YEAH! I'M FINALLY BUILDING!!!!! :-) :-) :-)

[andrewonawall]

I was going to try and get a used cab from SuperAuctions when they were in San Jose, but I had a placement test to take during the auction. I made it there when it was over and saw the selection before much of the cabs before people had loaded them up, and it looked pretty poor for meeting my needs. So, I don't think that I will wait until the next time they are back in my area (Dec 4th).
This does mean that I have decided to build from scratch!!! I already have some of my controls, and I know exactly what else I want (just waiting for some good deals). I have a general idea of how my CP layout will be, but I will probably play with it a bit before committing to it. I have the measurements of the cab I like, and I have someone who has a bit more experience with tools then myself to help, even though I am not a complete novice with a drill or circular saw. Now, for the reason I am posting this: In the event that I cannot find my answers by searching the forum, I'm going to use this thread for general build questions or those that are specific to my project.

Joining the ranks sure feels good.

[andrewonawall]

I have been looking into rotary tools at the local Home Depot, Sears, etc. and there are quite a number of rotary tools to choose from. So far, I have looked at a RotoZip and Craftsman All-In-One Cutting Tool. Can't see much of a difference between the two, and after trying to find more info online, I see that there is a whole mess of these things to choose from. So, I need help choosing the one that best fits my needs. First off, I'm in college, and will not be rich anytime soon. Second, this will get light use, but there are many things that I would use it for beyond this project. More specifically, it would be used for detailed work, like a small Dremel.  On that note, I do like the models with the removable handle (Dremel, DeWalt) and this would possibly allow usage of this attachment http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/53099/00953099000-dlv.jpg
for the routing out the slot for the T-molding. Does anyone have any thoughts on the different models from Dremel or other brands? Also, what advantage would I have with an angled circular saw attachment that I wouldn't have with a jig-saw or regular circular saw?

[mozzer]

I own a roto zip. I'm not sure of the model but it is the red one.

I can definately recomend it. It is very powerful and will accept attatchments and bits from some of the other manufacturers.

[RayB]

Stay away from the low-end cordless Dremel, unless you also buy a second battery for it. Those things run out of power very quickly......

[andrewonawall]

Stay away from the low-end cordless Dremel, unless you also buy a second battery for it. Those things run out of power very quickly......

I should have mentioned that I generally stay away from cordless, as I usually keep a slow but precise approach to work. So, corded is always a must for me.

Attachments from other manufactures are also of interest, so I'll check out the Roto Zip mozzer.

[Zakk]

I've got a roto zip and a Dremel.  I use the dremel 10000X more than the roto zip.  The roto zip is very powerful, but the version I have only has a couple of speeds: fast, and ludicrous speed.  I use it only for putting sinks in countertops, and even then I sometimes get nervous and use a jig saw.  That thing sometimes will act like the tazmanian devil and take off on you if you're not bullying it along and paying attention.  Plus I find the bits expensive and easy to break.  A neat tool to own, but if I had to choose between it and the dremel, it would be the dremel hands down.  Oh, but be sure to get the dremel with lots of speed adjustment.  Come to think of it, I'm on my second dremel, I went out and replaced the old one within 1/2 hour of the old one konking out on me (and twenty of those minutes were spent trying to revive it!)

Oh, and high end cordless tools are da bomb to own... it's the cheapy low end ones that usually disappoint people.  

Of course all of this is just my opinion, not cast in stone  

[NoOne=NBA=]

That thing sometimes will act like the tazmanian devil and take off on you if you're not bullying it along and paying attention.

If you want to see a tool that REALLY has a mind of its own, try using the Rotozip bit in your Dremel to carve your pumpkin this year.

It SOUNDED like a good idea.

Pumpkins have hard spots and soft spots though.
If you push hard enough to get through the hard spot, watch out when you come to the softer spot.

[Bgnome]

i have the craftsman all-in-one and i think its a pretty good tool.  it comes with the router base attachment.  i havent been able to use it too much, but i have used it for some light drilling and straight cuts.  it can wobble a little in the base so you have to be careful when doing the straight cuts..  it is also slow going so i ended up getting a cheap circular saw.
have not tried to use it as a router yet, but in order to use it as a dremel you do need to get the extension attachment:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00953033000

[Nannuu]

I think I have the same model Rotozip as Zakk.  The thing is impossible to use unless you just don't care what the hole looks like.  My Dremel on the other hand has been used up the ying (not my ying).  Love that thing.  I got the $80 variable speed set that has some extra attachments and the extension cable.  Then I got the holy bajeezas set of bits at Costco for 20 bucks.  Second best tool ever.  I love my Kreg pocket hole jig more .

[andrewonawall]

I think I have the same model Rotozip as Zakk.  The thing is impossible to use unless you just don't care what the hole looks like.  My Dremel on the other hand has been used up the ying (not my ying).  Love that thing.  I got the $80 variable speed set that has some extra attachments and the extension cable.  Then I got the holy bajeezas set of bits at Costco for 20 bucks.  Second best tool ever.  I love my Kreg pocket hole jig more .

I went to the hardware store and got the same kit. I really wanted that variable speed Roto Zip with the angled circular saw attachment, but this kit will get more use with hobbies and such. The harware store guy also mentioned that I could use either one, but if I was going to do heavy work all the time (like installing drywall or countertops daily) I should take the Roto Zip.  The Dremel was cheaper and came with the router and flex shaft too.  I also picked up the circle cutter for $9.  I think that I'll be happy with all this.

But now I have a problem of having no circular saw for light use. I'm building this thing with my soon to be father-in-law, who has a heavy duty circular saw for the cab. I thought that the Roto Zip attachment saw would be perfect for CP revisions in the future. Are there any small circular saws that are in the $30-$40 range that would be good for cutting 3/4" MDF???

Also, while I will of practice on some scrap wood, are there any good sites that can give me some tips on using this thing? And what about bits? What will I need for cutting the MDF? The kit came with a drywall and general purpose bit, so will the general purpose bit do the trick? What specific bit should I purchase for the T-molding slot? I saw the $30 bit on the T-molding site, but I really don't want to pay that much unless I really have too. Plus, I need it for this weekend.