
The Chicago Electric Plunge Router is a powerful and feature-rich tool that is highly regarded by its users. It is equipped with a robust 9-amp motor, providing ample cutting capability for various routing applications. With its variable speed, quick-release motor cam lock, and plunge base, the router offers both functionality and precision. However, some users have expressed concerns about its weight and smoothness when used handheld. To address this, adjustments can be made by utilising the wrench provided to modify the height above a table, or by removing the springs for easier manipulation. Additionally, safety precautions, such as wearing eye protection, are crucial when operating this tool due to its potential hazards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motor | 9 amp |
| Speed | 10,000 – 23,000 RPM |
| Base | Plunge base for controlled cuts |
| Spring return | Locks the motor at preset depths |
| Depth turret | Has stepped settings |
| Motor cam lock | Quick release for fast depth adjustments and bit changes |
| Collets | 1/4″ and 1/2″ |
| Sub-base | Clear, lexan for excellent bit visibility |
| Dust collection | Port to connect a vacuum for dust extraction |
| Cordset | Removable 6-foot cord |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Ventilation | Oversized heat vents |
| Adjustments | Tool-less with simple knobs and levers |
| Grip | Rubberized grip areas |
| Light | LED light |
| Reviews | 4+ stars |
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What You'll Learn

Adjusting the cutting depth
Firstly, ensure that the plunge mechanism is unlocked. Then, plunge the switched-off router until the cutter just brushes the surface of the wood. This is your starting point.
Now, lift the depth stop rod and insert the drill bit between the bottom of the depth stop rod and the register on the base of the router. This step is crucial as it sets the initial depth position.
The next step is to plunge the router down until the bit touches the workpiece. At this point, you'll adjust the depth stop to your desired cutting depth. This is a quick and accurate technique to set the depth on your plunge router.
It's important to note that you should always ensure the router is switched off when adjusting the cutting depth. Additionally, taking the time to set the depth accurately will ensure better results in your routing projects. With these steps, you'll be able to achieve the desired cutting depth and make precise and controlled cuts with your Chicago Electric plunge router.
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Using the edge guide
The Chicago Electric Router can be used for cutting grooves and dadoes required in shelving, joinery, cabinets, and other woodworking projects. Edge guides, when attached to the router baseplate, ensure straight and uniform grooves over the entire length of the workpiece.
The Micro Fence Edge-Guide easily mounts on your router to add precision. Each unit comes with a basic micrometer edge-guide unit, 7" & 12" stainless steel guide shafts (interchangeable), both shallow- and deep-profile wood sub-fences, half-round inserts for curved and circular work, extension spacers for fence placement at or beyond the centre collet, a decimal equivalency chart, and the appropriate mounting bar and pins to fit your router.
To use the edge guide, first, loosen the Plunge Lock Lever. Then, lower the router body until the bit just touches the workpiece. Next, tighten the Plunge Lock Lever. Finally, attach a vacuum cleaner hose to the Dust Extraction Adapter, ensuring that the hose, vacuum cleaner, and power cord are properly secured and out of the way.
The Chicago Electric Plunge Router is a corded electric tool that comes with a 6-foot 3-prong power cord and requires a 120-volt household current to operate. It is great for cutting moldings, rabbets, dadoes, and dovetails. The router has a spindle lock for easy bit changes and a dust port and dust-sealed switch for superior dust collection and long switch life.
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Understanding the instant-start motor
The Chicago Electric Plunge Router is equipped with a powerful 9-amp motor, which provides ample power and torque for all common woodworking and routing applications. This instant-start motor has an electronic speed controller that maintains a constant RPM even under load. The speed can be adjusted from 10,000 to 23,000 RPM using a thumb dial with stepped presets. This speed variability allows users to have more control over their work, as slower speeds are ideal for fine work, while higher speeds efficiently remove more material faster.
The instant-start motor on the Chicago Electric Plunge Router is a notable feature, providing several benefits to the user. Firstly, it delivers a quick startup, ensuring that users can begin their routing tasks without delay. This instant start-up capability is particularly advantageous when working with materials that require swift and immediate cutting or shaping.
Another advantage of the instant-start motor is its ability to maintain a constant RPM (revolutions per minute) even under load. This means that regardless of the resistance or pressure exerted on the router, the motor will consistently sustain the desired speed. This feature is crucial in achieving consistent and precise results in routing applications. The electronic speed controller plays a vital role in making this possible, ensuring that the RPM remains steady throughout the operation.
The instant-start motor on the Chicago Electric Plunge Router also offers speed variability, allowing users to adjust the speed according to their specific needs. With a speed range of 10,000 to 23,000 RPM, users can select the most suitable speed for their task at hand. For intricate and delicate work that demands precision, slower speeds are ideal as they provide more control. On the other hand, when speed and material removal are of greater importance, higher speeds can be selected to efficiently accomplish the task.
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$23.99 $25.49

Changing the collets
The Chicago Electric Plunge Router comes with 1/4" and 1/2" collets, which can be changed to accept different-sized bits.
If you need to change the collet, first locate the spindle lock button on the side of the router, near the base of the motor. Push the button to stop the rotation of the arbor, allowing you to change the blades safely.
Next, get a wrench that fits the size of the compression nut. Turn the wrench in a counter-clockwise direction (when viewed from the bottom of the router) to loosen the nut. If the nut is stuck, try using a heat gun for two minutes to loosen it. Once the nut is loose, tap the cutter straight down with a piece of wood between the top of the cutter and a hammer to pop the shank free.
If the bit remains stuck while the nut turns freely, try tapping the bit sideways with a bit of wood to dislodge the collet. If that doesn't work, try tapping the bit deeper into the collet. Finally, take the bit and collet off and place them in a woodworking vise to support the collet and nut while you bang on the ends of the bit until everything slips loose.
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Mounting on a table
The Chicago Electric Plunge Router can be mounted on a table. This is a good option for those new to routing, as it makes it easier to hold things tight to the bit with featherboards and reduces the chance of messing up edges.
To mount the router on a table, you will need to remove the springs, which will make it much easier to adjust. You can then loosen the clamp and adjust the bit height by turning the hand wheel. Once you have the desired height, tighten the clamp again.
The Chicago Electric Plunge Router comes with a wrench to adjust the height from above a table. This is a useful feature for table mounting. The router also has a plunge base, which gives precise control over cutting depth and is less risky than fixed bases.
The router has a powerful 9-amp motor, providing ample cutting capability for tough hardwoods. It also features variable speed from 10,000 to 23,000 RPM, with slower speeds providing more control for fine work and higher speeds removing more material faster. The quick-release motor cam lock makes depth adjustments and bit changes fast.
Remember to always prioritise safety when operating the Chicago Electric Router. Wear eye protection, such as safety glasses or a face shield, to prevent eye injuries from flying chips and debris.
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Frequently asked questions
The speed on the Chicago Electric Plunge Router can be adjusted using a thumb dial with stepped presets. The speed can be varied between 10,000 and 23,000 RPM.
The depth adjustments on the Chicago Electric Plunge Router are tool-less, with simple knobs and levers. The router also has a depth turret with stepped settings.
Yes, the Chicago Electric Plunge Router can be used on a table. You can adjust the height of the router from above the table using a wrench.









































