PT
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Post by PT on Jan 15, 2019 13:37:02 GMT -8
Was curious what others have experienced using a small palm router for cutting out window holes etc., in wall paneling? I'm working with 5mm red oak. Is it possible to avoid splintering the thin plywood veneer if you use the proper bit and go slow?
Thanks!
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 15, 2019 13:45:47 GMT -8
I used a 1/4" bearing bit on a cheap router. I taped all of the cut lines with painters tape as my equipment is usually in poor repair. It did a pretty good job, with minimal chipping (mostly due to the low quality birch I was using) and most of the "damage" was covered with welting or window trim.
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debranch
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Post by debranch on Jan 15, 2019 15:16:48 GMT -8
I also used an extremely cheep trim router box still has a price tag on it of $9.99, my Daddy got it at harbor freight years ago but I have had no problems with it. I don't have a lot of arm strength but I have no problems working with it, and just like Dan its not in the best shape. I always hand sand the wood to take any fine hairs off the edges but I would do that to the edges of the wood before I stain of poly anyway.
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Jan 15, 2019 17:52:13 GMT -8
I have a harbor freight router. It does a good job but don’t skimp on bits. I ordered some cheap ones off eBay and they are crap. I was cutting out one of my cabinets and the bearing came off and did some damage that took couple hours to fix.
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PT
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Post by PT on Jan 15, 2019 19:15:25 GMT -8
Thanks for the feedback. Can I ask what kind of bit you were using for these cuts? A good quality spiral down-cut bit seems like a good option.
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PT
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Post by PT on Jan 15, 2019 19:26:30 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 15, 2019 19:41:54 GMT -8
I cut out windows with a multi-tool using a fine blade. It's fast and does a nice, clean job.
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Post by vikx on Jan 15, 2019 20:49:25 GMT -8
I use both the Multimaster and router. The router is much messier.
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PT
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Post by PT on Jan 15, 2019 21:14:00 GMT -8
I'll give the multi-tool a test before exploring the router any further. I need to make a few long, clean cuts flush with the framing so I was thinking router but if I can control the MT well enough it would work.
Thanks
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 15, 2019 21:23:57 GMT -8
I cut out windows with a multi-tool using a fine blade. It's fast and does a nice, clean job. Nice... Just picked one up after all this time.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 16, 2019 4:42:06 GMT -8
It's a great tool with a lot of uses.
Cutting out windows, etc, it doesn't make a huge mess (as vikx said above) or damage the panels. I also like it to cut away stubborn nails although the blades don't last very long on bigger screws/nails.
There is a big debate we can have on blades... Is it better to buy one Dewalt $20 quality blade or 3 cheap no-name blades for the same price? Everyone has a different opinion on blades.
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PT
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Post by PT on Jan 16, 2019 8:17:36 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Jan 16, 2019 20:15:46 GMT -8
I usually buy Fein blades and/or high quality titanium tipped blades. Have never had great luck with nails no matter the blade...
My small 12 volt Milwaukee sawzall works pretty well for nails and is easier to handle than the full sized one.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 17, 2019 8:44:21 GMT -8
In the past I cut the nails holding the curving/layered edge board with a multi-tool but on the latest Shasta I used the saws-all with a metal cutting blade. I was surprised how fast it moved without destroying the birch panels.
I use the cheaper blades now to cut out windows/etc. As said above, even the most expensive blades don't last long on nails. I bought a very highly rated $17 blade and it lasted (maybe) three times longer on nails than the $2.50 cheap metal cutting blade.
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 17, 2019 20:10:00 GMT -8
In the past I cut the nails holding the curving/layered edge board with a multi-tool but on the latest Shasta I used the saws-all with a metal cutting blade. I was surprised how fast it moved without destroying the birch panels.
I use the cheaper blades now to cut out windows/etc. As said above, even the most expensive blades don't last long on nails. I bought a very highly rated $17 blade and it lasted (maybe) three times longer on nails than the $2.50 cheap metal cutting blade.
That was why I waited so long to buy a multi tool. My 12v Sawzall was perfect for every undercut and nail I needed to cut.
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