Had to make 5 cable slots for entertainment center shelves, so I used pattern forming bit and a pattern (of course). The slots in the shelves were easy…but I needed to slot the divider between the shelves too…but clamps were in the way of the router base…”drat!”
So I used 5 23ga micropins (you can see them left behind in the pic)–worked great.
Other stuff worth mentioning:
I don’t finish routing the pattern, I stop a skosh early and finish the cut with a pull saw (to prevent blowout)…then make a final clean up pass.
I use short horses and a low table (26″) for cabinet assembly. Seems to be a comfortable height for this kind of thing.
Replies
Nice work. Did you not cut out most of the piece with a jigsaw before routing?
Thanks,Nope, I just plowed it all out...I would have if it was solid hardwood, but this plywood is really soft and routs out nicely.I just clamped up the hardwood edging on the ply shelves...gonna eat while the glue sets...then go roundover the edges. Once I get that dern shop heated--I have to keep working.
What Sas said, if you'd cut most of the ply out with a jigsaw first you'd save some life on those router bits.
Instead of stopping short with the router just come into it from the opposite direction, that's how you route mortises with a router and the PC or Bosch template. Hit the opposite side of the mortise by 1/2 the router diameter(or in your case, the wire chase) and then proceed like normal. That way when you get to the end you wont have tear out.
Otherwise, Keep up the good work!
Doug
Gottcha.I thought about the jigsaw step...but just tried one instead (went rather easy so I just stuck with the router).Thanks for the tips. I don't build cabinets that often (maybe a couple dozen each year).I do OK given that I am limited to job site trim carp tools, for the most part...not Fine Woodworking for sure.
Your work is fine, cabinets look good - just passing on some stuff that somebody gave to me.
Router bits are more money then jigsaw blades! gotta save wear and tear cause chances are you will need the sharp router bit someday when you dont have access to another one more often then the other way around.
Doug
Doug,Thanks again for the advice. I know the kind of shop and tools you use and the kind of cabinets you build...My stuff is rather primitive, lap jointed and face nailed...no dovetails or dados, etc.The shop and the amount of shop work I am getting are both improving though.I like the commute to the shop. <g>
just got the same router package on the weekend. i decided bosch was the way to go. how do you like yours? i am very excited to use this tool.
I like the router. I have been using the plung base on the EZ guide and It is nice to be able to switch to the fixed base when I don't need to use the guide.I did have a switch go bad and have heard that it is a common problem with this router. I think I will buy an extra switch for it so I am prepared should I need it. Over all, it is a very nice tool.
Nice. Can't beat a piloted pattern bit. I usually use the adjustable metal horses since I have four pairs. I like a cheap hollow core luan door as it resists flexing better than OSB, and it's lighter...and I don't cut it up for jigs when I don't have anything else...
yeah, osb is not the best choice for a work table...I had it on hand for a floor repair and needed another work table proto. Some things I do are well thought out, others are opportunistic.Well, I'm off to a contractors breakfast,Bass