Milling cutter was invented back in 1818. Since then, he has undergone significant changes. Not so long ago, this equipment could only be found in workshops by professionals. However, today, manufacturers have worked to simplify the design, so that people who know a lot about wood processing can use it. This allowed us to achieve the fact that the milling cutter acquired one of its important advantages - affordable cost.
Now there is no need to turn to professionals to realize a certain range of tasks. Previously, you also had to overpay for the services of a milling machine operator, but today you can solve the problem without leaving your own workshop.
Wanting to make an acquisition and facing the choice of such a device, first of all, you should decide on the manufacturer and model of the equipment. It is important to take into account the main functions that you will use in your work. You should not overpay for a professional model, which has an impressive cost and has significant weight. Using such equipment in everyday life is not very convenient, and all its functions are most often not used. Among other market offers, the milling cutter of the Maktec MT360 brand should be highlighted, which will be discussed below.
Model description
Using the above option, you can remove chamfers and edges, as well as milling grooves on wooden surfaces. The device is characterized by an impressive number of revolutions, which reaches 22,000 per minute. This allows you to process surfaces as efficiently and quickly as possible.
It is possible to use different types of collets together with the unit, among which it is necessary to distinguish those that have the following diameters: 6, 8 and 12 mm. If it is necessary to perform a parallel cut, it is advisable to use a lateral emphasis, which, according to home masters, is very convenient.
Specifications
The milling cutter of the Maktec MT360 brand does not have speed control, as well as maintaining constant speed under load. The lack of these functions sometimes makes consumers incline their choice towards other models of milling machines. The working stroke of the cutter is 60 mm. The unit weighs only 5.5 kg, which is an average indicator for such equipment. The length of the device is 300 mm. Power Maktec MT360 reaches 1650 watts.
Before buying, it is important to pay attention to the fact that the milling cutter does not have a soft start, nor does the built-in nozzle of the dust extractor. You will have to provide illumination of the working surface yourself, because the manufacturer did not provide this functionality. The router comes in a box, which is not very convenient for those craftsmen who are used to working outside the home.
Key Features Reviews
Before acquiring the milling cutter model described in the article, you should pay attention to the main features. Among others, consumers distinguish:
- accuracy of work;
- structural strength;
- reliability of a milling cutter.
As for the accuracy of the Maktec MT360, it can be said that it is provided with a milling depth limiter. This allows for accuracy in wood processing. The sole of the tool is made of metal, so there is no need to argue about the strength and durability of the structure.
The reliable clamping of the side stop is guaranteed by a special regulator, which indicates reliability. The milling machine Maktec, according to consumers, has a number of advantages, namely:
- low weight;
- high power;
- the ability to work with different types of collets;
- long cable;
- convenient equipment;
- exact parallel cut.
The latter function is provided by the side stop. Home masters emphasize that the low weight of the device does not bother at all during the performance of work.
User's manual
Before you start working with the tool, you must familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations. You can learn about them from the instructions. The rules for working with equipment state that the working area should be kept clean at all times and should be illuminated. Power tools must not be used in explosive atmospheres, for example, close to flammable gases, liquids and dust. Equipment creates sparks that can cause ignition.
The Maktec router has a plug that must match the outlet. The first should not be redone on their own, as this may result in electric shock to the operator. The design must not be exposed to wet conditions and rain. This increases the risk of electric shock. The cord should not be used to drag equipment and unplug the power tool. Keep cord away from oil, heat, moving parts, and sharp edges.
Before turning on the device, the adjustment keys must be removed from the work surface. If the wrench enters the rotating parts of the implement, this could result in serious personal injury. You should not overestimate your capabilities, you need to use the Maktec MT360 hand-held electric milling machine while holding the tool with both hands. It is important to take a stable position, which will allow you to control the situation.
The tool should not be overloaded during operation. He will do his job correctly if the loads are not too large. Cutting tools must be kept clean and sharp. They should be properly looked after. Then the tool will not wedge.
After reading the Maktec MT360 user manual, you will understand that the bits must be checked periodically for damage or cracks. Knives must be replaced if they are deformed. The operator should keep his hands as far away as possible from the rotating parts of the tool. The nozzle of the equipment must not come into contact with foreign objects during work, except for workpieces.
Mounting the router to the work surface
If you were among those masters who wondered how to attach a Maktec MT360 to the table, then you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturing technology of such an add-on. To do this, you need a countertop. She will fulfill the role of a working plate. Further, birch plywood or MDF is needed, the thickness of one of which should be in the range of 19 to 25 mm. It is better to use a panel coated with plastic, this will reduce friction. If you choose a laminated board on both sides, it will not warp during operation.
Base work
You could read the reviews about the Maktec MT360 above, but they are not the only thing you should know about for the successful operation of the tool. For example, experts advise complementing a hand tool with a work surface. To do this, you need a countertop, which is installed on the frame. The portable table will be stored on the shelf, and for work, it is mounted on a workbench.
If in the workshop you often mill and you have free space, then you need to add support cabinets to the countertop, which will allow you to get a full-fledged machine. The elements of the body are cut in size for a table whose height is 820 mm. Parameters can be changed to set the countertop on a par with other equipment.
The surface is laid with the back side up. Side panels are installed in series, they should be fixed with screws. The base is fixed, the frame is shifted with the front side down. At the final stage, the supports are fixed to the bottom of the housing with the help of roofing screws. Wheel mounting platforms should be spaced 20 mm or more away from the edges.
Supplementing the table with a mounting plate
The characteristics of the Maktec MT360 were presented above, but the master should know not only about them, but also about how to make the milling cutter stationary. Once you have completed all of the above work, you can complement the design with a mounting plate. It will allow to ensure the departure of the cutter, which is made of 6 mm duralumin, monolithic polycarbonate or getinaks.
A square blank with a side of 300 mm must be cut out of the material. The element is laid on a workbench and glued on top with double-sided tape. In the plate using a drill, the diameter of which is equal to the fasteners, it is necessary to drill holes. The sole is removed, and then deepenings under the caps are made with a large drill.
Assembly assembly
Description Maktec MT360 will understand that the design provides the possibility of complementing it with a stationary table. In the next step, the plate is screwed to the connected tool. The plate is placed on the countertop so that you have the opportunity to circle its contour. This will help to indicate the position of the element and drill a hole. The ends are processed with a file and a sandpaper.
Finally
Using the milling cutter, you will have the opportunity to perform a wide range of tasks. You can choose quarters, drill holes, carry out rough grinding and make grooves, slots, and also folds.
Before choosing a manual router, you should think about how often it is planned to use it. This will affect which model you prefer. If you get the tool quite rarely, then the household model will work, but for those who are used to working not only at home, but also outside it, a semi-professional or professional version of the device is perfect.