Router question?

[mytymaus007]

Is it possible to use a trim router for all routing needs to complete an Arcade cabinet if so any recomendations i found this one for cheap? I think Harbor Frieght has one also. Also what bits are used to recess the joysticks?

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=trim+router&client=pub-5942360976771789&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT:%23003324%3BGL:1%3BDIV:%2366CC99%3BVLC:FF6600%3BAH:center%3BBGC:C5DBCF%3BLBGC:73B59C%3BALC:000000%3BLC:000000%3BT:330033%3BGFNT:333300%3BGIMP:333300%3BFORID:1&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12614856202213355523&sa=X&ei=f_U5TvO8MIS10AH8s7nbAw&ved=0CFMQ8wIwAA#

[upper2bits]

I would think so, as long as you can get the right bits for it everything should work fine. What type of wood are you using?

[BobA]

Cutting joystick base holes etc will take a bit of setup because the router does not look like it has any depth control built in.   You will just have to set your depth of cut on scrap pieces until it is correct.

[mytymaus007]

what bit do you use for recessing the joysticks. I have the slot cutting bit. I use another bit for the holes with my drill. I just need to recess the sticks and trackball.

[BobA]

I use a straight bit.

Straight Bit

[BadMouth]

I have the one from harbor freight (appears to be the same model).

No matter how tight I clamp the depth adjustment, it moves on me.

[mytymaus007]

I have the one from harbor freight (appears to be the same model).

No matter how tight I clamp the depth adjustment, it moves on me.

Where you able to rescess joysticks. What were you able to accomplish with your router i actually want to buy the harbor freight trim router only because its $24 what your reiview on the router

thanks

[BadMouth]

I have the one from harbor freight (appears to be the same model).

No matter how tight I clamp the depth adjustment, it moves on me.

Where you able to rescess joysticks. What were you able to accomplish with your router i actually want to buy the harbor freight trim router only because its $24 what your reiview on the router

thanks

I only tested it on a few pieces of scrap and noticed that the cut kept getting deeper as I was routing.
I tightened the depth adjustment to the point that I was afraid it would break, but it still slipped as the router vibrated.

 I was afraid to use it for anything but flush trim work after that.  Read the reviews on harbor freight.

[mgb]

I have a cheapo router from harbor freight and I've used it for trimming the laminate on my cab as well as slotting for t-molding and a few other odds and ends and its held up real well for a $22 router.

[bkenobi]

I have the one from harbor freight (appears to be the same model).

No matter how tight I clamp the depth adjustment, it moves on me.

Where you able to rescess joysticks. What were you able to accomplish with your router i actually want to buy the harbor freight trim router only because its $24 what your reiview on the router

thanks

I borrowed a router from my dad for routing the joystick stuff on my CP.  I had the same problem where the bit started slipping out and "auto-adjusted" the depth of the routed path.  I caught it early enough that I was able to fix the problem with just a little extra liquid nail.

In my case, the problem was that the collet was junked up with bits of crap from previous jobs.  After cleaning things up, I was able to get it to work correctly.  I decided to get a new one and return his router in the end since I figured I'd probably need it again at some point.  It's been sitting brand new in the box for ~1.5 years now...  BUT, when I need to do some routing...   

I only tested it on a few pieces of scrap and noticed that the cut kept getting deeper as I was routing.
I tightened the depth adjustment to the point that I was afraid it would break, but it still slipped as the router vibrated.

 I was afraid to use it for anything but flush trim work after that.  Read the reviews on harbor freight.

[mytymaus007]

I bought the crappy Harbor freight trim Router $24 plus $7 for bits they sell there. Result exactly what i wanted. I was able to use one hand to complete job. next i will recess the joysticks and volcano buttonsif i ever get any!

[syph007]

Perfectly straight cuts too!!!

LOL I kid I kid....  

I know how tool costs add up.  I think I spent over 500 on tools my first build.  But now my second build is much cheaper!

[mytymaus007]

Perfectly straight cuts too!!!

LOL I kid I kid....  

I know how tool costs add up.  I think I spent over 500 on tools my first build.  But now my second build is much cheaper!

LOL this was free hand (one hand) and first time with a router. im actually puting a marquee over this just needed to route out more wood to get some more light behind it.