No router. Options?

[krion]

As the topic says, I dont have a router.  I am wondering if there is any alternative to a router for putting a trench in for tmolding.

If not, does anyone in the Toronto area have any idea where I could go to get it done for me?  I just need my control panel top plate done.  THanks

Krion

[ThePaul]

I was in the same boat.. actually I am in the same boat. No router. I've decided to go ahead and buy one. I've already ordered and received the slot cutting bit so what the heck.

When I needed a mitterbox saw for cutting my control pannel bottom pieces I bought one for more than $50 US at Home Depot.. made sure to open the box real carefully. Used it, cleaned it up, put it back in box and took it back for a full cash refund. The same would work for a router and I would do that again, but I figure I'll need the router for the rest of my cab project so why not just buy one.

Even if you find someone with a router to borrow you will have problems finding the right size slot cutting bit.

[Santoro]

Rent one?

I strongly advise against t-molding without a router.

[SirPeale]

Yeah, rent or buy one.  I'd say 'buy' but only because it's so indispensible.

[photorock]

         I agree, rent one for a day. The only thing about renting one is they may not rent bits or a slot cutter for that matter, so you may have to borrow one or buy one of those. Have you considered checking your local kitchen cabinet makers or furniture makers they would probable cut the slots for a small fee.
         When I cut the slot in my CP I used a handsaw, although it worked great, it was time consuming.

[SirPeale]

Slot cutters are $16.00 shipped free from http://www.mcls.com

[Tiger-Heli]

        I agree, rent one for a day. The only thing about renting one is they may not rent bits or a slot cutter for that matter, so you may have to borrow one or buy one of those. Have you considered checking your local kitchen cabinet makers or furniture makers they would probable cut the slots for a small fee.
         When I cut the slot in my CP I used a handsaw, although it worked great, it was time consuming.

When I looked into renting one, they were like $35-50 for a 1/2 day, and they are $19 or $29 to buy from www.harborfreight.com

[rdagger]

I think the top 3 power tools for this hobby are cordless drill, jigsaw and a router.

I didn't know what a router was before I bought it.  It turns out I use it all the time:  T-molding, cutting holes in Lexan, routing CP's to mount custom controls, installing hinges, flush trimming laminate & Lexan, bevels & edge rounding and many other instances where something just didn't fit right.  The router also comes in handy for other home projects.  

Unless you are an artisan with a circular saw or hand plane, I doubt there is a good substitute for a router.  Maybe you could use a Dremel, but I'd spend the money on a router.

[Scoobie]

Slot cutters are $16.00 shipped free from http://www.mcls.com

This link is for Mid-Columbia real estate?  Is this the right site?

[depressd]

I believe he was referring to this site.

www.mlcswoodworking.com

The 3 wing slot cutter is like a hot knife through butter.

[FractalWalk]

When I needed a mitterbox saw for cutting my control pannel bottom pieces I bought one for more than $50 US at Home Depot.. made sure to open the box real carefully. Used it, cleaned it up, put it back in box and took it back for a full cash refund.

Come on, don't be that guy.

[paigeoliver]

I used the el cheapo router/trimmer from Harbor Freight along with their slot cutting bit (which is way too wide, and made me have to glue the t-molding down a bit). Buy their router, then order the right bit, you will have to order it as NO ONE stocks it.

[TOK]

When I needed a mitterbox saw for cutting my control pannel bottom pieces I bought one for more than $50 US at Home Depot.. made sure to open the box real carefully. Used it, cleaned it up, put it back in box and took it back for a full cash refund.

Come on, don't be that guy.

Really! Nothing worse than buying something and finding out some jerkoff has used and returned it.
 

[tbombaci]

have to order it as NO ONE stocks it.

I picked up mine off the shelf at Post Tool in San Jose.

-Tom

[Ghoward]

Your cab cost a lot of money to build right? So why not but the right tool for the job it will be worth it in the end. Routers are quite cheap to buy and it's not like you have to buy anything more than a basic one.

Gary

[Sylentwulf]

Routers are SO CHEAP. this post comes up DAILY it seems.

I bet I could build a WHOLE CAB using just a cordless drill/driver and a router. Witha  routing table and the right bits, you COULD cut the entire thing out very easily and well done with a router, not that I've ever tried it, but theoretically....

[krion]

appreciate the replies.  I was pretty sure this was the info i was going to get.  Dont have a problem buying a router to do the job properly.  Was just curious if there was an alternative  Anyhow, thanks again

Krion