*
I was planning to build some new window sashes. I would like to buy a set of router bits that make that type of joint. I looked around and it seems that most of them are 1/2″ shank. So, I only have a 1 1/4 h.p. router for hanging doors and other small projects. Would I need to buy a larger router and if so any recommendations? If you know of any features that are nicer than others that would be helpful. Also, I have a router table so I am not sure if I would need a router that I mount in the table or a plunge. I don’t have a problem with the cost so much, I am a finish carpenter so I am sure I could find more uses for a new tool.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Skim-coating with joint compound covers texture, renews old drywall and plaster, and leaves smooth surfaces ready to paint.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
- Marine Group
- Angler's Journal
- PassageMaker
- Power & Motoryacht
- SAIL
- Soundings
- Soundings Trade Only
- Woodshop News
- Yachts International
Replies
*
For what you want to do, I recommend a 3 hp Porter Cable fixed base (the big sucker). In a router table, you basically have a small shaper. A classic.
*The PC Speedmatic, definitely. Get the variable speed version as you can then use some of the larger panel-raising bits without fear of large chunks of carbide and steel implanting themselves in your body.Don't have a model # but recently checked out big routers(I do fair amount of beam work) and the big PC was about $350.oo locally. Until I have some bucks to spare, I'm making do with my antique Makita 3612. Router technology has really progressed in the last few years.By the way, doesn't this thread really belong in the Tools section?LOL,Bill
*Aye.I've got the PC 3.25 horse for spinning raised panel bits, as well as a couple 1.5 horse 690's. Picked up a Bosch about a month back. Very nice micro-adjust feature and quieter than the PCs.Fixed bases are much easier to adjust in a router table than are plunge routers.Virtually all of the "better" routers today come with both 1/4" and 1/2" collets, and if running a mix of bits, look for variable speed as well. For the most part, I run bits larger than 1.5 inches in the 3.25 PC and step the speed down as req'd.If you've got a large job, or foresee additional use down the road, consider setting up each sash bit in its own router while you're doing the production run. Minimizes errors by not having to swap bits and run extra setups.
*If money is no object why not buy a shaper?Jeff
*Tim,
View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Joe- A couple more pictures of your router set-up and a few details if possible, please. Looks like a nice rig. Thanks, Sam
*Tim, For a summary of 5 nice routers of varying size, from 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hp, all good for table mounting, see Pat Warner's article in June issue Fine Woodworking. GP.
*Sam,
View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Thanks Joe, looks good. That 2" or 3" panel bit in the router looks pretty manly, wouldn't want to tangle with that thing! Sam
*Joe:Nice setup!
*Joe, is that frayed insulation I see just below the router? Shouldn't this be in the OSHA thread?Jus' kiddin'.