Rockler Router Speed Control
Provides the right speed to match the router bit and application.
Item #
25278
New router speed control allows for a wide range in speeds to match your application. Get the appropriate speed to match the router bit and application without investing in an expensive variable speed router! Set the rate from 0 RPM to full speed. Use on brush-type motor routers up to 3 HP, 20 amp.
Notice: Will not work with variable speed and/or soft start routers.
(1) Rockler Router Speed Control
| Brand | Rockler |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.2500 |
3.8 / 5.0
81 Reviews
Rockler Router Speed Control
I bought it to use with my Porter-Cable 690 router, to slow it down to use a thin slot-cutter. It worked very nicely. At slower speeds, the router didn't have much torque and labored as it cut into poplar wood. I took it slow and it did exactly what I wanted it to do.
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Router Speed Control
Simple to use and easy to set up. Some of my bits are rated for only 18000 RPM. Using this speed control makes it easy to find a happy medium for my bits.
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Router speed controller
I am using the controller to dial down the speed of a cutoff saw to cut conduit and other thin metal. Although I have not used it extensively, it looks like it will serve my needs.
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Works on motors other than routers
Excellent results. Rather than using this on a router, I’m using it to control the speed on a bobbin winder that is powered by a sewing machine motor. I’m getting far more even bobbins than before, and the precision makes for better weaving quality.
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Different
This works really well with different items
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Brought an old router back to service
My old Freud FT2000 speed control went bad and no parts were available so this was the ticket. Works great
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Variable speed control
I have a DW616 mid-size router that accommodates 1/4 “ & 1/2” router bits but it is bows not have a variable speed feature. The Rockler Router Speed Control is just what I need.
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Perfect
Works perfectly with my Porter Cable 690. Couldn’t ask for more.
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router speed control
I needed to get this a long time ago. I have a very old , very heavy, very awkward router that I only use in a large table. This allows me to slow it down to use larger bits safely. Just be sure to turn it off more often to cool down. Not a bad idea in general.
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Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 53 questions
Browse 53 questions
and 164 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
going to use this to control my constant speed 25000 rpm router for better control
Brian C
on Jun 3, 2020
very good selection and prices
Gregory H
on Feb 16, 2020
going to use this to control my constant speed 25000 rpm router for better control
Brian C
on Jun 3, 2020
Slow speed of single speed motor on scroll saw
Jesse D
on Apr 26, 2020
Will it work w Excelsior lathe ? I would like to use it on lathe at fastest belt speed to avoid having to change belts every time I want to slow it down. Same thing w drill press w multiple belt speeds.
BEST ANSWER: Sorry no, this is not suitable for use with a lathe.
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- Steve Staff on Sep 27, 2016
No mention about induction motors like on my Craftsman bench grinder which runs at 3450 rpm. Acceptable use?
BEST ANSWER: This type controller only works with "universal motors" i.e ones that have brushes in them and do not have "soft start" or speed control electronics down-stream from them.
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- GEORGE N on Dec 30, 2015
- Purchased on Oct 13, 2015
Somewhere I read that you should not use a speed controller if your router has a soft start feature? Is this true and why?
Why doesn't it work?
BEST ANSWER: Remember it will not work on the newer routers that have "soft start" feature.
And on the older type routers, you may need to engage (and lock on) the switch, which may be mounted in the handle.This will cause the router to stay in the "on" position allowing the Rockler speed control to actually turn it on and off, etc. Otherwise than that perhaps the Speed control box may be plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a switch itself. Don't know what else to check except if there is actually a problem with the speed control box itself. Hope this helps.
And on the older type routers, you may need to engage (and lock on) the switch, which may be mounted in the handle.This will cause the router to stay in the "on" position allowing the Rockler speed control to actually turn it on and off, etc. Otherwise than that perhaps the Speed control box may be plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a switch itself. Don't know what else to check except if there is actually a problem with the speed control box itself. Hope this helps.
