Hi folks,
I've got a decent powered router, but it's plunge depth is only 35mm, which is severely limiting competing the control cavity.
I've been looking at the DEWALT DCW604NT as I've got the matching drill with batteries, but it's pretty expensive...
Anyone got any decent recommendations that won't cost the bank?
I know for sure I don't want a really cheap one. I got one made by trend for 70 and it wasn't very good ..
Cheers
Dan
Hi Dan, I can understand your frustration with the limitations of a 35mm plunge depth, it makes those deep routs quite challenging. For what it’s worth I have two routers, the elder of the two is a PRO CLM1250R, which I use are a table mounted router, it claims to have a plunge depth of 42mm. It’s a well made bit of kit and, although you wouldn’t be able to buy one new, I have seen them second hand on FB Marketplace.
To save me the bother of removing the PRO from the router table I decided to get another router (last of the big spenders me🤣🤣). I decided on a MACALLISTER MSR1200 which was £54 from B&Q, now I know you said you didn’t want a cheap one but this one has done all the routing on this build, with the exception of the truss rod slot. The maximum plunge depth is claimed to be 55mm but, in reality is probably a bit less than that. OK, if you were using it hard every day of the week it probably wouldn’t stand the strain, but it’s done all I’ve asked of it. That particular model is no longer offered ( I think I got the last one in my local branch of B&Q!!) but there’s an MR1200 model at £50 with similar specs.
AwRaBest,
Brian.🤣😃🎸
@liebe Longer router bits, I do mine with a palm router including floyd rose routs etc. Most routers don't have a huge plunge but you use a bunch of different length bits then just swap them as you go.
Believe it or not, one of my favourites is an aldi special, it's just so smooth and never lets me down. I bought a katsu makita clone but it can slip a bit, I did read a review though where the guy mentioned the makita doing it too. Maybe just a bad design.
I also have the bosch 1200 pof which is pretty decent but really just leave that set up with the fence to do the trussrod channel.
@nsj thanks for this. I'm my stupidity I hadn't considered bits beyond the 1/4 & 1"bits I have.🤷
The issue with the 35mm plunge is that I have a gap between how deep I can get the hole with the 1/4" and how deep I have to cut with the 1" to get the bearing against the side.
On previous builds I've managed to skate a fine line, on this one, and because the cavity is tight, I couldn't see the bit had slipped and was cutting much deeper. Actually let than 1mm from the front. Not ideal!
I've got a drop top I'm going to use in this case, adapt and overcome and ask that, but would feel more secure with a bit more control with the deeper routs.
I'll certainly look into longer top bearing bits as they certainly should be part of that. Anywhere you suggest getting them from?
@liebe As @nsj said, longer shafts on the router bits is useful. I use these: https://shop.rall-online.net/epages/61511639.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61511639/Products/19110058
For bits you can go with trend for reasonable but if spending a bit more I've got to say radian, they're cutters are superb.
I couldn't agree more @nsj. They're the best I've come across.
🎶🎸🙂🙏
🗝️ "Life's what you make it"🗝️
Wealden Tool Co. cutters are significantly cheaper than Trend and, IMHO, are of a higher quality. I use them with manual routing and their solid TC spirals are the standard on my CNC router. https://www.wealdentool.com/
Wealden Tool Co. cutters are significantly cheaper than Trend and, IMHO, are of a higher quality. I use them with manual routing and their solid TC spirals are the standard on my CNC router. https://www.wealdentool.com/
Thanks for the link Darren. Good to hear from you again.
🎶🙂🎸🙏
🗝️ "Life's what you make it"🗝️
Hi @swepri
@liebe As @nsj said, longer shafts on the router bits is useful. I use these: https://shop.rall-online.net/epages/61511639.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61511639/Products/19110058
These have just come back into stock. It says they have an 8mm shank, my router has a 1/4. I'm wondering if these will fit my router as 1/4 works or about 6mm?Cheers
@liebe No, the shank diameter must be the exact right diameter. But, I think the manufacturer is the same as in Darren's link, so you may find one there: https://www.wealdentool.com/
Or maybe you can switch collets in your router? I can switch collets in my routers to suit different shank diameters.
@swepri thanks mate. I should have spent a bit more time researching before asking, but really appreciate you answering.
Looks like I can get at 8mm collet for my router, after a bit of digging.
I'll look before asking next time!
I use an old bosch GOF900ACE you should be able to pick one up for £50 maybe less, they are very good and reliable, the only problem with them is no extraction, but if you can live with that it's a good one.