Thread: A Real Workshop

Hi Ian,
I found this one:
Metric Flute Double Flute Straight Router BIT Wood Making CNC Tools 0114A | eBay

Hi rev

The bit you linked to doesn't appear to be a plunge cutting bit.
The cutting edge doesn't appear to extend across the bottom of the bit.

Agreed ... you have to work your way down with sideward movement if you want to plunge with that

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

OOPS! Thanks for spotting that Ian. I feel a bit embarrassed. I do know that Festool have one out but I hate to think what the price might be here. I'll see what else I can find.

It could still be used with a change of bits doing the centre part first I guess.

I found a few others on ebay that would do the job but they start becoming a bit expensive (sorry about the pun).

This one is inexpensive and could also do the job but I don't know about accuracy because it says "20mm (3/4)"!
Woodworker Tool 6 X 20mm Core BOX Router BIT Green Silver Tone | eBay

I wouldn't use a bit like that to plunge accurate 20mm holes,
Besides, I suspect that it's a 3/4" bit mis-described as 20mm

Perhaps it needs to be a two step process

plunge cut with a 1/2 spiral bit, then follow up with a 20mm straight bit

Agreed Ian.

Here is another bit that might fit the bill properly and not too expensive:
Arden Metric Bottom Cleaning Router Bits 1 2 20mm 1 2 Shank 1 2×20MM×20MM BIT | eBay

I think getting the right bit is important.

I think better to use a large bushing for more clearance for chip / dust evacuation

I think the bigger bushing makes sense too.

Are you still planning on making templates this weekend?

Cheers

Hi pippin88,
I've been thinking about the template. It would be good to have the first row or column of the grid holes sized at exactly 20mm and the others 1.5" for the router bushing I have. It could then be easily used with the 20mm dogs acting as locating pins for extending the grid in the bench top wherever one wants it. I hope I have described this enough for you to get what I mean.
Cheers

Originally Posted by pippin88

I think getting the right bit is important.

I think better to use a large bushing for more clearance for chip / dust evacuation

Agreed! I think the bit size is critical (also the use of a router with negligible spindle runout for making the plunge cuts)

Scally,

I'm on my phone, so a bit hard to find things, and some of this you have probably covered.

What are the dimensions of your bench top? I think 3600mm long? Would you consider using 3 pieces of 1200mm long, then I can cut the holes directly for you (if width is under 700mm or so, absolute max I can cut is 675mm). You could then glue / join them together if needed?

Saturday works for me. Are you keen to come see the cutting? I can rough cut the holes a little undersized before hand, and then we can tweak to a nice fit for your bushing (unless you want to go with the above thought).

Originally Posted by rev

Hi pippin88,
I've been thinking about the template. It would be good to have the first row or column of the grid holes sized at exactly 20mm and the others 1.5" for the router bushing I have. It could then be easily used with the 20mm dogs acting as locating pins for extending the grid in the bench top wherever one wants it. I hope I have described this enough for you to get what I mean.
Cheers

Rev,

Genius! That solves the major problem. My lathe is out of action, so I didn't have a way of making custom alignment pins. Also making different pins for different people is a hassle. By having selected holes at 20mm the dogs themselves are the alignment pins.

I need to know your bench dimensions to work out the best template sizing. I figure it is easiest if the template can cover the full depth of the bench and only has to be moved in one direction. This should also reduce errors creeping in.

The major limiting factor is postage restrictions and cost.

My bench is 75 X 160. A template of say 40 X 70 with the 20mm holes equally spaced along the 70cm length would be great.