The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: ArtsNFartsNCrafts on December 27, 2007, 12:49:49 pm
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So if one were to start a colletion of router bits geared toward arcade cab making, which router bits should go in the collection?
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Flush cutting and 3/16 slot cutting bits are a good start
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I second the flush cutting bit. I just purchased a router and right now it's the only bit I have, yet it is the best investment I've ever made. It cost me about $16 for the bit itself, but it is making short work of the "screw-ups" caused by my inability to properly use a jigsaw. (I'm getting better though. ;) ;D ) Anyway, the straight cutting flush bit will be able to clean up that last 1/8" between your cut line and the pencil line you drew out, and if you are steady with your router you don't have to worry about it moving in on you. Just a little bit at a time is all you need.
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don't forget the straight bit for routing out joystick recesses and the like...
:cheers:
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For arcade cabinet work, I would get a pattern cutting bit before I get a flush trim bit (unless you're doing laminate, of course). There's a lot more you can do with a pattern bit than the shorter flush trim bit. Having both is preferable though, as you will find situations where the flush trim bit is better suited.
A slot cutter is really the only other essential bit for just about every cabinet though. Other than that, buy as you need them.
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So what is a good quality slot cutting bit and where should I get it from (3/4 mdf)?
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For arcade cabinet work, I would get a pattern cutting bit before I get a flush trim bit (unless you're doing laminate, of course). There's a lot more you can do with a pattern bit than the shorter flush trim bit. Having both is preferable though, as you will find situations where the flush trim bit is better suited.
A slot cutter is really the only other essential bit for just about every cabinet though. Other than that, buy as you need them.
I was going to say the exact same thing. My pattern bit gets used ten times more than my flush trim bit. It is especially useful for making an exact match once you have one side cut.
I get all my bits from MLCS (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/).
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Can someone explain the difference between a pattern bit and a flush trim bit? The way the pattern bit is being described in this thread makes it sound just like the flush trim bit I have to use for cutting wood shapes with a template piece.
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Can someone explain the difference between a pattern bit and a flush trim bit? The way the pattern bit is being described in this thread makes it sound just like the flush trim bit I have to use for cutting wood shapes with a template piece.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=76118.0
:cheers:
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A flush trim bit has the ball bearing on the bottom and a pattern bit has the ball bearing on top. It makes a huge difference.
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I see. Thanks for the info. :)
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You can also get a bit that will do both flush trim and pattern routing. Check it out here (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20258).
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You can also get a bit that will do both flush trim and pattern routing. Check it out here (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20258).
That bit won't work however for doing things like recessed mounting a joystick. While it allows you to copy or flush trim from either the top or bottom it doesn't do everything that the pattern bit can.