By A cordless router, by layman’s definition, would mean routers that do not have a power cable. In other words, they are actuated by replaceable batteries. Once these batteries run out, you replace them with new ones of the same specifications or recharge the batteries if the version is rechargeable.
This article is intended to highlight the theoretical advantages and disadvantages one would discover when using a cordless router if it ever comes to reality. There’s no known functional cordless router(s) already in the market, and thus we would want to imagine a cordless router’s benefits and demerits, probably compared to corded routers that we use every day.
Why manufacture a cordless router? Do we need one?
There are many reasons why cordless routers are required, and we will highlight a few here.
Our first imagination resolves to the accessibility of power. There are instances when you are forced to operate in a house or workshop with no electricity outlets in it or even nearby. A cordless router thus becomes very convenient as the absence of power does not hinder you.
Cordless routers would solve the problem of having the cord (of a corded router) being cut accidentally when using some machines or even the router itself.
Occasionally, the cable may be stretched to it limits when working on a profile. In this case, a cordless router wins the selection.
Some workshop operators also argue that having cordless routers may potentially reduce the cost of workshop routers. That’s debatable, but it has a lot of logic. A cordless router would be imagined to be accompanied with a few other smaller tools in its packaging as well as one or two extra batteries at a relatively low price.
Why Haven’t We Seen Any Serious Cordless Routers Yet? My Guess
Well, no one can be pretty accurate on this, except for the manufacturers of routers. But we can as well guess why and explore the reasons in depth.
Routers’ Power Consumption Needs Vs Tasks/Loads
Most routers are very power hungry, and the tasks performed by routers vary from one router to another. It’s not likely to produce a cordless router that will do virtually the same functions as the corded routers. The main point here is the power needs. Some router tasks are very power draining and using a cordless router will be a challenge as it may not stock enough power for the whole process.
Having to recharge or change the batteries of a cordless router every so often in a single day or workshop duty cycle is tiresome and may be impossible in areas where wired electricity is missing. It also slows down the work cycle as you have to wait for it charge. Moreover, some applications of routers are best suited for corded routers.
Size/Weight: The Portability Factor
To stock enough power to last a day of non-stop work in the workshop, cordless router batteries will have to be large enough to match the capacities. That may bring challenges in size and weight. Once weight issues crop in, portability becomes a challenge. Manufacturers wouldn’t want that.
Cordless Tool Technology
Of course, this has to be one of the main reasons here. Technology is changing every day, but it has not yet provided us with enough capacity to create fully functional, reliable and efficient cordless routers. This could be attributed to the different aspects of a cordless router, particularly the power concerns.
Developing a super battery to hold enough capacity, have a small weight and size, and have it integrated into the cordless routers is the next big research exercise for most router manufacturers and we can only hope for the best. We need it for sure.
Skeptical Nature of the Market
This may not be a convincing reason for the lack of cordless routers but it definitely holds some water. Most people, reading from forums discussing routers, are very skeptical about cordless routers. Most of their defense is the power issue. Manufactures would have demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that their cordless routers are trustworthy with regards to power capacity.
Design Challenges
Let’s imagine a cordless trim router. It’s going to be a challenge to engineer a cordless trim router that is both compact and ergonomic, as one can only achieve one and not both (my thought is a cordless router can either be compact or ergonomic). Also, functionality and ergonomics of a cordless trim router will have to match those of a corded trim router, which may be a tall order to manufacturers. But they have to if they are going to create a cordless trim router.
What Would Be the Likely Advantages Of A Cordless Router?
If we had a cordless router what would be the possible benefits? Let’s examine a few likely ones.
- Improved portability, as it’s not limited to availability of electricity connection.
- Ideal in these situations. If you are going to patch floors in the field using routers, cordless would be the best bet.
- Convenient in the fields- There may be times when you need to work in the field where wired electricity is missing.
- We imagine cordless routers to be relatively cheaper compared to corded routers. In most cases, cordless tools are often packaged with extras like extra battery pack and smaller tools.
- Cordless routers eliminate the risk of a router’s cord being cut while in session which can result in injury to the user.
- May also eliminate the risk of having a profile being worked on a long board being damaged by a stretched cord.
Likely Demerits of a Cordless Router
Although we may be head-over-heels with the idea of a cordless router, they may come with a few limitations.
- May not stock enough power for extensive usage or even for a power demanding task. The rechargeable batteries may not last long to see the completion of a task.
- Recharging or replacing the batteries demands that you stop what you have been doing. This slows down work- even worse when you have to recharge the batteries.
- Designing a cordless trim router that is both compact and ergonomic may prove a tall order. And it’s also expected that a cordless trim router will function as effective as a corded trim router and at the same time be as ergonomic as possible.
- Costly to replace the rechargeable batteries with better battery packages. In most cases, battery packs with better performance as well as capacity may be expensive. Sometimes, the prices may be around the cost of the router.
The idea of a cordless router brings with it a lot of expectations with regards to performance and portability. We sure hope manufacturers will research further on this and come up with a workable design. To achieve this, they will need to address the limitations as power.
What do you think of cordless routers? Share your expectations and thoughts.[no_toc]
