Ok, who kows routers well?

Ge0 · 04-07-2008

First time cutting trim rings using a router-like mechanism. Using a rotozip with 1/8" bits and the included circle guide. I've broke two bits so far making my first ring.

How deep can I cut each pass using such a small bit to prevent damage? How do I measure cut depth?

I've found the rotozip to be difficult to use due to the inaccuracy in measuring depth and cut diameter using the enclosed circle tool. Not to mention the view circle (for lack of better words) gets clogged up in saw dust. Any hints?

Ge0
Ge0

**Mr Marv** · 04-08-2008

You definitely are going too deep and/or too fast if you are breaking bits. I would start VERY shallow on a piece of scrap and lower the bit in SMALL increments until you get to the point where it sounds like it is "laboring" then I would back it off a bit and use that depth as my max.

Whiterabbit · 04-08-2008

you arent gonna like it, but at least it's advice from a rotozip owner and user.

buy a router. The rotozip can not effectively easily cut holes.

If you absolutely demand to cut holes with your rotozip, start with the 1/4 inch collet and buy a spiral bit. Next, buy a new base you can attach to a homemade plate of wood to create an oversized base. From this you can use as a homemade jasper jig.

1/8" bits break constantly and flex. the rotozip circle cutting jig (both of them. I have tried both) flexes and slips. It cannot be used to cut circles effectively.

the rotozip is a great tool I find very useful. I wish it had a stable baseplate like a laminate trimmer. If it did, it would be as useful as one. Not a bad second place.

However, to cut the best circles, I recommend a router.

khail19 · 04-08-2008

I have the Craftsman version of the rotozip, and it pretty much sucks for cutting MDF. You have to go very slow and make at least 3-4 passes to get through a sheet of 3/4" MDF, and that's with a 1/4" bit.

shinjohn · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiterabbit

you arent gonna like it, but at least it's advice from a rotozip owner and user.

buy a router. The rotozip can not effectively easily cut holes.

If you absolutely demand to cut holes with your rotozip, start with the 1/4 inch collet and buy a spiral bit. Next, buy a new base you can attach to a homemade plate of wood to create an oversized base. From this you can use as a homemade jasper jig.

1/8" bits break constantly and flex. the rotozip circle cutting jig (both of them. I have tried both) flexes and slips. It cannot be used to cut circles effectively.

the rotozip is a great tool I find very useful. I wish it had a stable baseplate like a laminate trimmer. If it did, it would be as useful as one. Not a bad second place.

However, to cut the best circles, I recommend a router.

Truer words cannot be said.
The Rotozip is great for trimming, freehand cutting, and circles, but IMHO should only be used on thin or soft material. My two most often uses of the Rotozip: drywall cutting (use vacuum for dust collection) and for cutting 1/4" or thinner MDF. Anything else and I'd use the router.

Hindsight being what it is, I wish I had a trim router instead of the zip.... but we all live and learn.....

Whiterabbit · 04-08-2008

all craftsman has to do is make a clip on base that allows me to plunge the bit so deep the collet is into the material and bolt onto a substantial (1/2" thick) material, and I'd be just as happy as with a laminate trimmer.

alas, the best I could find is the vacuum hose attachment which does not allow me to plunge as deep as I would want.

**simplicityinsound** · 04-08-2008

rotozip ...the onlything they are good for IMO is cutting drywall

for circle cutting, getyourself a relatively large router, something wiht a good motor on it. at leats 2hp, i have a 2 and a quater hp bosch that i only use for circle cutting and pluning work.

but something liek that is obviously too bulky for trim work unless you have a router table, whcih i dont have the space for, so i have a little bosch palm router for that...

either way, just becareful when working with the router, i consider it the single most dangerous piece of power tool i use on a regular basis, one slip and a router bit will do some damage

khail19 · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplicityinsound

either way, just becareful when working with the router, i consider it the single most dangerous piece of power tool i use on a regular basis, one slip and a router bit will do some damage

Can't stress that enough! Concentrate on what you're doing, especially when using a router freehand.

