Router for acrylic

[eshook]

I actually remember seeing some used ones in a shop. Maybe I'll go look at those. Thanks for the link Therbligs (even though it didn't work)

To follow the link just goto

http://www.harborfreight.com and type 55252 in the "Find Item Number" field.

If I can't find a used one I might just buy this one.

 

[ErikS]

If you're looking for a used one try the local pawn shop - often, especially in the winter tools are pawned for $$$. You can often get a high end unit @ a very nice price.

 

[eshook]

That is what I was thinking, I pass a pawn shop on the way to work, maybe I'll stop by tonight and see what they have.

Thanks for your guys' help. This stuff should be put on a sticky or something

 

[badpacket]

Hey, if you have a Kragen nearby, you can get a little rotary tool that seems a fair bit sturdier than a dremel without getting into a full bore router.

Got a new in box Nikota rotary tool with several attachments including a router one. Was marked $19, however rang up at under $10.00. Unfortunately, I just bought a Hitachi fixed w/plunge base, so doub't I'll ever use this much.

Seems like I got a little deal compared to Outpost's price:
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/43...7ZSjA2S6eKMzYGbJSaJPzsh8f72peFeez1977GAT7gRzA|-2344622894497423235/184095274/6/7001/7001/7002/7002/7001/-1|-8121556531000561098/184095273/6/7001/7001/7002/7002/7001/-1

 

[eshook]

Would this work well for routing? I would most definitely buy one for $10. My dremel cost ~$70. It just sucks to purchase a dremel then be told you also need a router which is another $70-$120. I might wander around some stores tomorrow and see what I can find. Unfortunately we don't have a Kragen but I will keep my eyes out for deals such as this. Thanks for the suggestion badpacket!

 

[goby1]

How about onsrud vs. freud?
G1

 

[BtheReef]

eshook,

I understand your sentiment about buying something and feeling like you couldve done without it. I felt the same way about my dremel. It sat in the garage for about 3 years and I only used to cut a screw or some other small task. This changed when I started working on some of these DIY alquarium projects. Since then I have found it very handy and may get a newer one as well.

Anyway, for cutting and shaping larger pieces of acrylic a router is the best way, but for pvc, thin plastics, and many other DIY aquarium projects, a Dremel is the perfect tool. Its all a matter of scale.

Good Luck!

 

[Acrylics]

Goby,
Onsrud is a great brand and makes even better tooling but can get expensive fairly quickly and probably not worth it for most DIYers, and probaby the same for most pros unless using a CNC. Freud makes good stuff and would most likely be very good for most DIYers as they are god for the money. For router bits I prefer Whiteside above most any other (easily available) brand. Other good ones include Amana, CMT, & Bosch (in that order) though I probably forgot a few.

HTH,
James

 

[spf9992001]

I have found that craigslist.org is a great place to find deals on used tools. You may want to check it out.

 

[eshook]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. We both appreciate it I'm sure. Reef base I don't regret getting the dremel, it has been useful for many things already I just thought it could do this as well ;o) but all well I'll go looking for something that will work for a router. I may stop at a few pawn shops and see what they have. I will also look at craigslist thanks for the suggestions spf.

 

[Billionzz]

Since I don't use a router much would a fixed base be enough or should I go ahead and get a plunge base also?

Thanks for all of the help and information.

Bill

 

[ErikS]

I agree, it can get an expensive...but rember the saying:

The proper tool makes for the proper job

I own both a router (a few in fact :lol: ) and a dremel - I find both very useful, each is very capable of doing certain tasks. Generally you end up with sloppy work & lots of trouble when you try to make a tool do a job it wasn't designed for.

:lol: @ James - I didn't even mention Onsrud....they aren't even close to "DIY guy" prices. I like CMT a bit better than Whiteside....but really they're so close it's more likely I like orange better than gray.

To save a bit of change I buy bits as follows -

#1 - frequent/crucial (must be accurate) = get the best I can find, spend the $$$ it will pay off (i.e. a good spiral bit). These bits are CMT or Whiteside

#2 - Moderate use = good bits. These bits are Freud, Bosch, Amana, or MLCS Katana.

#3 - Occasional use = safe bits. These bits are MLCS, Holbren, or Blades 'n Bits.

I will not under any circumstances turn any lesser bits - but that's a personal decision each of us has to make.

 

[Therbligs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6592060#post6592060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billionzz
Since I don't use a router much would a fixed base be enough or should I go ahead and get a plunge base also?

Thanks for all of the help and information.

Bill

A plunge base is not required, but makes life much easier.

 

[MarkS]

If I'm buying a spiral bit, I will only buy an Onsrud. I like their O Flute bits, but they don't come in 1/2". The quality is worth the price.

 

[Therbligs]

A fixed base router is like trying to Parallel Park a 1-ton with manual steering. You will get the job done, but you will be feeling the pain.

 

[MarkS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6593902#post6593902 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Therbligs
A fixed base router is like trying to Parallel Park a 1-ton with manual steering. You will get the job done, but you will be feeling the pain.

I know. A 3 1/2 HP fixed base is like trying to parallel park an 18 wheeler with manual steering and no mirrors. I like my 3 1/2 HP Milwaukee, but I'm about to buy a 3 1/4 HP Porter Cable plunge.

 

[ErikS]

A plunge can do everything a fixed base can do - the reverse is not true.

 

[gussy]

Costco has a router w/ table combo unit for about $100 tax included.

 

[BtheReef]

Thanks for the info on the bits ErikS! So far, all my bits are Bosch 1/2 shank because they are easily available to me (Lowe's). Home Depot is now selling the Porter Cable router bits and I've read pretty good reviews for them as well.

I have a fixed/plunge router, but I'm not sure I understand the posts saying the fixed is hard to control. Can you give me an application besides plunging into a material where the fixed base is difficult to handle?

Also, one big advantage for a fixed base is that you can place it on a router table. I don't think you can do this with most plunge based housings.

 

[rivdog]

You can buy a laminate trimmer for $30 w/ shipping on ebay. it will accept 1/4 bits and cut at least 3/8 sheet with no problems