Router questions

[codenamed]

I just ordered a router http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005QEVQ so I could finish my cp. My question is what bits will I need to cut the recesses for trackball and joysticks?

[codenamed]

Heres a pic of my first cabinet I just bought. Followed by my layout for the new CP for it. Im not quite sure how to proceed could use some suggestions on mounting trackball and joysticks.

[Chadwick]

I suggest a 2-flute carbide tipped straight router bit with a plunge tip.  1/2" cutting edge diameter, 1" cut edge length, 1/2" shank.  You could also use a 1/4" x 1" x 1/4 if that is all you can readily find (I see that router comes with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets).

It should look something like this except with a shorter cutting edge length:

[codenamed]

Awesome thanx for advice. This is a tool I have no experiance using.

[Chadwick]

Secure the bit about an 1/8" before the cutting edge starts.  Tight, but not too extreme or you'll "spring" your collet.  Adjust the base until you have (insert depth of cut here) of the cutting edge exposed.

So if you want your depth of cut to be 1/8", you should only have 1/8" of cut edge sticking out from the base.

Now get a scrap piece of wood, clamp it down so it is secure, put on your safety glasses and practice practice practice.... then practice some more.  Preferably on a piece of pine or other soft wood so as to preserve the life of your cutting edge.  Don't practice on MDF, it is extremely hard on your carbide and will dull your tool much quicker.  Heat is the #1 enemy of your tool.  Heat is dispersed through the chips that your tool creates, this is called your chipload.  If you do not have a good chipload, your tool (bit) will heat up and that is what causes it to dull.  You just can't get as good of a chipload on MDF as you can on solid woods.  The grade of carbide on an off the shelf straight plunge router bit is not ideal for MDF.  Sure it will work just fine, but it will dull much quicker than it would on a solid wood.

Make sure you wear those safety glasses.

Feel free to ask any questions you have.  I work for a company that sells, services, and manufactures industrial woodworking tools.

[codenamed]

Alright I got the joystick routed into mdf on top did a pretty good job but it looks sloppy in some parts but oh well you wont be albe to it underneath contact paper. Now my question is how exactly do I mount the track ball?

[Chadwick]

Someone else will have to help you with that; I've never installed a trackball.  Didn't your hardware come with installation instructions?

[javeryh]

Alright I got the joystick routed into mdf on top did a pretty good job but it looks sloppy in some parts but oh well you wont be albe to it underneath contact paper. Now my question is how exactly do I mount the track ball?

You need a trackball mounting plate.

Also, if you are using thin contact paper or vinyl to cover your CP make sure you fill any gaps and sand down any imperfections or they will be visible through the top layer.