What size router?

[deltacharlie26]

Hi all,

Just sent off for the plans and eagerly awaiting delivery in the new year. In the meantime I brushed the dust off my 2000 watt 1/2in router and gave it a go to see if it has survived the years of neglect. It went well for 10 minutes before a puff of blue smoke silenced it forever. It was only a cheapy and it is not worth repairing so I wondered what size to replace it with to trim the 12mm MR MDF. I have never used MDF before so do not know what to expect. Can I get away with a smaller model, 850watt or should I get another 2000watt. The 1/2 inch model was very useful but very heavy to manipulate. What do you guys use?

I intend to make a 6mm template first and then route the panels one by one.

Regards,
Dennis

[multisync]

Hi there
Don't get bogged down worrying about router size, most of the panels are straight cuts, and can be cut out with a circular saw.
It's only the long sides and the inner wings that have curved lines. The dust created by using a router on mdf is a major snag.
I know others have done it, and I understand the concept of routing from a template, especially as it gives identical results, but it's simpler to cut out the items with a jigsaw. The router is handy to round over the panel edges but not essential.
You mention a 1/2 inch router, a great tool, but the price of the cutters is prohibitive.
Unless you have lots of other uses for it, stick with the cheapy DIY models.
Regards
Walter

[paulr]

  Hi Dennis, We used a cheapy B & Q circular saw for most of our work and also a jigsaw that we already had all the shaping was done by hand, we got a router & table after we finished our series 1 but have since used it on another T/L project which was helpful but not an essential item. May be worth visiting the DIY chanins in the next few days to see what they may have on offer. Happy Building.
Paul R and MrsR

[andy74]

hello Dennis, I also used a cheap circular saw and jigsaw for 90% of the build. I used a cheap half inch router that I was bought a few years ago only to machine the 2 side panels to a template I made from 6mm ply. It had the advantage of the two sides being exactly the same but if I did not have it already I would not have bought one as it simply is not worth the investment unless you have other uses for it. MR mdf is free cutting and sands easily so getting your panels the right shape is not too difficult.
Good luck with the build and don't be afraid to ask questions. I have found this site a godsend during the course of my build which should be complete by February in time for my son's birthday
BW's and happy new year
Andy

[deltacharlie26]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the quick replies. Seems the consensus is not to worry too much about the router - so I won't. I have acquired an old smaller 1/4 model and I think that should cope with the wheel arches and chamfering. I must get some MR MDF to practice on never having used it before. Mask and eye protection looks in order too.

Happy New Year to one and all,
Regards,
Dennis

[andy74]

Yes forgot to mention I did the routing outside in my parents garden, the dust was everywhere. mask and goggles are a must.
regards Andy