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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: y2kgtp on May 16, 2008, 10:58:00 am

Title: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: y2kgtp on May 16, 2008, 10:58:00 am
I bought this a while ago, works good as a roto-tip type tool.  1 speed = 30k RPM

Think I could use router bits in it?  I'll prob go to Menards in a day or so and ask someone
who actually works there, but if I don't have to buy a router to do T-strip cuts, I will be
happy.

(http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2860/s6302840xv0.jpg)

(http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/1994/s6302839tc6.jpg)

(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6785/s6302838lm8.jpg)
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: TOK on May 16, 2008, 11:18:29 am
Looks like a standard 1/4" collet. As long as the motor is strong enough, I think it'd be OK. Some of the major companies have these and sell as just laminate trimmers. They're less bulky than a router but weaker motors.
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: y2kgtp on May 16, 2008, 11:38:51 am
Looks like a standard 1/4" collet. As long as the motor is strong enough, I think it'd be OK. Some of the major companies have these and sell as just laminate trimmers. They're less bulky than a router but weaker motors.


Right, 1/4" I believe it is.  As long as it can use a 1/16" (1.6mm) slot cutting bit, that's all I care about. :D
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: shardian on May 16, 2008, 12:30:13 pm
It would slot cut just fine. I don't think I would go flush cutting 3/4" material with it though. It would burn up.
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: y2kgtp on May 16, 2008, 12:40:34 pm
It would slot cut just fine. I don't think I would go flush cutting 3/4" material with it though. It would burn up.

Perfect.  1 less tool to go out and have to pick up.  I'm sure the 1 bit is expensive enough.....
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: sstorkel on May 16, 2008, 02:35:08 pm
30K RPM is pretty damn fast to be spinning a slot cutting bit! This tool is designed for small, straight bits. My router maxes out at 25K RPM and you can bet I don't run a slot cutting bit at anything close to that speed. Expect your wood and your bit to get burned if you run them at 30K RPM for very long...
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: y2kgtp on May 16, 2008, 02:56:33 pm
30K RPM is pretty damn fast to be spinning a slot cutting bit! This tool is designed for small, straight bits. My router maxes out at 25K RPM and you can bet I don't run a slot cutting bit at anything close to that speed. Expect your wood and your bit to get burned if you run them at 30K RPM for very long...

Good thought there.  I guess I can check to see how much a variable speed router is....I never really liked the idea of the 0-30,000 RPM.....especially when I have snapped a roto-zip blade before....

Looking at this option as well =

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060
Title: Re: I have this Menards "Tool Shop" Multi-use cutter....think it could route?
Post by: y2kgtp on May 19, 2008, 06:37:17 pm
I ended up ordering a 2HP Variable Speed Plunge off of Amazon today for 59$ shipped:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C6DXZ
Also ordered some router bits for 26$, just to play around with:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006F702

And finally ordered the 1/16" slot cutting bit for 16$ shipped from www.mlcswoodworking.com