sohchx
Active member
I don't have a router but am looking at getting one to do channel on some cabs for molding. Anyone have a cheap alternative? Dremel ain't workin lol
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Get a plunge router and a slot bit
If it's a plunge router, you'd have to lock the plunge action and it would be a pain to fine adjust.
Thanks for chiming in guys!! I appreciate it. I will be in the vicinity of a Harbor Freight tommorow.
What router on this page would you recommend?
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=router
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend anything from HF with an electric motor. I have had great results with air tools from there, for the money. I've read where some people have been lucky, but many have bought things that don't work out of the box.
If you're going to use it for a few projects, buy the cheapest one at Sears or Lowes. For one time use, HF might work, since you could return it if it's DOA.
For a cheap router, I might go with this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100485419.
But for not much more, I'd definitely choose this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_118359-67702-M12VC_4294857535_4294937087_?productId=1122335
or
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917541000P
You want a nice tight depth-adjustment. Otherwise, you wind up with a ruined cab.
Routers are a great tool to have on-hand, even if you only need them occasionally.
-Jim
I've read where some people have been lucky, but many have bought things that don't work out of the box.
Good info.
As far as what other bits you might use - I'd recommend a 1/4" upcut spiral cutting bit, a slot cutter, and a good flush trim bit with bearing at the bottom.
I've never had this luck myself but then again, HF will take the tool back and give you another. I'm sure you could even try before you buy there too.
The Home Depot link ain't working...But the other two are only running $80 here in Phoenix, not bad at all!
... I'm not a fan of this style of height/depth adjustment, it's pretty course. ...
But I might be building a CNC router in the near future.
Wooooooo!! Got me a router today!! Stopped at a pawn shop and they had nice little Craftsman for $20. Now that thats done I have another issue. WHy the hell can't I find a 1/16 bit in any store!!!??? Anyone have any online suggestions??
A router is a very useful tool for any amount of woodworking. You don't need a 3HP monster, but a cheap Ryobi or Craftsman with only a 1/4" collet would 'do' for the occasional job.
T-molding dot com sells the slot cutter and all, but you can buy a comparable product at MLCS for much cheaper and they always have free shipping. A lot of woodworkers use the stuff, it's not junk. Here's a link:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_slot.html#anchor_slotct3w
What you want is this:
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1/2" shaft router bits are preferable, if you buy a router that has both sized collets - will be less prone to vibration and feel a bit more solid. 1/4" shaft will do ok also.
If you even attempt to cut a slot with a hacksaw blade, Dremel, etc..you're wasting your time and will end up with a sloppy job, at best.