Ge0 · 04-08-2008

My parents gave me the rotozip a few years ago. It sat and collected dust until a few days ago when I decided to see if it works. Not bad, but, like others have said, there are probably better tools for the job.

I also have this sucker:

It came as part of a mini router table set. The thing is, it is large and cumbersome to use. It is pretty much useless without a Jasper jig. I can't freehand cut with it for the life of me. I don't undertand how you can use a tool where you can't see where you are cutting.

Frankly, it scare the hell out of me. A co-worker boogered up his finger pretty bad using one.

I'll probably have to drag it out and try again. I've never been properly trained on how to use one. Like everything else, I pretty much just figure it out. But, I don't want to do so at the expense of a few pints of blood

Anyone know of a good instructional site or video which teaches
proper handling / techniques?

Ge0

cheesehead · 04-08-2008

Here ya go Ge0 -

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip102000sn.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ww_mat...244039,00.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_12158_router.html

P.S. I have a craftsman model similar to yours. And yes it is just about impossible to make freehand circle cuts with. Check out the link about making your own circle jig.

This should help!

G/L

**unpredictableacts** · 04-08-2008

I have a small 1 hp router....can operate with one hand and trim well....maybe not so good on holes as a bigger router could be but kicks and rotozip square in the nesticlses.

Ge0 · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesehead

Here ya go Ge0 -

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip102000sn.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ww_mat...244039,00.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_12158_router.html

P.S. I have a craftsman model similar to yours. And yes it is just about impossible to make freehand circle cuts with. Check out the link about making your own circle jig.

This should help!

G/L

Heh heh... Thanks for the links Cheesy. I'm not a total idiot when it comes to using a router. I do know some basics.

Perhaps I should have been more specific with my question. How do you cut TRIM RINGS with a router? Getting the outer diameter using a jig is the easy part. Now how do you cut the inner diameter nice and neat? The only way I can see doing this on small rings is freehand. The ring is slightly smaller than the base of my router!!!

Ge0

Ge0 · 04-08-2008

LOL... I just noticed how bad I fucked up the title to this thread. Kows...

Ge0

Ge0 · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by unpredictableacts

I have a small 1 hp router....can operate with one hand and trim well....maybe not so good on holes as a bigger router could be but kicks and rotozip square in the nesticlses.

I need to stop by home depot for some 1/2" MDF during my lunch hour. Perhaps I'll look for something smaller like you mention. I love woodworking on occasion. You just need the right tools for the job.

Ge0

GlasSman · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ge0

Heh heh... Thanks for the links Cheesy. I'm not a total idiot when it comes to using a router. I do know some basics.

Perhaps I should have been more specific with my question. How do you cut TRIM RINGS with a router? Getting the outer diameter using a jig is the easy part. Now how do you cut the inner diameter nice and neat? The only way I can see doing this on small rings is freehand. The ring is slightly smaller than the base of my router!!!

Ge0

Heres what I do:

I first do my outside dimension 3/4 of the way through the material. I leave a 1" tab at say 12 o' clock and 6 o'clock.

Now I do the inner dimension the same way with a tab at 3 and 9.

Trim the ring out with a jigsaw and attach it to a piece of 3/4" stock thats a bit smaller than the ring dimension.

I set the circle guide to the outside dimension and trim the the 2 tabs off.

Now I set for the inner and just use a piece of MDF to clamp the top of the ring as I make my final passes.

Keep in mind the center where your guide hole is can't wander from where you're cutting which is why this is the most important part to getting that final cut perfect.

cheesehead · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ge0

Heh heh... Thanks for the links Cheesy. I'm not a total idiot when it comes to using a router. I do know some basics.

Perhaps I should have been more specific with my question. How do you cut TRIM RINGS with a router? Getting the outer diameter using a jig is the easy part. Now how do you cut the inner diameter nice and neat? The only way I can see doing this on small rings is freehand. The ring is slightly smaller than the base of my router!!!

Ge0

Sorry!

I was trying to help!

Just wasn't sure of your experience level with the router!

Ge0 · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlasSman

Heres what I do:

I first do my outside dimension 3/4 of the way through the material. I leave a 1" tab at say 12 o' clock and 6 o'clock.

