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Suggestions on a router to use?
Gambit:
I don't care much for plunge routers, as they add unnecessary weight and bulkiness.
If its your first router I suggest a fixed base router.
You can still raise and lower the thing, just not while in motion. Plus you wont have that akward and bulky thing to move around.
Tahnok:
--- Quote from: whynotpizza on October 07, 2006, 10:46:22 am ---As for curring the Lexan surface (and the CP wood for that matter) holes for Joysticks and Buttons, I used a 1 1/8" Freud Precision-Shear Forstner bit, also purchased @ Lowes.
All in all, the Lexan (purchased @ Lowes also) cuts took me about 6 hours as I was very meticulous to make sure I did not crack the piece. Turned out pretty good in the end.
--- End quote ---
That's exactly why I have to recamend against using a forstner. While they give good, clean, cuts, they're very slow to work with. And since you don't need to drill flat bottom holes in your lexan, there's really no need for them.
As far as a router, I recamend getting a plunge router from the start. Fixed base is probably a little easier to learn on, but you'll end up wanting to buy a plunge router real quick. Or, a good compromise would be to get one with a detachable plunge base.
One of the first things you'll want a plunge base for is cutting the CP lexan. Nothing makes quicker and cleaner work of plexi than a plunge router and pattern cutting bit. I use the following bit for most of my plexi work:
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5411
It's not technically a plunge bit (try to find a plunge if you can), but it tends to work as a plunge in plexi as it just melts it's way through.
As far as tools, the brands Xam mentioned are very good, but most of my shop is equipped with Craftsmen. Many people scoff at the brand, but I've never had a problem. They tend to be a good balance between quality and price. They aren't overly precise, but they are built well.
eastbayarb:
whynotpizza,
thanx for the suggestion on the SKIL Plunge Router 1835 1 3/4 HP. I may get one on ebay. Or do they have it at www.mlcswoodworking.com ? Would love to get the router itself and all the bits you mentioned together.
will this router be good for cutting a hole for my trackball?
thanx
whynotpizza:
Eastbayarb -
For cutting the hole in the Lexan for the Trackball, Yes the router is what I used with 1/8" roundover bit. As for the wood, I used a hand jigsaw from Dewalt (model DW321) which I purchased at Home Depot - Very nice tool for hand cuts and works very well in 3/4" MDF.
The SKIL plunge router was borrowed, so not sure where to get that exact model. Any plunge router would do the trick I suppose. Make sure it has the ability to 'lock' the depth so you can set the depth, turn ON, and then make your cut. Make it easier since you don't have to keep constand pressure on the router to hold it against the wood.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
As for my little project... I am wiring my CP tonight and doing some finishing touches on the cabinet. I can't wait to turn this thing on in final mode and start working with configurations/software! :)
David
eastbayarb:
I have a Dremel 400 rotary tool and I have heard there is a plunge router attatchment. Maybe that would be a good alternative?
Oh I decided not to put lexan or plexi on my control panel. I am gonna just get a vinyl overlay for it (wherever I can get one).
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