Cutting control panel

[Marky_1979]

Would it be a router i need to buy to cut the smooth shape of a control panel like in pic  and also cut out the back of my cp to fit my trackball and joysticks flush? and my lexan/plexiglass cp cover

[spystyle]

In my opinion : yes,

A plunge router is an essential tool. Cutting acrylic without one is completely impractical. And it is required for "flush cutting"

To flush cut a mounting plate : turn your router up-side down and place the plate on it's base, then elevate the cutting bit so it is flush in height to the plate : now what you cut with the router will be the exact depth of the plate.

Dig it?
Craig

[Marky_1979]

iv never used or seen a router before is there a specific on i will need to buy?

[spystyle]

I use a Black & Decker 1/4" plunge router from about 10 years ago and love it.

Having worked in construction I can recommend Porter Cable, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Ryobi, Skil, Craftsman, Black & Decker...  All my bosses liked Porter Cable the best. I like DeWalt 'cuz it's yellow

The routing done on arcade cabinets is not too extream, I would be willing to try "no name brand" from Harbor Freight or similar if the price was right.

Dig it?
Craig

[Marky_1979]

Thanks a lot mate im sure i can get hold of one of those here in the UK do i have to buy any special attachments for the router?

[spystyle]

Yup,

My advice in it's entirety is in my tutorial linked above. Others may chime in with different advice. I use a 1/16" slot cutter with arbor, a (straight) cutting bit, and a flush cutting bit. All are 1/4" shaft to match my 1/4" router.

Cheers,
Craig

[Marky_1979]

thanks once again mate

[Timoe]

I used a cheap Ryobi router that cost me about $50.  I also bought their $30 router bit set.  It doesn't come with the slot gutter bit for the t-molding, I had to buy that seperate.

People will knock the Ryobi for being cheap but if you're only using ot for your arcade building needs it will be more than good enough.  Just be sure to buy a respirator at the same time.  You will NOT want to inhale any dust if you are using MDF.

[AceTKK]

Ryobi tools are really excellent for a hobbist.  They consistently are rated as "Best Value" in almost every review I've ever read.  I've never used their plunge router, but their drills and saws are excellent for the money.  I use a Porter Cable 690 router.  It's a non-plunge model but it's built like a tank and has been an industry standard for decades.  I got mine for ~$80 gently used on e-bay. 

-Ace-

[Grasshopper]

I just bought a router today from B&Q for only

[Marky_1979]

wow b & q you say sounds good what bits does it come with i assume i need to buy all the different router attachments