Now I do the inner dimension the same way with a tab at 3 and 9.

Trim the ring out with a jigsaw and attach it to a piece of 3/4" stock thats a bit smaller than the ring dimension.

I set the circle guide to the outside dimension and trim the the 2 tabs off.

Now I set for the inner and just use a piece of MDF to clamp the top of the ring as I make my final passes.

Keep in mind the center where your guide hole is can't wander from where you're cutting which is why this is the most important part to getting that final cut perfect.

Uhhhh, I guess this is the perfect instance of "a picture is worth a thousand words". My head is still swimming after reading that

.

Ge0

Ge0 · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesehead

Sorry!

I was trying to help!

Just wasn't sure of your experience level with the router!

No need to be sorry. I AM inexperienced. But, a few steps above a total nweb. Your help was most definitely appreciated. I know quite a few of you on this forum use routers often and might be able to lend a few tips.

I'm practicing cutting rings out of MDF now in preparation to make my final rings out of synthetic Corrian counter top material.

Anyone ever cut this stuff with a router? Does it cut like dense plastic? I imagine I would need a real low cutting speed...

Ge0

ClinesSelect · 04-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ge0

No need to be sorry. I AM inexperienced. But, a few steps above a total nweb. Your help was most definitely appreciated. I know quite a few of you on this forum use routers often and might be able to lend a few tips.

I'm practicing cutting rings out of MDF now in preparation to make my final rings out of synthetic Corrian counter top material.

Anyone ever cut this stuff with a router? Does it cut like dense plastic? I imagine I would need a real low cutting speed...

Ge0

I have made a couple of subwoofer enclosures out of Corian. It cuts just like MDF.

04-07-2008	#1 (permalink)
Ge0 DIYMA Nutjob Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 2,121 iTrader: (11)	Ok, who kows routers well? First time cutting trim rings using a router-like mechanism. Using a rotozip with 1/8" bits and the included circle guide. I've broke two bits so far making my first ring. How deep can I cut each pass using such a small bit to prevent damage? How do I measure cut depth? I've found the rotozip to be difficult to use due to the inaccuracy in measuring depth and cut diameter using the enclosed circle tool. Not to mention the view circle (for lack of better words) gets clogged up in saw dust. Any hints? Ge0 Ge0
	Alpine, Zapco, Scanspeak, Image Dynamics, Critical Mass Life lesson #1) En boca cerradas no entra moscas! (loose translation: sometimes it is best to keep your fuggin mouth shut and listen)

04-08-2008	#2 (permalink)
Mr Marv old schooler Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Monterey Bay California Posts: 1,973 iTrader: (11)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? You definitely are going too deep and/or too fast if you are breaking bits. I would start VERY shallow on a piece of scrap and lower the bit in SMALL increments until you get to the point where it sounds like it is "laboring" then I would back it off a bit and use that depth as my max.
	MARVS PLACE-custom built enclosures/baffles/amp racks etc More pics.. http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/MrMarv/ 1-831-383-0308 7AM-8PM PST Mon-Sat Knowing that nobody is "better" than you is quite different than thinking you are "better" than anybody else and the mere fact that you think you are better than someone else is solid proof you are not

04-08-2008	#3 (permalink)
Whiterabbit DIYMA Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 4,377 iTrader: (4)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? you arent gonna like it, but at least it's advice from a rotozip owner and user. buy a router. The rotozip can not effectively easily cut holes. If you absolutely demand to cut holes with your rotozip, start with the 1/4 inch collet and buy a spiral bit. Next, buy a new base you can attach to a homemade plate of wood to create an oversized base. From this you can use as a homemade jasper jig. 1/8" bits break constantly and flex. the rotozip circle cutting jig (both of them. I have tried both) flexes and slips. It cannot be used to cut circles effectively. the rotozip is a great tool I find very useful. I wish it had a stable baseplate like a laminate trimmer. If it did, it would be as useful as one. Not a bad second place. However, to cut the best circles, I recommend a router.

