Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: SpeedEng on January 26, 2009, 06:42:38 pm

Title: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: SpeedEng on January 26, 2009, 06:42:38 pm
ok I got off my lazy butt today and picked up a router and table off of good ol-C.L.
(craftsman 1.5hp router 1/4inch)
now im lost
what bits do I get??
I stopped by sears and was completly lost when I took a look at all of the bits :dizzy:

(I really thought the ppl working there would be of some help but they were lost like me)

not sue if you need these details
im tryin to whip up a bartop using mdf 1/2-5/8 wood (maybe plywood if it's easier)
the build is more of a testrun than the actual build(as you can tell I have no skill with woodworking  :dunno) so I just wanna learn how to use the router properly

any help would be greatly apreciated!!
Title: Re: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: severdhed on January 26, 2009, 08:24:13 pm
well, i just recently bought a router too..and they are AWESOME!!!

i just started playing around on some scraps before i start my new panel...the bits i plan on using are:

1/16" slot cutter - for tmolding
flush trim bit - cutting plexiglass, making duplicate wooden/mdf panels
standard straight cutting bit for recessing the mounting plates on joysticks and trackballs


that should get you started
Title: Re: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: Virge on January 26, 2009, 10:05:31 pm
I just bought one yesterday also.  Prices of bits are scary at most stores.  I got the bits mentioned above from http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/ (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/).  Got 5 bits for the price of two at Lowes.
Title: Re: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: Chadwick on January 27, 2009, 05:09:46 pm
Oh boy...

Please be aware that when it comes to router bits, you get what you pay for.  Cheap bits are cheap for a reason.  Do you want to take a chance with sharp carbide spinning at 18,000 rpm or faster?

The list above is a good starter set:
-Slot cutter assembly: 1/16" Kerf slot cutter, arbor assembly, and bearing - bought in 3 separate pcs or sold complete
-Flush Trim Bit - get a 2-flute, carbide tipped flush trim bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" Cut edge length, bottom ball bearing.
-Straight Plunge - get a 2-flute, carbide-tipped bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" cut edge length

Those 3 bits will do most of the operations you'd need to do when building an arcade cab.
Title: Re: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: Encryptor on January 27, 2009, 08:12:17 pm
I've seen this set in their catalog but just haven't gotten around to buying one yet. For the average user who only uses their router once in a while I think it would do fine at a great price.

http://tinyurl.com/d395cq


Harbor Freight also sells a couple of different sets.


Encryptor
Title: Re: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: TOK on January 30, 2009, 09:58:51 am
Oh boy...

Please be aware that when it comes to router bits, you get what you pay for.  Cheap bits are cheap for a reason.  Do you want to take a chance with sharp carbide spinning at 18,000 rpm or faster?

The list above is a good starter set:
-Slot cutter assembly: 1/16" Kerf slot cutter, arbor assembly, and bearing - bought in 3 separate pcs or sold complete
-Flush Trim Bit - get a 2-flute, carbide tipped flush trim bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" Cut edge length, bottom ball bearing.
-Straight Plunge - get a 2-flute, carbide-tipped bit with 1/4" shank, 1/2" Diameter, and 1" cut edge length

Those 3 bits will do most of the operations you'd need to do when building an arcade cab.


MLCS is a good place, they don't sell Harbor Freight type crap.
Title: Re: Just bought a router and table but now im lost........
Post by: SpeedEng on January 31, 2009, 07:12:00 am
I ended up getting vermont american bit's

as for the harbor freight stuff. I think they sell some ok tools.
I usually purchase tools that I dont use too often from them
they held up pretty good