Woodworking question (router choice)

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

i have another ? as im going to get a router, the craftsman plunge.
doing this stuff for audio installs whats a good kit for bits? good set thats not expensive. also what the most used bits ?

i just want to make sure i get what i need.

also going to make a table as i like that idea.

just picked up a belt sander not i have a 3" and a 3/4" belt sanders.

have a table saw

drill press

band saw

want to get a nice jig saw one with laser guide,Variable Speed Orbital Jigsaw . i do have one but its getting old.

You can get some really cheap bits but I highly suggest some freud bits (they're red, can be found at home depot, and cost about $25 each). Yes they are very expensive but nothing is worse than a router bit that won't cut well. Ryobi sells a 3 piece roundover set that works pretty well. It will occasionally leave a bit of fuzz after the cut but that can be cleaned up with some 150-220 grit in just a few passes by hand.

For bits you will want:

- 1" straight bit

- 1" flush trim (with bearing)

- Roundover set (3pc ryobi set)

If you decide to mess around with fancy trim pieces you will also want to get a pattern bit. It's similar to the flush trim bit that has a bearing to follow a guide, except the bearing is mounted near the shank, so you can clamp a piece of wood and a template together and use it as a guide. Though it's not necessary to start out with.

Those 3 bit sets will run you about $70 if you go with the freud/ryobi. Expensive, yes, but the router only works as well as the bits work.

 

[big scott]

yes i know, just did not want to spend $75-100 a bit. that would ****.

ok i will look into them, thanks very much.

cant wait to get it so i can start doing some nice work. want to make some door panels and this will be nice.

plus i hate using a jig saw for cutting speakers holes.

 

[CheЯRyMan]

Most 1 hp routers are light duty, then you step up to 2hp models that will get the job done for most applications. The heaviest are 3.25 hp. I would recommend a 2hp. Fixed base is great for round overs there easier to control because the plunge base adds weight. You will need a plunge base for cutting holes. If you get a combo deal it will include a plunge and fixed base. I have 6 routers I like to have a router for each job with no setup time I just grab the one that's rdy to go. The circle cutting jig will be a must have and constantly taking it on and off is a pain. What to look for, soft start is nice it ramps up the initial speed which prolongs brush life, A built in Led to see your work, If you get a model with evs a 1-6 rpm control leave it set to 5 for most jobs it will prolong the brush life. Most routers have two accesses to change the brushes if you buy a used router unscrew the brush caps a look at the brushes this will confirm how much its been used.

If the brushes are worn down there's a good chance the armature is damaged. Use your router in a clockwise motion this faces the cutting edge into the work. Top tip if you need to open up a sub hole thats too tight use your router in a counterclockwise motion this is called a climb cut and will not dig into the existing profile but will run along the side and gradually open it up in a controlled way. Finally you need some endmills. In my CnC machine the general rule is take half of the dia. of the bit for your depth passes. Ive been using a Hitachi M12vc in my cnc for 1.5 yrs now and it has preformed great and it runs for 2 hrs straight in some 3d jobs I do. I usually just replace the entire router in my cnc because you can always replace brushes but eventually the bearing get worn and lose accuracy cheaper to replace. So I have a couple of plunge bases brand new for that model that you can have for free. Dont buy cheap bits they cost just as much in the long run. Combo bits sets not good either you'll get a bunch of bits you don't need or use. .25, .375 and .5 roundovers and .25 endmills are what you really need to get started and a circle jig.

 

[big scott]

wow good info.

how much for shipping ?

i like that router , was just looking it up. i think ill get that if you say its good.

 

[CheЯRyMan]

The router has been solid for me. Most builders use their router 3-5 minutes at a time. Mine sees extended use in big jobs with long run times and I know a lot of the CnC community also uses this model in their operation. I apologize its been almost 2yrs and the plunge base I thought I had is really just the fixed base. Its still very useful to have two fixed bases the 2nd base can stay attached to your router table just undo the clip and slip it in and out this frees up your other base for portable work. Just pay the ship and its yours.