what is plunge router?
Answers:
A router with a retractable bit. You can put it on a piece of wood then lower the bit
Or it's like my Cisco router that quit working and got tossed in the pond behind my house.
Other answers:
A router that springs up into the case, so if you want to start in the middle you can just "plunge" it into the wood.
A router that springs up into the case, so if you want to start in the middle you can just "plunge" it into the wood.
Take a look at this link...
It is a router that has spring suspended bottom ring so that you can stablize the router, properly position it and press it down to start cutting into the wood. This is useful for carving letters and artwork into the side of wooden mailbox posts.
The router is clearly one of the most flexible and useful portable power tools. But the full capability of this tool is hard to realize when the motor is mounted in a fixed base. When a cut or shape must be formed in the interior of a board or panel, as in mortising, a fixed-base tool requires you to tilt the router into the work. This operation is dangerous and often results in a sloppy, inaccurate cut.
The solution to this problem is a plunge router. This tool features a motor/collet assembly that is attached to a base by means of two spring-loaded columns. When the base is positioned on a firm surface, you can move the entire motor assembly, including the spinning cutter, up and down, plunging it into the workpiece. These tools can also perform all the operations of a fixed-base router.
Plunge routers are available in a wide range of sizes that parallel those of fixed-base machines. Smaller, fractional horsepower models feature 1/4-in. collets and large, heavy-duty routers offer the capability of using either 1/4- or 1/2-in. collets. Check individual specifications to see what size collet is provided as standard equipment.
When comparing the power of these tools, look to the amp rating, rather than the nominal horsepower. Amperage is a more accurate indication of the actual power of a hand tool.
Pay attention, as well, to the speed of the router as measured in rpm. Some tools offer electronic speed control that maintains a constant speed in various cutting situations. Some routers also offer a speed selection dial that lets you set the speed of the router. This is particularly useful when switching between cutters of different diameters. Large-diameter cutters should be operated at slower speeds than smaller bits.
When comparing tools, notice the location of the power switch. Most plunge routers have trigger switches that are conveniently mounted on the handle. Some models, however, have toggle or button switches located elsewhere on the body.
Each of these tools has a system of depth stops to adjust and limit the depth of cut. Look for a machine that has an easy-to-use fine-tuning mechanism on the stop. In addition, examine the plunge-release system. It is important that this feature operate easily and smoothly. It should be located in a convenient spot, readily accessible with your hands on the router handles.
It is generally refered to a drywall router.Its best brand is ROTO-ZIP. They are around 70 dollars at the HomeDepot.