PantoRouter Upgrades: The Pneumatic Clamps
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- There PantoRouter has had some serious upgrades!
The most anticipated (at least the most anticipated for me) of these was the pneumatic clamps with a swivel base. The old clamps got the job done, but felt cumbersome to me.
The swivel base allows for clamping in any direction (the old ones did not). The pneumatics opens up the PantoRouter for production work and provides increased accuracy.
The new lever action clamps are also a substantial improvement over the old system. With the same swivel base, they also provide increased clamping versatility. While they offer an improvement in production capabilities, they don't rise to the level of the pneumatics in that regard though.
The improvements to the thickness gauge are welcome as well. I found that the increased surface area of the new thicknessing "block" improved the accuracy to the point that I did not have to use the fine adjustment. Having only run a couple of small projects though - I may find use for the use for the fine adjustment with more use.
Overall, the addition of the pneumatic clamps along with the swivel base comprise the most serious upgrade to the PantoRouter yet. They provide a massive increase of productivity, along with a leap froward in ease of use, and accuracy!
Thanks for video. You are one of the few that have both Pantorouter and Multirouter. Could you do a video comparing the two or discussing what operations that you use each for?
I would like to do such a video. But I would like to have more time on the PR - the pneumatic clamps are still new to me and I need a few projects to run through the shop.
@@DarrellPeartFurnitureMaker Good point. Until you are able to do a video comparing them, could you share what you use each for?
@@stevenhancock5435 I mostly use the PantoRouter for anytime I have joinery that can be done with the templates. I use the MultiRouter for everything else.
The swivel clamps are a major improvement over the previous version. The Pantorouter seems to be back on the list for consideration. If you rated the Multirouter as a 10, where would you put the Pantorouter on a scale of 1-10? Steve
Hi Steve, I've been mulling that very question over in my mind. The pneumatic clamps with the swivel base have changed the equation. Each machine still has it's strong points. If another person were rating the two machines their evaluation could be much different depending upon their intended usage. It's still a bit early to give a hard number but for my usage but I would probably rate the PR at about 8.5.
Now that the PR is just as fast and efficient as the MR I see the primary difference being flexibility versus template usage.
I've seen some pretty creative ways to do unusual stuff on the PR - but it usually involves building jigs and fixtures. The MR can often do the odd stuff without the use of added components. I do a lot of odd stuff so the MR makes that easy.
While Woodpeckers improved the template system on the MR (took out the flex in the stylus) they did not adequately address the bigger problem of fine tuning the fit. The variable MR templates do not offer the infinite adjustability (within the needed range) of the wedge-shaped templates of the PR. If the bit has been sharpened or if the router has runout - the 3 variable templates offered by the MR don't cover the full range needed. There's a reason I gave away my templates for the MR.
After some more time on the machine - If the MR is a 10 - the PR is also a 10. The swivel pneumatic clamps are a game changer. Again this rating may vary for you depending upon your usage.
@@DarrellPeartFurnitureMaker Thanks Darrell, the clamps and the sale they had in November/December pushed me over the edge on the PR. I have it assembled but not calibrated as I was distracted by projects and other holiday events. I need to get back to this but also have another project to start. Steve