router shopping

[pwnt by pat 10+ year member]

I am in the market for a router today. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I'm not sure if I should be looking for a fixed base or plunge router. I know plunge go up and down but I don't know how that affects what I'm doing....

I'm mainly looking for a router to make cutouts, baffels, flushmount installs, and roundovers.

Second, what would I need to make a guide for the roundover bit? In a picture I saw, the router had two poles/bolts that lead the bit along the edge of the wood. Is that something that has to be made or is it something that should come with the router?

Thanks

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[theCybe 5,000+ posts]

A plunge router will save you the hassle of pre-drilling an insertion point if you're routing a circle; Also, if you want to route thick MDF, you need to do it in varying depths; ie, do the first 1/4", then the next 1/4", etc; Else burn the bit/wood.

I'd recommend the plunge router. There are a plethora of bolt-ons for most routers, I think what you're describing is a sort of fence. To roundover, the bit itself should have a bearing at the end; Allowing it to roll down the edge of a surface and maintain a proper bevel.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

x2 on the plunge router but I find making rings quite difficult with router using jasper jig. They work much better with a orbital jigsaw but as for making cutout circles, nothing better than a plunge router with upspiral bit.

 

[ramos 5,000+ posts]

X a billion a plunge router can do what a fixed base can do, plus plunge cutting. Most plunge routers have depth gauges and stops to hold there depth. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[AcidicDreams 10+ year member]

get a plunge... and if your tight on money the red skil router (~70) seems to be a deal.. otherwise go for the better brands... ohh and all a plunge is is a regular router mounted on the plunge attachment... most I've seen you could unmount and use on a router table if you wanted..

 

[ramos 5,000+ posts]

get a plunge... and if your tight on money the red skil router (~70) seems to be a deal.. otherwise go for the better brands... ohh and all a plunge is is a regular router mounted on the plunge attachment... most I've seen you could unmount and use on a router table if you wanted..

The two skills I have bolt to the table I made with the bases still on. Bolts on just like the jasper jig does. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[pwnt by pat 10+ year member]

So a plunge router... okay.

Question about the roundover bits: Is it possible to round over two sides of 3/4" with a 3/8 roundover to make a perfect semi-circle piece of wood (like for rounded inside port bends)?

 

[ramos 5,000+ posts]

Yes sir you can //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif