What router bits?

[busterc1]

What bits will I need for the flush mounting of the drivers, as well for the edge of the baffle.

Thanks,
Mike

[martyh]

Quarter inch straight cut bit for the recesses and as a general rule, a 3/4" roundover bit. Can't live without 'em in this game.

While the roundover bits usually last a fair amount of time, the straight cut bits are usually a disposable item and I generally get a new one about every third project or so. Home Depot sells 'em for about $9.00.

[lhwidget]

I use a 5/8" end cutting bit (edges down the sides and across the bottom) for the driver recess hole and a 5/8" roundover bit for baffle edges.

For the through-hole, a 1/4 end cutting bit with spiral cutting edges on the sides.

I also use a 3/4" chamfering bit to open the through-hole up (on the inside edge of the through-hole) for smaller drivers.

My 2 hp router drives these bits easily.

Get a Jasper Jig or some kind of circle cutting jig to make nice circles.

One last tip, when you start, screw the baffle board to a large scrap with two countersunk screws through the piece you are going to cut out (the through-hole remnant). Do the recess cut first. Now, clamp the baffle board to the same surface it is screwed to and make the through cut. When you finish the cut, the center part is still attached to the work surface and will continue to hold your router steady instead of coming loose and leaving the unavoidable "bump" in the edge.

Jay

[nikbrewer]

you all put that large of rounder overs on everything? i just put 1/4" round overs on stuff. I feel it looks better, although probally not as effective as a 3/4" roundover

[Wolf]

you all put that large of rounder overs on everything? i just put 1/4" round overs on stuff. I feel it looks better, although probally not as effective as a 3/4" roundover

I think the 1/2" is more of a standard, thought the benefits aren't as effective until 3/4" is used. If you have a 3/4", you really don't need a flush-trim if you use 3/4" MDF/ply.
Later,
Wolf