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Better tool - jig saw or roto-zip

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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.

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