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- Jim J on Apr 12, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 1, 2015
will this switch work on my porter cable 690 ?
BEST ANSWER: If your router is under 16 amps it should be fine. I have noticed under excessive use with high amp equipment the circuit board has blown out on me after about 6 months of use. But that has happened only once. I have purchased another 3 of these and I'm happy with the product.
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- Alex G on Apr 4, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 10, 2015
;lnumbers on dial represent regards to RPM?
BEST ANSWER: The numbers on the dial do not provide any absolute indication of rpm. This controller works with a wide variety of motors that use brushes and a commutator (sometimes called AC/DC motors). The maximum rpm or full speed of these motors is determined by the specific design and construction of the specific motor model and can vary substantially between models -- some motors have a max rpm as low as few hundred rpm while others can be as high as 30,000 rpm. Most motors used for power tools typically fall into the 2,000 to 20,000 maximum rpm range depending on model, and the speed of most of these motors can be reduced by reducing the voltage applied to the motor. The Rockler Speed Control allows you to adjust the voltage feeding the motor from full voltage (dial setting of 10) which corresponds to full speed, to zero voltage (dial setting of 0) which corresponds to zero rpm. Thus the controller is a relative speed controller that can adjust the motor speed from zero to the full rated speed of the motor, whatever that speed may be. Note that the motor speed is not a linear function of of the dial setting, such that a dial setting of 5 is not necessarily half the speed of dial setting 10. Also most motors will stop running completely at a dial setting well above zero. For example, on one of my tools, the motor slows down to zero rpm (stops running) at a dial setting of approximately 4, and another tool stops running at a dial setting of about 6. The Control includes an internal adjustment that allows you to somewhat readjust the calibration of the controller output voltage versus dial setting to maximize the dial setting range for your specific motor. I readjusted mine so most of my tools slow to a stop at dial settings of 2 or lower, giving me a useful speed control range from 2 to 10. Also note the the power of the motor dramatically decreases at lower rpm such that when running your tool very slowly, the motor will not be very powerful.
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- Roy S on May 17, 2015
- Purchased on Aug 9, 2014
Will this work on an older belt driven drill press, and the motor has brushes?
BEST ANSWER: I don't know, but I'll check later this evening or tomorrow AM.
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- Donald L on Jul 17, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 9, 2015
Will it work with my belt sander?
BEST ANSWER: . Some motors do not respond well to being slowed down, thus the reason there are no variable speed belt sanders on the market today. The belt sander is designed to remove a lot of material, in a short period of time. If you're using it for nothing but woodworking I would suggest going to a larger finish sander with a more aggressive grit paper. But in my opinion know you could not use a rheostat on a belt sander
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- SYD G on Jan 23, 2016
- Purchased on Nov 1, 2014
I have 220v router. Can I use this speed control with it?
BEST ANSWER: No. You will need to have one that is designed for 220v.
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- James R on Aug 3, 2017
- Purchased on Oct 3, 2015
I am thinking about the porter cable 892. I want to be able to control the speed below 10000 rpm. the 892 has soft start so the rockler speed control won't work. Is there another option?
BEST ANSWER: Sorry, not that I'm aware of.
I assume you want slower speed so you can use larger diameter bits that are speed limited. I'm afraid you would discover that below 10,000 RPM, the router doesn't have enough power to actually swing a large diameter bit.
I assume you want slower speed so you can use larger diameter bits that are speed limited. I'm afraid you would discover that below 10,000 RPM, the router doesn't have enough power to actually swing a large diameter bit.
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- William W on May 28, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 17, 2015
will this work on my jet 1442 wood lathe?
BEST ANSWER: I'm not familiar with the jet 1442 but based on what I've read,
Works with any universal AC/DC brush type motor, 15 amps and under.
Will not work with soft- or slow-start motors.
Works with any universal AC/DC brush type motor, 15 amps and under.
Will not work with soft- or slow-start motors.
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- Charles J on May 14, 2015
- Purchased on Oct 29, 2014
will this work with Dewalt 616 Router ?
