Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: eastbayarb on December 18, 2006, 04:24:07 am
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I am a newbie, and I need a plunge router to make a hole in my CP for my trackball.
Can someone tell me what a good plunge router is (make and model number is appreciated), and one that can use many attatchments (I wanna add some better tmolding to my CP as well).
Thanx
oh, and I did use the search already!
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Whatever you do DON'T get that Rotozip one!! Yea, the one you see at Toyz R us and its made by like Hasbro or something. I keep telling peeps around here that I want one and they keep shooting me down...
So sorry I can only say which one NOT to get.
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IMHO you don't need a plunge router for the job, if you already have a fixed base router. If you don't have any type of router then get a fixed base one and a jig saw, that way you'll be able to get the job done, plus have both tools for the future.
Drill starter holes at the edge of where the hole will be and then use the jig saw to rough cut the hole. Then use the router with a flush trim bit and/or a template made from hardboard to finish the hole.
A plunge router is kind of unwieldly if your not used to handling it.
Good router brands IMHO are Porter Cable, Bosch and Makita. If all you are going to do with it is make stuff for your CP and cab, then you won't need a bells and whistles one or a very powerful one, no more than a couple HP. Router bits are fairly expensive so get a simple quality router and then get some good bits to go with it (make sure you get the right size shank on the router bits for your router). If you absolutely have to have a plunge router, then get a kit with the router motor and both a fixed and plunge base.
Honestly, I only ever use my plunge router for inlay stuff and making signs.
Hope this helps.
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for occasional, light work, consider a laminate trimmer, which is just a small router. i'm using a Makita 3700B (http://www.amazon.com/3700B-Makita-Laminate-Trimmer/dp/B000I0XNZ6/sr=1-1/qid=1166466200/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-0837592-6452447?ie=UTF8&s=hi), ($121 shipped from amazon). there is a higher-end model 3707FC (http://www.amazon.com/Makita-3707FC-Laminate-Trimmer-L-E-D/dp/B0000789HM/sr=8-2/qid=1166466153/ref=sr_1_2/105-0837592-6452447?ie=UTF8&s=hi) ($146 shipped), which has more power and LED illumination.
these things are very light and easy to handle. i love mine. in fact, i'd like to upgrade to the 3707FC, so if someone would like to buy my 3700B (very light use, perfect condition), i'll sell it for $90 shipped.
for full-size plunge routers, fine woodworking magazine chose the bosch 1617 (http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000BGKIJ6/ref=s9_asin_title_1/105-0837592-6452447) ($222 shipped) in their latest shoot-out.
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As others have suggested a jigsaw, and a sanding block, is really what you want for this task. If you're going to buy a router anyway, the Bosch 1617 is pretty nice. The DeWalt 618 kits are also good. To be honest, my most used router is actually a smaller 1.5HP model rather than my 2.25HP Bosch 1617. The smaller router is perfect for anything you'd want to do hand-held and the light weight makes it very easy to control...
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I have a Harbor Freights router I got on Ebay for $15 shipped. It currently sells for about $65 and you can see it here:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43585 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43585)
I don't have much experience with routers, but I don't have any complaints with this one. I've built 5 cabinets with it and it's still going strong. I'd buy another one if I needed one.
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ScottS, I am considering the Bosch 1617 but does that come with a jigsaw and
sanding block (why would I need a sanding block)? After using a router to make the hole, I would like to make the hole look nicer (like beveled or something), somehow have the trackball mounting bracket flush with the CP, and then use it to install T-Molding on my CP.