Better tool - jig saw or roto-zip

[Chemixtry]

If you were only going to buy one. Which would you get? I only need it for cutting control panels and other small projects. Can any of the rotozip type tools do any routing? Just simple stuff like rounding corners, cutting slots for t-molding, and routing out wood for joysticks. Any help would be appreciated.

[Jabba]

I would personally buy a Jigsaw as I think you would get much more use out of it (on other projects around the house too!). IMO, you would not want to use a RotoZip for cutting a control panel. Rotozips are mostly for freehand type stuff, and the bit is not very long.

As far as rounding corners, you would be best off with a Router, BUT you could use a Jigsaw and some sand paper to buff out the cut marks.

As far as cutting a T-Slot, definately a ROUTER. both a jigsaw and a rotozip would mangle the crap out of it even if you dared tries, not to mention how unsafe this would be.

For joysticks, a Spade bit with a drill would be best based on the button diameter.

Hope this helps.

[Chester]

My friend let me borrow his Sears rotary tool (Sears item #00917254000  Mfr. model #17254) and I loved it so much I bought one. I think it's a great tool. 5 amps, 20k-30k RPM, 1/8" & 1/4" collets, router base, handles, stand-off guide, hole cutter guide, grinder, edge guide, flexible shaft with pen-sized handle, built-in work-lights... all for $99 (often $90 on sale).

I used it for routing out the joystick mounts, the trackball hole, ronting and mounting flush the trackball mounting plate, and edge cutting the T-molding slot. I love it. I might build a cocktail cab just so I can use it again!! You have to move slowly and it helps to have a steady hand, but isn't that true for all power tools?

Chester

[Vicious]

Definitely get the jigsaw.  And no matter the brand, get Bosch blades (as long as your jigsaw can take t-shank or both t/u-shank).

Also, if you don't have one, definitely buy a router.

For your joystick/buttons, a 1 1/8" forstner bit is best.

[Tilzs]

I probably would have said a jig saw before I got my dremel advantage (rotozip), but a rotozip is so usefull. With some practice you can cut just as straight as a jig and there are a lot more other bits you can put it in for other projects that you might want to use it on.
The only thing you are going to use a jig saw for is to cut wood.

[exibar]

I have both as well, my Dremel tool gets the most use.  I actually bought two dremels, a cordless and a corded version.

  My jig saw sits in the box most of the time gathering dust.  

  Theu both fit different uses.  But you'll only be able to cut stuff with the jig saw.  You can do so much more with the dremel or rotozip, except cut like a jigsaw.

  HTH!

  Mike B

[rnoonan]

I would definitely "vote" for the roto-zip (actually, roto-zip is the brand, spiral saw is the type).  I used this in many cases on my cabinet.  In addition to the standard spiral saw bits, you can also use router bits and dremel tool bits.  I used a rounding router bit to round the edges of the whole cabinet.  I used a hinge mortise router bit to handle items that don't have the depth to reach all the way through the wood of the control panel.  You can freehand much better with this tool, but you have to be steady and careful (it takes a little getting used to).  Just make sure you have already drawn out what you are doing so you have something to follow.

A basic roto-zip should cost about $30 or less.  Router bits can be pricy for the good ones though.

Hope this helps.
Bob

[Chemixtry]

I thought that spiral saws could do some routing. What brand did you use and does it matter? Anything I should look for when purchasing one? How easy did you find routing the edges of your cabinet? - thanks