Cheap, but is it upto the task?

[korbitz]

Hi,

Been looking around for a router and due to lack of cash, have decided to go cheap, found this one at B&Q (UK diy store) --> http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10487545&fh_reftheme=promo_159792330%2cseeall%2c%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372015%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372047%7d&fh_view_size=10&fh_start_index=20&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b9372015%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372047%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9372204%7d&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=lister&ts=1245700886550&isSearch=false

I'm a total newb when it comes to power tools, but as i will only use the router on cab builds (they will be few in numbers) i was wondering about the specs on this and is it good enough for t-molding/c-panel work. I dont really want to spend a load of cash on a tool that i will probably have little use for, better to spend the money on beer 

Also i have read many posts about the many different parts that you can get for a router and tbh i'm confused, a shank rounding over cutter is for making rounded edges i presume.

Basically what i'm after is in plain english (no router talk  ), what i would need and preferably some links to show me.

Hope this makes sense

[drventure]

I'd think it'd be fine for low volume work.

You'll definitely need a slot cutter, and possibly a round over (if you want to round over the corners on your CP for instance).

You might also way a straight bit (I'm not sure exactly what they're called, but basically, imagine a bit that just cuts a circle with a flat bottom. That is very useful for cutting out button holes and for flush mounting joysticks. (often, you want to route out a recess to mount the joystick into, so it sticks out higher on top of the CP.

[korbitz]

Cheers for the reply, one question though, looking at this site which is the correct type to go for, seems to be many types and sizes http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productlist/3/104/slotters.html

and is that all i need to make t-molding or do i need other 'bits'?

[sinkhead]

Cheers for the reply, one question though, looking at this site which is the correct type to go for, seems to be many types and sizes http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productlist/3/104/slotters.html

For regular 3/4" T-moulding, you want a bit that cuts a 1/16" slot. T-molding.com sells this slot cutter, though it's currently out of stock. All the ones on the site you linked to will be too small for normal moulding.

[ami-man]

Hi korbitz,

I am now onto my fourth router the first three were cheap between £30 and £50 but they all burnt out or the parts broke. My latest is a Makita at well over £100 but worth it.
I still have a early Makita jigsaw I bought over 30 years ago and it still works well.

You will find that the router bits will cost you more than the router in the long run, keep them sharp, clean and do not force the tool. You can buy a teflon spay to coat the bits to prolong the life of them.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man