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router bits

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markiej:
I'm picking up a router with a 1/4" shank for my build (a decent ryobi, not a great one and not sure if I'll use it after this) - I've searched this forum and ended up more confused.  I'm famous for mis-reading, buying something slightly wrong, and putting unnecessary miles on my 88 Hyundai Excel.  Aaaaaaaanyhow.  So many builds feature similar steps that maybe there's any easy answer out there somewhere?
I'm using 3/4" MDF for everything


* T-molding
* gouging out the space for joysticks and a trackball on the underside of the control deck
* fine-cutting the second side-panel using the first panel as a guide
* bevel the screen frame

* (don't know if this is a router thing or not, but) but cleaning up jaggy cuts?
* anything else a router can do best that I've not thought of?
Thanks very much in advance!

Mike A:
Nobody ever listens to me, but go find a woodworking class somewhere or find a woodworker to learn basic router safety. Learn how to use the thing properly before you dive into an arcade build.

markiej:
That's the plan. It's the only took I have no experience with.

Vigo:
Is the question which bits are needed to accomplish each task, or how-tos? Here are the bits, at least as I use them. Most will come in a standard set other than the slotting cutter.


* T-molding  Slotting cutter 
* gouging out the space for joysticks and a trackball on the underside of the control deck  Mortising bit
* fine-cutting the second side-panel using the first panel as a guide  Flush Tim Bit
* bevel the screen frame  Roundover or sometimes campher bits
* (don't know if this is a router thing or not, but) but cleaning up jaggy cuts?  Flush trim bit. Use another piece of wood as a guide. Maybe you can freehand with mortising bit, but a router is often too powerful to make it better.
* anything else a router can do best that I've not thought of? 

You can bullnose a piece of wood, which means make the end rounded on both sides. Some marquees use bullnoses on the top piece of wood.
You can also mortise furring boards into the side panels to make them set-in and extra durable. (Didn't you just do that, Mike?)
You can cut slots into wood, similar to t moulding, but wider. For example, if you want to have a slot for glass or pvc to insert into wood for the bezel or marquee. It all depends on your design.

Arroyo:
I'll lean on the more experienced woodworkers to chime in here, but I regret going cheap on my router.  I also bought a Ryobi, and I wish I would have put more money into the tool.  I use it the most easily, and it is the most versatile.  I really, really wish I had bought one with a 1/2" collet.  There are plenty of bits that I wish I could use but can't because they are only available in 1/2" shank.  You can always go down in collet size, but you can't go up......something to consider.

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