Cutting circles in baffles

[duke]

What is a good router and device combination for cutting circles and recesses in baffles? It would have been nice if speakers were square.

[biff]

> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.
Make sure it is a plunge router, and consider the router buddy for first accessory.

[williamrschneider]

http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~schneidw/audio/images/pluto_dressplate_routing-10t-sml.jpg


> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.

You'll need a plunge router and a Jasper Circle Guide (or a Router Buddy). I have a Bosch plunge router (purchased from Lowes). Porter Cable makes a highly regarded plunge router for slightly more money. If money is tight, I've read good things about the Hitachi plunge router.

The Jasper guides come in two sizes. The smaller one can cut up to 7-1/2" diameter circles and recesses.

Here's the business end of the small Jasper Circle Guide making arcs and cutouts...

[garys]

> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.

I bought both Jaspers(the large and small ones) early on when I started this. As stated, any good plunge router should work. One tip I can offer is not to cut all the way through your wood. Cut down to about 1/16 or less of going through then use a small hand saw to poke through and finish the cut. Also, use a good non-slip mat under your work to keep things steady on the table..

Happy circles

Gary S.

[duke]

Thanks guys..I will be shopping and even a PIC from William!

[johnastockman]

http://custom.smugmug.com/photos/5017797-L-1.jpg


> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.

Cutting square mortises is more difficult, as you need a template or a VERY steady hand to follow the line.

<A HREF="http://www.audiodiycentral.com/nt_ireg-drvrcutouts.shtml">http://www.audiodiycentral.com/nt_ireg-drvrcutouts.shtml</A>

The circle-cutting attachments work like a compass, so it's easier to get a perfectly round cut/recess. The pic shows the result using my Ryobi router, Jasper jig, and a spiral bit. Cut the recess first, then the through-hole. Always back up your work with some scrap underneath. Even if you don't cut all the way through, it's still a good idea.

John A.

[DougP]

http://home.mchsi.com/~dpeterson/ssub1.JPG


> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.

The router buddy and by cheap black and decker router do pretty good.

[jtaylor]

> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.

WHITESIDE Router Bits are made in the good old USA, and in a test of 17 different router bit manufacturers, was rated NUMBER ONE. Most people on the PE chat line use WHITESIDE ROUTER BITS for their longevity, smooth cuts, and price. I purchase my WHITESIDE router Bits from Woodworkersworld.net . They have good prices and free shipping usually in 2-3 days. Phone number: 1-800-266-0699. There are several other Whiteside Router Bit suppliers, others here on the PE board can also supply.

Other Router MUST haves, SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Hearing Protection, Eye Protection, and Breathing Respirator protection. I hope I haven't forgotten any other important must haves, other than reading your Routers Manual Completely before use.

J. Taylor

P.S. I like these WHITESIDE items for my use: 1302A 3/4 Mortise bit, UD2102 1//4" up/down cut, and the 501 Roundover & Beading set, 1/2" shank. These will cover most of your Router Bit needs to begin with.

[unknownuser]

> What is a good router and device combination
> for cutting circles and recesses in baffles?
> It would have been nice if speakers were
> square.

This works perfectly fine for me, for irregular shapes. Just filled the yard with sawdust last week verifying this with the D26.

<A HREF="http://www.pesupport.com/cgi-bin/config.pl?read=369536">http://www.pesupport.com/cgi-bin/config.pl?read=369536</A>

For circles, a jasper jig, or the Sears circle jig for my cheap Sears router work just fine.


(Originally posted by: DDF)