The router we use (used) at the shop is
↑A Proxxon MM100 model,
the standard of mini routers.
Proxxon is a brand name,
and the manufacturer is Kiso Power Tools.
This router—I follow the rated usage time
and I'm not aware of using it recklessly,
but after a few years of use it starts overheating so much you can't hold the body
or the motor RPM drops drastically
and it becomes unusable,
so I've had to replace it several times.
It's not like I use it that frequently either.
Well, it's an essential tool
and the cost does pay for itself with the usage I get,
but still...
Oh, and I've repaired it multiple times, just so you know.
The chuck that holds the bits has two compatible shaft diameters:
3.0mm and 2.35mm, both included.
↑The fact that I have so many spares lying around
shows how many times I've had to replace them.
So when the MM100 from the opening image died recently,
I thought I'd try a router from someone other than Proxxon,
and I found one cheaper than the MM100, so
I bought a Ryobi MHR-26 router.
The product name is Hobby Router,
so MHR apparently stands for Mini Hobby Router.
I found out after buying it that
this router's chuck only comes in one size for 2.35mm shaft diameter,
and smaller doesn't cover larger, so to attach a 3mm shaft bit
I'd need to use an adapter.
That adapter broke pretty easily.
Since it's an aftermarket part, not an official accessory from the router manufacturer,
and because the extension is long and creates excessive force
when pushing down while it's spinning,
maybe it's unavoidable that it breaks.
There's something that looks like a button in front of the ON/OFF switch,
but it doesn't really do anything.
Even if it's meant to be a non-slip grip, it's not like
you'd be pressing it with your fingertips during use.
There's a slightly smudged Ryobi logo sticker,
but looking at another sticker on the body
the manufacturer is listed as Kyocera.
I looked it up and found that Ryobi transferred
its power tool business to Kyocera in 2018.
That's fine, but
Huh? Kiso Power Tools Co., Ltd.?
W-wait, this MHR-26 router...
It's an OEM version of the Proxxon MM20 model!
(Image from Kiso Power Tools' website)
Wow, I didn't see that coming.
I usually only buy the MM100, you know.
I used the MHR-26—wait, not the MM20—to machine the dimple in the drill bit guide from the previous post,
but since I really need to be able to use 3mm shaft diameter bits,
I ended up buying another MM100.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that the MM100 has
an RPM adjustment dial that the MM20 doesn't,
where the MM20 is fixed at 16,500 RPM
but the MM100 can be infinitely adjusted
in the range of 8,000–18,000 RPM.
Anyone seeking a mini router
cannot escape Kiso Power Tools!
↑A Proxxon MM100 model,
the standard of mini routers.
Proxxon is a brand name,
and the manufacturer is Kiso Power Tools.
This router—I follow the rated usage time
and I'm not aware of using it recklessly,
but after a few years of use it starts overheating so much you can't hold the body
or the motor RPM drops drastically
and it becomes unusable,
so I've had to replace it several times.
It's not like I use it that frequently either.
Well, it's an essential tool
and the cost does pay for itself with the usage I get,
but still...
Oh, and I've repaired it multiple times, just so you know.
The chuck that holds the bits has two compatible shaft diameters:
3.0mm and 2.35mm, both included.
↑The fact that I have so many spares lying around
shows how many times I've had to replace them.
So when the MM100 from the opening image died recently,
I thought I'd try a router from someone other than Proxxon,
and I found one cheaper than the MM100, so
I bought a Ryobi MHR-26 router.
The product name is Hobby Router,
so MHR apparently stands for Mini Hobby Router.
I found out after buying it that
this router's chuck only comes in one size for 2.35mm shaft diameter,
and smaller doesn't cover larger, so to attach a 3mm shaft bit
I'd need to use an adapter.
That adapter broke pretty easily.
Since it's an aftermarket part, not an official accessory from the router manufacturer,
and because the extension is long and creates excessive force
when pushing down while it's spinning,
maybe it's unavoidable that it breaks.
There's something that looks like a button in front of the ON/OFF switch,
but it doesn't really do anything.
Even if it's meant to be a non-slip grip, it's not like
you'd be pressing it with your fingertips during use.
There's a slightly smudged Ryobi logo sticker,
but looking at another sticker on the body
the manufacturer is listed as Kyocera.
I looked it up and found that Ryobi transferred
its power tool business to Kyocera in 2018.
That's fine, but
Huh? Kiso Power Tools Co., Ltd.?
W-wait, this MHR-26 router...
It's an OEM version of the Proxxon MM20 model!
(Image from Kiso Power Tools' website)
Wow, I didn't see that coming.
I usually only buy the MM100, you know.
I used the MHR-26—wait, not the MM20—to machine the dimple in the drill bit guide from the previous post,
but since I really need to be able to use 3mm shaft diameter bits,
I ended up buying another MM100.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that the MM100 has
an RPM adjustment dial that the MM20 doesn't,
where the MM20 is fixed at 16,500 RPM
but the MM100 can be infinitely adjusted
in the range of 8,000–18,000 RPM.
Anyone seeking a mini router
cannot escape Kiso Power Tools!