in the processing of hardwood requires interruptions in work to avoid engine overheating. The model is equipped with a parallel stop, two collets for 6 and 8 mm, copy sleeve and a device for dust removal. Cutter stroke 55 mm. The total weight of the unit does not exceed 4 kg.
Japanese developers of this brand tried to make it as functional as possible. The 1600 W engine is equipped with soft starters,speed control and stabilization of the speed when working under load. For ease of use, the instrument is sold with spacious case and a set of cutters.
- comfortable design;
- high reliability of the main nodes;
- wide functionality;
- relatively low weight at a given engine power.
- inconvenience of replacement of mills;
- weak fastening plastic ruler for setting the depth of processing.
Prices Ryobi RRT1600-K:
5. BOSCH POF 1400AE
Another German vertical milling cutter to perform a variety of operations on wood and other materials. It has an aesthetic appearance, ergonomic handles, precision work, thoughtful arrangement of all elements of the regulation and control system.
Included is a copy sleeve, parallel stop, adapter for dust extraction, clamping collets for 6 and 8 mm and for ¼ inch.
This best milling machine for home with an engine power of 1400 W weighs only 3.5 kg. 55 millimeters of the working stroke of the cutter allow you to perform most of the milling operations required in the joinery and when performing repair work. Replacing cutters is extremely fast, ensuring reliable fixation in the working position. Like most top-level models, soft-start functions, speed control and speed stabilization are implemented here. For the convenience of the user provided backlight.
- exceptional reliability;
- sufficient power;
- ergonomics;
- The thought-over SDS system of fixing and replacement of mills;
- the possibility of fixing the tool on the desktop.
- excessive stiffness of return springs;
- short power cord
Prices BOSCH POF 1400AE:
4. AEG MF 1400 KE
A semi-professional tool that combines high functionality with an acceptable level of energy consumption, which is important for intensive use. An engine power of 1400 W with an adjustable rotational speed from 10,000 to 23,000 revolutions per minute makes it easy to adapt to the material being processed of any density and hardness. A soft start device contributes to milling accuracy and the absence of power surges. Stabilization of the number of turns allows you to achieve maximum performance.
The model is equipped with a set of guides for accurate passage through the workpiece, two supporting soles of different designs and collet chucks for 8 and 12 mm.Longitudinal advance of a mill of 64 mm. For the convenience of its replacement, a mechanical spindle lock is provided. Built-in lamp illuminates the work area, improving visibility and reducing eye strain. The tool weight of 5.7 kg is quite large for models of such power, but this is due to the use of only high-quality parts that ensure reliable operation.
- reliability and long service life;
- solid factory equipment, allowing immediately after the purchase to begin to perform various operations;
- good dust removal;
- a larger cutter stroke compared to other models of such power;
- Excellent value for money.
- Plexiglass outsole with frequent use requires frequent replacement;
- Users pay attention to a slight wedging of the tool during vertical movement;
- overweight.
Prices AEG MF 1400 KE:
3. Metabo OFE 1229 Signal
Precise and productive German tool for high-quality processing of wood blanks and structural materials similar to it in physical properties. The engine power of 1200 W with the possibility of controlling the speed of rotation of the cutter in a wide range from 5,000 to 25,000 revolutions per minute with the function of its electronic stabilization provides ample opportunities to work with any products. Smooth acceleration does not allow jerks, which has a positive effect on the accuracy of milling.
The model works with a collet chuck with a diameter of 8 mm with a linear advancement interval of 50 mm. For simplification of replacement of nozzles lock of a spindle is provided. The base plate is made of cast aluminum alloy with a sliding coating. The weight of the instrument is only 3.4 kg, which makes it possible to use it throughout the whole working day. A distinctive feature of this brand is the ability to fine-tune the depth of cut using a dial gauge.
- wide range of adjustment of the speed of rotation of the mill
- automatic overload protection;
- high quality of materials used and perfect fit of all mechanisms;
- optimal tool weight;
- convenience of fine tuning.
- excessively elastic start button;
- lack of illumination of the working area;
- high cost of tools and spare parts for it.
Prices Metabo OFE 1229 Signal:
2. DeWALT DW 625 E
High performance professional modeldesigned for continuous operation throughout the day. Its potential is unlikely to be in demand in the domestic environment.The powerful electric motor of 2 000 W allows to process any breeds of a tree, strong plastic and non-ferrous metals. This is facilitated by an electronic speed controller of the spindle with a function of stabilizing revolutions when operating under load.
The model is equipped with a removable dust extraction pipe, guide design, 12 mm collet grip.
Milling depth is set using the standard ruler with a movement lock. 80 mm cutter stroke allows machining large partsthat can not be achieved with the help of household milling machines. The weight of the unit is 5.1 kg, which fully corresponds to a tool of such power.
- big cutter stroke;
- wide range of speed control;
- reliable operation of all mechanisms;
- visual control of the degree of immersion;
- high quality performance.
- complete set of collet only one diameter;
- inconvenience of processing small parts.
Prices DeWALT DW 625 E:
1. MakitaRP 2300 FC
The best hand milling machine for wood among professional models, which are actively sold in 2018. The 2,300 W engine does not experience overloads during the processing of almost any material, including durable types of wood, plastic, aluminum.
The model is intended for intensive use under extreme loads. The interval of regulation of the angular velocity from 9 000 to 22 000 revolutions per minute makes it easy to choose the optimal cutting mode. Smooth overclocking does not allow jerks and settings failure. The speed stabilizer provides maximum performance under all loads.
For the convenience of the operator, there is a nozzle for dust removal, a transparent protective shield, illumination of the working area. Included is a collet chuck for 12 mm and two bushings for 6 and 8 mm. The course of a mill of 70 mm gives the chance to process parts of considerable thickness. A tool weight of 6.1 kg is the inevitable price for high power.
- possibility of processing materials with different strength characteristics;
- high performance;
- long service life;
- ergonomic form of handles;
- low noise level for a tool of such power;
- ease of use;
- long power cable.
- over time, there may be a backlash in the guide parts, requiring disassembling of the tool and tightening the fasteners;
- there is no case for carrying and storing the router.
Prices MakitaRP 2300 FC:
Conclusion
A professional who is used to a particular model may have his own opinion, based on the specifics of the work and personal preferences. The information presented here is intended to give the beginning master an initial idea of the various brands of vertical milling machines, taking into account their technical characteristics and design features. When choosing a particular tool, it is based on its ability to solve tasks, without forgetting about the convenience of operation.