A 'small router' for tight spaces/detail - Anyone using the Dewalt 611 ?

[griffindodd]

Xmas is coming, and so are the power tools 

Looking for a recommendation for a 'small' router for detail work, thin cuts and working in tight spaces. I already have a Bosch 2.5 HP Plunge 1/2 and 1/4 collet which I love like a child, but it's big and heavy. Would like to stay with a 'lifelong' brand rather than go cheap, potentially the smaller router may get used way more than the larger one.

I'm looking at getting a refurbed Dewalt 611 for $89 from Amazon, anyone use one of these?

[PL1]

Looking for a recommendation for a 'small' router for detail work, thin cuts and working in tight spaces.

Dremel tool with the older style Model 330 Router Attachment is my weapon of choice.


The Model 330 is getting hard to find, but can make a perfect circle like this.


Protip -- When set to the smallest possible radius, it makes a perfect mounting hole for the Ultimarc U-Trak Trackball.


Scott

[griffindodd]

Interesting, what type of bit are you using? And how are you starting your holes, all with pilots?

Here's the plunge version...

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-335-01-Plunge-Router-Attachment/dp/B0000DEZK4/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0

[Eldritch1969]

Hi,
I'm using this : Proxxon Mini-router MOF



Really good
German-made, Could be available in the US, don't know

[PL1]

Interesting, what type of bit are you using? And how are you starting your holes, all with pilots?

Here's the plunge version...

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-335-01-Plunge-Router-Attachment/dp/B0000DEZK4/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0

Can't vouch for how well the plunge version works.   

For starting, I either use chain drilled pilot holes where it goes all the way through. use the depth control thumbscrew to "plunge" the bit, or manually freehand plunge it base-and-all.

For bits, Dremel has the 692 set of bits here on Amazon.

You may also want to consider several other bit sets here and here.

Hi,
I'm using this : Proxxon Mini-router MOF
. . .
Could be available in the US, don't know

It is available here on Amazon.


Scott

[griffindodd]

Cool, well I grabbed that little plunge attachment, I already have the basic round attachment for routing that came with the Drill itself so between them I should have some nice options. As for bits, I'm going to look around and try and find some proper carbide 1/8" bits as most of that stuff on Amazon looks like junk.

[griffindodd]

Couldn't find any decent carbide bits at that size, so I'll bite the bullet and give one of these little Steelex sets a try and see how it goes...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DD1OB/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

[BadMouth]

   Why you gotta show me useful stuff all the time?  It costs me money.

That thing just had to fit my old 285 model that was destined for the garbage, but I broke down and ordered new motor brushes for it last night.
Now I spend another $30 on an accessory?  Oh well, it will probably pay for itself with the first CP plexi that I cut out without cracking.

[griffindodd]

  Why you gotta show me useful stuff all the time?  It costs me money.

That thing just had to fit my old 285 model that was destined for the garbage, but I broke down and ordered new motor brushes for it last night.
Now I spend another $30 on an accessory?  Oh well, it will probably pay for itself with the first CP plexi that I cut out without cracking.

Lol sorry about that, now you can route yourself out a nice plack that says 'must stop buying tools'

[BadMouth]

  Why you gotta show me useful stuff all the time?  It costs me money.

That thing just had to fit my old 285 model that was destined for the garbage, but I broke down and ordered new motor brushes for it last night.
Now I spend another $30 on an accessory?  Oh well, it will probably pay for itself with the first CP plexi that I cut out without cracking.

Lol sorry about that, now you can route yourself out a nice plack that says 'must stop buying tools'

It was actually directed at PL1, not that it matters. 
He mentioned clear labels in another thread earlier today and I bought those too!

Good tools are one of the few things that I NEVER have buyers remorse with.

[PL1]

Sorry, BadMouth.

I tried to save you money by linking the smaller package of labels.   

Guess I'm just good at spending other people's money.  Maybe I should go into politics. 
*Ducks, dodges, and weaves to avoid the inbound rotten produce.*   


Scott

[griffindodd]

OK now I have to know what the clear labels are for

[PL1]

Translucent button inserts.  Related post.  PDF with inserts here.


Scott

[BadMouth]

OK now I have to know what the clear labels are for

Button inserts.  I have another project brewing that I can't wait to have vinyl cut for.

I tried to save you money by linking the smaller package of labels.   

I did order the smaller package.  Thank you.

......I ordered it along with the Hakko soldering station that I saw in griffindodd's thread.
Amazon has it with a free set of mini diagonal cutters at the moment.  I couldn't resist.

[griffindodd]

Nice, I likey

[griffindodd]

I love the Hakko station, it heats up super fast, very very nice

[two40]

If the plastic router base isn't doing it for you, or when something breaks, look into the StewMac precision router base for a more accurate and versatile tool that will last and perform. They have some attachments that add to its functionality.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Routing/Precision_Router_Bases/Precision_Router_Base.html

If you are looking for a router table, and again the plastic offering by Dremel is not to your taste, try this one. Not cheap but not plastic either.

http://vanda-layindustries.com/html/router_table.html

[griffindodd]

Cool, good to know, I'll see how I do with the plastic one, and if I find myself using it more and more it may be wise to invest in the better base.

[selfie]

You will get heaps of use out of the small Dewalt unit.

I have 6 or 7 of the Makita laminate trimmers, so I don't have to change bits , that get used very heavily

[griffindodd]

yeah I can see myself owning 3 in the end, the Big Bad Bosch, the handy little Dremel and something in-between, I can see the inbetweener getting a lot of use in the end.