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I’ve got a bunch of overhead cut-outs to do on a project involving the installation of 8″x16″ soffit vents in 1/4″ plywood.
My original plan was to make a template, attach it with a few screws and route out the vent opening – zip, zap, zot, it’s done, and move on to the next one. As luck would have I was going to purchase the Bosch 1613 EVS 2 hp router. Now Bosch is introducing their new model 1613 AEVS 2 hp router, but it won’t be available for another month. I need the new tool this Monday, and I don’t want to buy a “new older” model as it will be used for other purposes too. I’d rather wait for the new model.
My current thought is to buy a cut-out tool as in Roto Zip or a “me to” model. I can use it elsewhere, and it will probably be easier to use overhead, plus it’s been on my wish list for awhile.
Can anyone out there share some of their experiences with me on these tools. There are a bunch of them on the market, and like most of you I don’t like to buy a pig in a poke.
Thanks,
Cliff. Johnston
Stephenville, TX
Replies
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Do not buy the Porter Cable cutout tool. It is the worse PC tool I ever bought. They should be ashamed. The bit fits in with a setscrew that goes one or two threads deep and is real easy to strip. The setscrew/tool holder is part of the armature of the motor, so you are pretty much screwed once it is stripped. I gave mine to my brother who is a machinist (and can fix it) and bought a rotozip, which holds the bit the same way a router does. Maybe there are better tools (I think the base/height adjustment on the rotozip is mickeymouse), but it works real well - and I have used it a lot to cut ddry wall, wood, and even metal (with the right bits).
*I got the Roto-Zip two years ago for x-mas......and forgot I had it for the first year. Just tookif for rides in the van all year. Then, a year ago.....I remembered I had it....and haven't stopped using it since. The depth/foot is rinky-dink.....but it works well. Just use the right bit for the job. The drywall bit will burn up wood. For plaster/wood lath...I use the wood bit. The plaster/drywall bit would cut thru faster.....but the wood lath would turn to burning embers. Get the circle cutting attachment. I also have the little side cut grinder attachment. Haven't used it alot, but has come in handy. The only thing about the circle cutter......it registers the center on a small metal point......and in drywall.....ya just push it in.......but in wood......you have to predrill the center hole. If that point could be adjusted down, it would go quicker. Other than that....good tool for the jobs it's made for. Jeff
*Some will balk at this, and I can't even believe I'm saying it, but after having a few (3) Roto-Zips, and burning a couple up, I decided for ten bucks more to go with the DeWalt cutout tool. The foot is better, plus can be removed easier, no tools needed to change bits, and more power for the larger quarter inch bits. I as a general rule don't buy the yellow crap, but this one does'nt seem to be working too bad.
*Brian, You hit the nail on the head about that set screw/armature business; what a piece of shit! I bought one, used it once, decided it was "just a matter of time" and returned it. That set screw businss was beyond me; PC expects those 2 or 3 threads to actually hold up? Gimme a break! Haven't had any problems with the RZ- although the foot/base is sub-par as noted. Sam
*A previous issue of FHB on drywalling showed the author using an old router core (free-hand held, probably work that way on 1/4 ply with a sharp bit) for a "me too" tool. I've used an old router core (dropped it way back and busted the base) for a "me too dremel" and "me too zip" with good results (its even a "Crapsman" but an older version when they were made in the USA.) Try a pawn shop for a router core cheap, got a 1/2" Milwaukee with a cracked base for $25.
*If you are routing 1/4" plywood and are using a template the quickest way to go is with a router with a template guide that screws onto the base. With 1/4 ply you could cut with a router as basic as a laminate trimmer, which do have a base that will accept a template guide. If you do not have further use for a laminate trimmer, you can hack out such a cut with a $20 air grinder and a RZ bit, for wood. A drawback of the RZ is the lack of a template bushing/guide, someday they will have it. The RZ is otherwise a good tool and a purchase you won't regret. Note that all 1/8" bits will fit, as used in the Dremel and Ryobi RZ-wannabees.
*Rotozip sells adapters (any Home Despot or similar place should have them) that fits a 1/4 inch collet and takes the 1/8 inch rotobits. Before I bought a Rotozip, I'd pop for a little extra and buy a laminate trimmer and the adapter. Then you've got a laminate trimmer too, which is a right handy tool.If you've already got a laminate trimmer, the adapters are about $7.This sage opinion based on limited experience: I did all the fixture box cutouts on a remodel with an older Ryobi laminate trimmer with this adapter, and it worked marvelously; had to clean off the trimmer after, but that's true of most anything.
*I use my Ryobi laminatetrimmer. It takes 1/4" bits, but I buy the 1/4" Roto Zip bits to use in it.I like having the use of the trimmer as two tools in one. Plus the fact that it has more power. It also only cost $89. That is a lot cheaper than the Roto Zip kit.My PC cutout tool is still riding around in my van. I hate the thing, and I refuse to use it anymore. I use the laminate trimmer instead.Just a thought...James DuHamel
*My former boss and I had a pair of the PC drywall cutout tools...eventually they clogged and the bearings went kaput. I don't remember us ever having the feet on them, so we inadvertently sidestepped that issue. We also had 2, one with 1/8" bits, and one with the 1/4" bits, so we didn't change them that often. When I went out on my own, I considered a laminate trimmer, but decided against it because I thought it (a Bosch)looked to likely to take in dust. I'm not a fan of de Walt, but their cut-out tool looked the best of the lot. So far, I'm happy with it-it's got noticeably more oomph than the PC's did. Maybe the best solution all around is to do your best to keep drywall dust out of the tool: I duct tape my vacuum hose to the side of mine, especially for overhead work. Bon Chance, Gerard De Lany Portland, Maine
*Guys,Thanks for the input.I went with the Roto Zip - got a good deal on one, and I avoid laminate work. Got the job done today too. It has a wee bit of a learning curve particularly when using it overhead in 1/4" plywood, as in soffits. I got only 3 8"x16" cutouts from a bit - a bit disappointing (no pun intended). I can see where they really make their money!!! On overhead cutouts the blower is useless. A pair of goggles is essential, and a dust mask helps. It doesn't pay to try to hold the foot flush with the soffit either. I got the best results holding it off the material and free handing it. I broke fewer bits that way too. They can be delicate. The handle also gets in the way sometimes as the latch has an annoying tendency to fumble open and loosen the handle at the wrong time. Other than that it worked OK - nothing to write home to Mother about.Thanks again.Cliff.Cliff. Johnston
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I've got a bunch of overhead cut-outs to do on a project involving the installation of 8"x16" soffit vents in 1/4" plywood.
My original plan was to make a template, attach it with a few screws and route out the vent opening - zip, zap, zot, it's done, and move on to the next one. As luck would have I was going to purchase the Bosch 1613 EVS 2 hp router. Now Bosch is introducing their new model 1613 AEVS 2 hp router, but it won't be available for another month. I need the new tool this Monday, and I don't want to buy a "new older" model as it will be used for other purposes too. I'd rather wait for the new model.
My current thought is to buy a cut-out tool as in Roto Zip or a "me to" model. I can use it elsewhere, and it will probably be easier to use overhead, plus it's been on my wish list for awhile.
Can anyone out there share some of their experiences with me on these tools. There are a bunch of them on the market, and like most of you I don't like to buy a pig in a poke.
Thanks,
Cliff. Johnston
Stephenville, TX