Main > Main Forum
Suggestions on a router to use?
(1/2) > >>
eastbayarb:
Before I get what may be an inevitable "do a search", I did a search on this and while I did see some suggestions, nothing very recent.

I need a good router.  Anyone have any suggestions on a good router? My price range is around $100-$200 but less is always good :)

Also I would like to know what bits I need for things like t-molding, cutting rounded edges on a CP, CP button holes, cutting holes in lexan, etc.

Thanx!
Xam:
Any of the name brand routers ( DeWalt, Makita, Porter Cable, etc.) should do more than fine for almost any routing job. You should be able to get a damn fine router in that price range. If you are just using it to build a cab here or there, something along the lines of a Black & Decker or Skil would suffice.

I picked up a decnt router at Harbor Freight for $40 (reg price was $80)


As mentioned, If you plan on using it a bunch, I would buy one of the better routers first mentioned in my post.

Xam
whynotpizza:

Great question, and recently I went thru all of this, so let me try to help. :)

For the router itself, since I didn't have much experience using these tools, and I didn't want to sink a bunch of cash into the unit itself, I borrowed the neighbors instead and purchased the bits myself.

SKIL Plunge Router 1835 1 3/4 HP is what I used. I worked well, but is definitely something you need to be careful with as these tools are powerful and can get away from you easily especially on startup.

And for the bits, these are what I used.

SKIL 1/8" Roundover Carbide Router Bit
  (Used for cutting my Lexan edges of the CP surface)

SKIL 1/2" V-Groove Carbide Router Bit
  (Used for making V-Groove holes to counter-sink my 4 corner screws used to hold Lexan to CP wood surface)

Both SKIL bits can be purchased @ Lowes, or online to save a few bucks.

As for the T-Molding bit used, I used the following bit purchased from www.mlcswoodworking.com

Slot Cutter Complete Assmbly #5341, 1/16" - 1/4" shank

It was $16 and shipping was free.

As for curring the Lexan surface (and the CP wood for that matter) holes for Joysticks and Buttons, I used a 1 1/8" Freud Precision-Shear Forstner bit, also purchased @ Lowes.

All in all, the Lexan (purchased @ Lowes also) cuts took me about 6 hours as I was very meticulous to make sure I did not crack the piece. Turned out pretty good in the end.

Here are a few pictures of my project still work-in-process.

Good luck,

  :)

   David


Timoe:
The PorterCable 690 router is like the 3" happ trackball of routers. I believe it is around $200


But you can get a $60 Ryobi router that will build you a few great cabinets just fine
torez:
... and I came here thinking that we are talking about a network router :tool:
LOL
Navigation
Message Index
Next page

Go to full version