VonHaus Compact Deluxe Palm Router - 710W Electric Hand Trimmer Router Saw- Wood Trimmer Router - Plunge/Laminator Router for Cut, Trim, Shape Wood, Metal & Laminates - Tool Bag + Accessories

These random notes relate to "VonHaus Compact Deluxe Palm Router Saw - Plunge Trimmer 710W - Tool Bag + Accessories" GBP69.99. Oct. 2018.1. This is a 580W (~3/4HP) router. The 710W (~1HP) in the headline description (and on the cheesy motor case label) is probably a max. load rating. The 580W rating in the technical description is more accurate. You'll know if you compare it side by side with a 1HP router. Not ideal for a router table.2. I broke both bases down to fettle edges, adjust screws etc. before use. Plunge base depth turret was badly loose. Very light filing (breaking) of motor and base edges made for smooth insertion and removal.3. You can use Silverline imperial lock nut bushes with the plunge base immediately; the base dimensions are very standard. The supplied bush adapter retention screws stand proud of the baseplate with the adapter in place. Replace screws or remove washers.4. You can't use lock nut bushes with the palm base without making a new baseplate - sad if you like fitting hinges with a jig. (Guess you could use Makita bush plates.)5. Palm base is a joy to use freehand with excellent dust extraction. Would be much better with led lights inside the base as the housing casts deep shadows unless you keep moving the work to the light. Uses Makita RT0700C baseplate layout.6. Motor does not have soft start. At this low power the kick is also low though.7. Plunge base side to side wobble at the horns is very noticeable when unlocked; solid as a rock when locked. Plunge is nicely smooth all the way. Lever action is press to lock, lift to release. Works well, no slippage or stiction.8. Plunge stop quick release needed fettling to make it a bit smoother. Works adequately. Depth gauge indication too illegible/inaccurate for use but not necessary anyway. Plunge stop thread is 1mm and very accurate.9. Cable length ridiculously short - even at the price. Had to be rewired.10. Lack of switch on plunge base horns is mildly irritating if that's what you're used to.11. Motor speed control works well, can cut the noise level significantly and still work without labouring.12. Comfortable, "do most jobs", depth of cut: 3mm - depending on bit size and rate of travel obviously.13. Fence - good adjustment range; locks OK. Nothing special.14. Kit seems identical to Katsu brand as far as I can see.15. Spindle - bush concentricity: not measured but no problem so far. Vibration also OK.16. Bag: Better than expected with support at the sides. Tick!Overall: You'd never love this combo as much as big name, one job - one tool, devices. You will love being able to accomplish a lot (with care and patience) for such little outlay. 5 stars then.

The reassuringly weighty VonHaus Compact Delux Router arrived well packaged and on time. The router comes with two bases, the fixed trim base and the plunge base, a bearing attachment, two clear plastic dust collection attachments, a fence, a guide, two collets - ¼” and 3/8”, a spanner for the chuck, spare motor brushes and a soft carry case. Attaching either of the bases to the well engineered router body takes seconds, you just open the clip and slide the router in. Fitting bits only requires one spanner, a button is pressed to prevent the chuck from turning. Attaching either of the dust collection attachments can only be done without a bit installed which is a bit of a pain. Both bases have a smooth geared height adjustment which works well.In the description, it states the router is 710w but in the technical details section, it says 580w which is odd. There is no soft start but you wouldn't really expect that with a router in this price range. There are 6 speed settings with a no load speed of 10000 to 32000 rpm although the manual says up to 33000rpm. The numbers on the router speed switch equate to 1 - 13,000 rpm, 2 - 17,000 rpm, 3 - 22,000 rpm, 4 - 29,000 rpm, 5 - 31,000 rpm, and 6 - 33,000rpm. For the most part, I've been using the router on speed setting 4 as the bits I've been using recommended a speed of 28,000. It's also recommended that you cut a maximum of 3mm so you would need to do several passes for anything deeper.The plunge base isn't standard so attaching bushes requires making a base or buying a universal base. The photo shows a Trend Univeral base attached. In use I really recommend you use some sort of dust extraction or at the least a quality dust mask and safety glasses, the router throws lots of chips around! With my shop dust extractor connected it allows me to see the workpiece, this isn't really possible without it. The bearing attachment is a really good idea, allowing non bearing bits to be used like bearing bits, however, I've not yet used it so can't comment on its use. I find the power lead to be a bit short, nothing an extension cable won't fix though. The storage bag is a good idea and is well made but it's really for keeping the router and attachments together, it doesn't offer any physical protection apart from scratches.All in all, I think this router is amazing value for the price for the DIYer and occasional user. I do recommend it.