BEST ANSWER: should work on a Dewalt 616 router. The router speed control will not work with routers with a speed control or soft start.
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- Bill M Staff on May 19, 2020
I have a Porter Cable 690. Will this work with that?
BEST ANSWER: Hello,
I feel sure this control will work with your Porter Cable router. I bought mine to work with a 50 year old Craftsman router that belonged to my Dad so I could utilize the old router better. I set it up with the Milescraft base plate and use it for sign carving. So far, this speed control has worked very well for me. I don’t know the HP of the old Craftsman but it is a pretty powerful machine. I think you will be ok with your PC.
I feel sure this control will work with your Porter Cable router. I bought mine to work with a 50 year old Craftsman router that belonged to my Dad so I could utilize the old router better. I set it up with the Milescraft base plate and use it for sign carving. So far, this speed control has worked very well for me. I don’t know the HP of the old Craftsman but it is a pretty powerful machine. I think you will be ok with your PC.
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- Dennis F G on Mar 18, 2019
- Purchased on May 29, 2017
Can I use this with the Safety Tool Power Switch (Item#: 20915)?
Rockler Router Speed Control
BEST ANSWER: Yes , I did. However the speed control did not work with my router which was a bummer. Double check it will work with your router before you spend the money on it.
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- Gareth E on Feb 18, 2019
- Purchased on Jul 9, 2017
..what voltage is this speed controller..? 110vac or upto 220vac..?
BEST ANSWER: This unit is intended for single leg input of 110v to 130v. Mine has worked very well although not used on a daily basis. The ac current in my shop is 125 volt
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- Dennis F G on Feb 5, 2019
- Purchased on May 29, 2017
Where is this product made?
BEST ANSWER: Hecho en Taiwan, my friend. If you're the one asking about the fuse as well it's a glass tube 25amp. About 11/16 long and a little over 3/16 in dia. No other markings.
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- Louie A on Apr 20, 2017
- Purchased on Apr 28, 2015
will this work for RO sanders?
BEST ANSWER: Well, the real answer is _probably_ yes and no. First of all, the same caveat about soft-start routers will apply to sanders. Second, unlike at least some external speed controls, this one has (as far as I can tell) no feedback to maintain constant speed independent of load. That typically isn't a big problem with routers, but I imagine it could be quite significant with a sander.
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- William W on Apr 24, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 17, 2015
Does this work with power tools that have brushless motors? Like Fein one speed Multipurpose Tool/corner Sander 636 model?
BEST ANSWER: It doesn't work with anything. It failed after one use and never worked again. Save your money and don't buy it.
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- GEORGE K on Mar 1, 2020
- Purchased on Mar 18, 2018
Will this work on a Scroll Saw? I have an old one attached, but doesn't work well
BEST ANSWER: Hi Larry, I haven't actually tried it on my scroll saw, as it has a speed control. I don't see any reason it would not as long as your saw does not have soft start wiring. I don't remember ever seeing a scroll saw with it. One thing to remember is that as you slow things down you get a drop off in power. A saw or router that would easily cut a piece of hard wood will now need to be done in much lighter cuts. This new one is much better than the older ones from several years back. Let us know if it does work.
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- James R on Aug 3, 2017
- Purchased on Oct 3, 2015
I have salvaged an old 120 volt, 11.0 amp Craftsman radial arm saw motor which runs at 3450 rpm and am wondering whether this variable speed control would work on this motor to vary the motor rpms?
BEST ANSWER: to my knowledge it will control any motors speed, but why would you want to slow down the rpm's on a saw?
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- Max W on Jul 29, 2017
- Purchased on Sep 1, 2015
I see different answers about use with lathes. One review says it works well with his "lath". Did he lie? And if it doesn't work for lathes,please explain why.
BEST ANSWER: Depends on the motor being used in the lathe. A full sized motor on a regular lathe no. However, some of the mini lathes use the same motor type as a router. If that is the case then yes it will. Have to know the motor type.
