I need to buy a bit to do this job and I don't know which one to buy. Also, do I really need a plunge router to do this? Can't I drill a small hole in advance using a drill and then use my regular router to cut the opening out? I plan to use a rectangular guide that I build from scrap wood to keep the shape exact.
2007-01-14 02:37:38 · 13 answers · asked by Daniel C 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yes you can . Unless it is a solid surface top. You could use a jigsaw just as well. Buy a down stroke blade for your saw. It's much cheaper.
If you insist on a router, a straight triple fluted bit, 1/2" cut will do just fine. You can also drill a start hole and not use a plunge router.
2007-01-14 02:45:38 · answer #1 · answered by uncle bob 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Everyon has their own preferences so you won't likley get any true wrond or right answers here. Without knowing the substance or the thickness of the counter top Uncle Bob is OK in his answer if Routing is your choice. The issue with the "GUIDE" will be to keep it extremely secure, as a router speed is about 25,000 RPM, and mistakes happen in milliseconds.
I've used all the suggested methods and have success with each. It seems a bit more labor intensive with the router since you had to create a template, but if you have it done already, go for it. You can cut inside the line,. and use a rotary file in a cordless drill after the fact, if necessary.
Triple flute or double flute, will be fine for a bit, and the extension needs to certainly be the thickness of the counter top but allow enough of the bit shaft to be IN the router so as not to have it come "Bulleting" out. If for example it's 3/4 inch ply and Mica, you won't have any issues.
Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)
2007-01-14 05:54:52 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
flip it over and cut from the bottom side jig saw saber saw will all work. support the cutout till finished or it is possible to damage the countertop when the last bit breaks instead of being cut.
if you use a router from the bottom and guide the base of the router start your cut away from the outside of the cut pusshing the bit through could give you a small area of delamination. Cut to the preimiter and follow your template. if you plan to use a bit with a follow bearing predrill your hole oversized or it is likely to grab and chatter to the point of displacing your guide. manufacturers use a router for all their cutouts these are guided by a computer or a guide on the bottom of the counter while the router enters from the top. cutter is usualy 12" and the spindle is much smaller than the base of your router.
2007-01-14 08:34:49 · answer #3 · answered by oreos40 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A straight flute bit will do it. Suggest getting one with a pilot bearing. You can slant the router and slowly ease it into the opening or you can drill a hole. If you already cut the sink hole from the particle board (or whatever), then just laminated over it you dont even need a guide..the pilot will follow the hole and give you a perfect cutout just by following the contour of the underlayment
2007-01-15 02:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by Duke D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A drill bit (larger, like half inch) and then a jig saw to cut a rectangle out carefully in a the size you need for the sink. You don't need a plunge router or regular router at all, unless you wanna put a roman ogre design that will be covered by the sink anyway! If you don't have a jig saw, then try a sawz all, jig saws are cheap- try Bosch.
2007-01-14 05:02:39 · answer #5 · answered by Mt ~^^~~^^~ 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
by the sound of your question i am guessing the counter isn't installed. use a jigsaw with a laminate blade, it's made to cut on the up stroke, and cut it from the bottom. trace the template out on the bottom of the counter top and drill a hole in a corner to start the cut. don't force the saw, let the blade do the work. good luck.
2007-01-14 06:34:37 · answer #6 · answered by car dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One problem you could have if the counter is already installed, is getting close enough to the backsplash. I use a jig saw all the time and sometimes it is still a tight fit against the backsplash. I don't think most routers will get you any closer.
2007-01-14 06:29:02 · answer #7 · answered by tmarschall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are cutting wood a jig saw or roto zip would work fine no need for a router and yes you can drill a hole just make sure you are on the inside of the cut line.
2007-01-14 02:43:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A jig-saw will do the job as said before, the only problem is that when the blade gets hot or blunt (it won't take long) it starts to bend and you won't get a square cut. As for router bits you need a long one to get the depth,you can get them up to 63mm long, a straight cutter is what you need. Also your router needs to have a 12mm collet and a minimum 2000watt motor . A small router is not man enough for the job.
2007-01-14 03:05:08 · answer #9 · answered by chunky 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/1GpNV
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.
2016-02-10 18:28:44 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