Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: pie taster on January 30, 2008, 01:47:39 pm
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neewb question here.
I have a 1/2" straight shank for my router.. and I got a bushing ring (template thing, i think i'm calling that right). That has a 5/8" opening.
I want to route out some cp stuff and when i tested the shank in the hole.. (by hand).. IT WAS TIGHT... so tight that i was afraid to stick it in my router and turn it on.
I then started think is it too small of an opening?
If i start routing and if the shank bends or something.. am i risk of screwing up 1) my shank (bad) 2) my router (real bad) 3) my jimmie! (HORRIFIC!!).
or.. am i good and it won't be a problem.
or.. don't be dumb.. get a bigger hole!
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Why do you think you need a template bushing in the first place? Unless you have jigs that were designed to be used with a 5/8" template bushing. I'm not sure what you're gong to use it for...
That said, do not use a 1/2" bit with a 5/8" bushing!
Here's why: a 5/8" template bushing does not have a 5/8" hole in it! The 5/8" measurement represents the outside diameter of the bushing. The hole that goes through the center of the bushing is actually smaller. Probably much smaller. Even if the hole was 5/8", that only leaves 1/16" clearance around the outside of a half-inch bit. Ideally you want more clearance. Probably a lot more, especially if you aren't using a centering cone to ensure that your bits are perfectly centered in the template bushing's hole.
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Why do you think you need a template bushing in the first place? Unless you have jigs that were designed to be used with a 5/8" template bushing. I'm not sure what you're gong to use it for...
Well i was going to make the jigs as talked about in this sticky thread.
How to make a Top Mount or Under Mount Joystick Jig (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51235.0)
But yes.. thanks for the tip on getting a bigger one.. I was worried about that!
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How big of bushing ring should I get for a 1/2" shank bit?
I was thinking of this one...
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42030-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OOZ/ (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42030-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OOZ/)
or this one..
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42039-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OP0/ (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42039-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OP0/)
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How big of bushing ring should I get for a 1/2" shank bit?
I was thinking of this one...
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42030-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OOZ/ (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42030-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OOZ/)
or this one..
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42039-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OP0/ (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42039-General-Routing-Templet/dp/B000056OP0/)
Either of those will work. So will this one (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-42024-Templet-Guide-Routing/dp/B000056OOX/), I think.
If I were you, I'd think about whether you want to buy a new template collar or a new bit. Remember, with a 1/2-inch bit you're stuck with a 1/4-inch corner radius (e.g. about the size of a U.S. quarter). Depending on your joysticks and how snug a fit you want, this might be fine. Or it might be too large. My tendency would be to use a smaller bit, to get a tighter radius on the corners. Maybe a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch bit?