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- Richard B on Jul 16, 2017
- Purchased on Jul 26, 2015
Will this router speed control run for several hours, like 5-6 hours?
BEST ANSWER: Not sure what you are asking? This only controls, limits electricity to your Router, thus slowing or speeding up rpm's. As long as your router does not have "soft start" ,like a variable speed, then it will work with your router and maintain that that speed as long as you wish.The only thing that will affect the speed is if you turn the dial to a different speed. Hope this helps.
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- Jim J on Jan 31, 2017
- Purchased on Apr 1, 2015
Ok. I have a Porter Cable 690LR Router mounted in a benchtop router table that I bought from Rockler in 2007 (table was item #38121). I have a Rockler raised panel cutter with back cutter (says Rockler 60979 on the 1/2" shank. 1 1/4" reveal for the raised panel) Will this speed controller slow the router sufficiently while still allowing me enough speed to make this cut (let's say in mahogany)?
BEST ANSWER: I've purchased two of these speed controllers and have had good success with both. The rheostat has a full range of rpm possibilities, including full out. I've cut raised panel doors - the stiles and rails, and the raised panels, with this tool. I made my own mount, secured to the leg of the router table, since it doesn't come with one, which for me is a downside., but easy enough to rectify. For safety purposes, I strongly recommend that you use the on/off switch on the router itself every time, and not rely solely on the speed controller. Hope this helps.
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- Chris K on Feb 23, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 30, 2015
I want to slow down my shopsmith lathe at times, would this unit be suitable?
BEST ANSWER: I hooked it up to black anD DECKER mouse sander, jigsaw, chop saw. You can slow the speed down with this unit. BUT I DID NOT USE THE SAWS. JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF IT WOULD WORK.
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- patrick m on Jun 6, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 24, 2015
I live in New Zealand, where the only electricity is 240 volts. Will this gizmo work with that?
BEST ANSWER: Sorry but I do.not know. It works great in the U.S. But I don't have the paperwork to see if it would work with 240
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- Mark B on May 2, 2015
- Purchased on Nov 16, 2014
I was wondering can it be used on a belt sander? Or is it just for routers.
BEST ANSWER: It will work on just about any tool that doesn't have a electronic speed controller (some routers). I have used it on a few applications requiring lower rpm's (roto zip tool when used on tile etc.) and it has worked well.
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- Mike S on Apr 24, 2015
- Purchased on Feb 14, 2015
I am trying to slow down my wet tile saw to cut glass without chipping. Will this work? thank you.
BEST ANSWER: Hi Jocelyne: I have this speed control set up on my big router, which I think is probably a challenge for the controller, and it works very well. No problems, easily adjusted. I would be very surprised if it didn't work on your tile saw. Jack
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- John L on Apr 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jun 23, 2017
will this work with the Makita RT0701C Compact Router?
BEST ANSWER: This will work with any router. I have mine on my lathe so I can control the speed when I finish bowls. But it is not recommended since a lathe pulls so much amps on a heavy turn. It will burn up that side of the switch but can still be used as a on and off switch.
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- MARK B on Jan 10, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 2, 2017
Does this work on soft start routers? Mine is already a variable speed but is enclosed making the switch inconvenient.
BEST ANSWER: No. At least mine does not work on soft start type. I purchased one for an older router but found it more convenient to use it on a large old box fan in the shop. Went from working in hurricane force winds to a gentle island breeze which leads to more daydreaming than it should. Good luck.
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- Bob on May 17, 2018
- Purchased on Jul 7, 2016
I have a Dewalt 611 router on my Shapeoko XXL CNC. The router has a speed range between 16,000 - 27,000 with no load. It is adjustable by a dial setting. Can this be used safely to reduce the speed to a range between 5,000 and 16,000?
BEST ANSWER: The DeWalt 611 is a soft start router. We do not recommend using it with this item.
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- Rick H Staff on Jul 10, 2017
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