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Manual milling machines and hand routers are material cutting devices that require skilled operators. They can cut material horizontally or vertically and are ideal for small-scale jobs. Automated milling machines replaced manual versions in the 1940s, but hand routers are still used by small businesses and independent individuals. Some hand milling machines have a digital readout display for more control and accuracy.
A manual milling machine is a material cutting device that is not controlled by automation or a computer. Milling machines are used to break down material into smaller pieces. They contain a spindle, which can operate horizontally or vertically. Small-scale jobs that don’t require very precise settings may benefit the most from using a hand router.
Routers all have a worktable that fixes the piece of material that needs to be cut. These machines can remove material from larger workpieces to create desired grooves, edges, slots or shoulders. For materials such as metal that are difficult to cut and shape, these machines are ideal. Before the introduction of computers and automated technology, all milling machines were manually operated.
The first hand-held routers were introduced in the 1800s. They evolved to include “universal capability” in the 1860s, meaning a single machine could handle several types of cuts. Automated milling machines began replacing manual versions in the 1940s.
Unlike an automated or numerically controlled (CNC) milling machine, a manual machine must be set up and operated by a skilled, hands-on operator. A hand milling machine typically cuts and breaks down material at a slower speed than a CNC machine. Automated or CNC machines are usually used when a large amount of material needs to be shaped to the same specifications.
Because a hand router requires an educated, trained and skilled operator, it tends to be used by small businesses or independent individuals. Most large companies or corporations use some form of automated technology to operate their machines. Those workers still using a hand milling machine need to be aware of the exact location of the machine’s work piece and the size of cut that needs to be made.
Hand routers can cut material horizontally or vertically. Horizontal machines have cutters that traverse the workpiece table in a linear fashion. Vertical machines use cutters that rotate on the spindle axis.
Some hand milling machines use a digital readout display to indicate the location of the work piece and the position of the spindle. The digital display gives the operator more control and accuracy. It can indicate different functions of the machine, such as inclinations. A display can also allow an operator to determine how to move the spindle and workpiece to match the preset cut size.