04-08-2008	#4 (permalink)
khail19 DIYMA Loyalist Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Age: 30 Posts: 2,880 iTrader: (34)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? I have the Craftsman version of the rotozip, and it pretty much sucks for cutting MDF. You have to go very slow and make at least 3-4 passes to get through a sheet of 3/4" MDF, and that's with a 1/4" bit.
	Eclipse 8455Phass MW160Clarion APA4320Peerless 2"Seas NeoNext VRz4.400OZ ME12PG x400.1 Alpine 9815PG Zeropoint ZCS6Pioneer SW-2541DSony ES XM-5046

04-08-2008	#6 (permalink)
Whiterabbit DIYMA Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 4,377 iTrader: (4)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? all craftsman has to do is make a clip on base that allows me to plunge the bit so deep the collet is into the material and bolt onto a substantial (1/2" thick) material, and I'd be just as happy as with a laminate trimmer. alas, the best I could find is the vacuum hose attachment which does not allow me to plunge as deep as I would want.

04-08-2008	#7 (permalink)
simplicityinsound Me Build Stuff... Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 31 Posts: 731 iTrader: (0)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? rotozip ...the onlything they are good for IMO is cutting drywall for circle cutting, getyourself a relatively large router, something wiht a good motor on it. at leats 2hp, i have a 2 and a quater hp bosch that i only use for circle cutting and pluning work. but something liek that is obviously too bulky for trim work unless you have a router table, whcih i dont have the space for, so i have a little bosch palm router for that... either way, just becareful when working with the router, i consider it the single most dangerous piece of power tool i use on a regular basis, one slip and a router bit will do some damage
	www.simplicityinsound.com DLS-Seas Lotus-Zapco-Elemental Designs-Image Dynamics DLS Norcal Rep

04-08-2008	#9 (permalink)
Ge0 DIYMA Nutjob Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 2,121 iTrader: (11)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? My parents gave me the rotozip a few years ago. It sat and collected dust until a few days ago when I decided to see if it works. Not bad, but, like others have said, there are probably better tools for the job. I also have this sucker: It came as part of a mini router table set. The thing is, it is large and cumbersome to use. It is pretty much useless without a Jasper jig. I can't freehand cut with it for the life of me. I don't undertand how you can use a tool where you can't see where you are cutting. Frankly, it scare the hell out of me. A co-worker boogered up his finger pretty bad using one. I'll probably have to drag it out and try again. I've never been properly trained on how to use one. Like everything else, I pretty much just figure it out. But, I don't want to do so at the expense of a few pints of blood Anyone know of a good instructional site or video which teaches proper handling / techniques? Ge0
	Alpine, Zapco, Scanspeak, Image Dynamics, Critical Mass Life lesson #1) En boca cerradas no entra moscas! (loose translation: sometimes it is best to keep your fuggin mouth shut and listen)

04-08-2008	#10 (permalink)
cheesehead DIYMA Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mi. Posts: 1,630 iTrader: (2)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? Here ya go Ge0 - http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip102000sn.html http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ww_mat...244039,00.html http://www.ehow.com/how_12158_router.html P.S. I have a craftsman model similar to yours. And yes it is just about impossible to make freehand circle cuts with. Check out the link about making your own circle jig. This should help! G/L
	"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. -Vince Lombardi

04-08-2008	#11 (permalink)
unpredictableacts The Anti-Rice Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: rockTOWN Age: 28 Posts: 4,136 iTrader: (9)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? I have a small 1 hp router....can operate with one hand and trim well....maybe not so good on holes as a bigger router could be but kicks and rotozip square in the nesticlses.
	Vote for the name S.S.PROTECT-TAR in this thread or you watch man on man porn daily. http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...gift-card.html

04-08-2008	#13 (permalink)
Ge0 DIYMA Nutjob Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 2,121 iTrader: (11)	Re: Ok, who kows routers well? LOL... I just noticed how bad I fucked up the title to this thread. Kows... Ge0
	Alpine, Zapco, Scanspeak, Image Dynamics, Critical Mass Life lesson #1) En boca cerradas no entra moscas! (loose translation: sometimes it is best to keep your fuggin mouth shut and listen)