Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Message

doncolga · #1 Post by **doncolga** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:31 am

Hey,

For cutting out driver holes and access panels with 5-7 ply 1/2 inch Baltic Burch, should I consider the Dremmel Trio? Anything that may work better? Before I used a regular jig saw. While it did work, the finished cut wasn't the cleanest in the world. Also, my plunge cutting for the T30 access panels left a little to be desired.

Maybe I should save that money and just practice more with what I've got?

Thanks!

Donny

el_ingeniero · #2 Post by **el_ingeniero** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:58 am

You could use a jig saw sled, or run the jigsaw against a straight edge clamped to the workpiece to cut straighter lines.

But the best and cleanest method might be to cut the holes with a plunge router. Then cut the tops separately. You can use the scrap left over from cutting the access panel for braces.

Mon Oct 31, 2011 11:21 am

I cut round holes with a router, rectangular with circular saw and sled, just using the jig saw to finish the cut in the corners.

BoostFab · #4 Post by **BoostFab** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:26 pm

definitely get a router, since you can also use it for rounding cab edges.

doncolga · #5 Post by **doncolga** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:34 pm

Router it is then. I suspected that'd be the case. Since I've never used one of these, any suggestions for a good one?

Frederic Gelinas · #6 Post by **Frederic Gelinas** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:35 pm

I have a Dremel. I broke it last year and I'm not missing it. I don't think I'll ever buy the parts to fix it. Get a plunge router.

doncolga · #7 Post by **doncolga** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:44 pm

doncolga wrote:Router it is then. I suspected that'd be the case. Since I've never used one of these, any suggestions for a good one?

Since I'm asking, I'd need advisement on a drill press too. Harbor Freight has both of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-1-2-half ... 67119.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-dr ... 38119.html

Thanks!

Donny

DJPhatman · #8 Post by **DJPhatman** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 3:28 pm

The router is a POS. I own the drill-press, and it is OK. Don't force it through material, like BB, too fast or else the motor will crap out. Check out subharmonics thread on routers. I recommended a Craftsman dual base for ~US$110 that has good power, a fixed and plunge base, 1/2" and 1/4" collets and works with a Jasper Jig.

doncolga · #9 Post by **doncolga** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:02 pm

DJPhatman wrote:The router is a POS. I own the drill-press, and it is OK. Don't force it through material, like BB, too fast or else the motor will crap out. Check out subharmonics thread on routers. I recommended a Craftsman dual base for ~US$110 that has good power, a fixed and plunge base, 1/2" and 1/4" collets and works with a Jasper Jig.

This one?

http://compare.ebay.com/like/1807280608 ... r&_lwgsi=y

Bruce Weldy · #10 Post by **Bruce Weldy** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:42 pm

If possible, spend the money for a combo kit that has plunge and fixed bases. Porter Cable, Bosch, etc. will cost more - but are better tools.

doncolga · #11 Post by **doncolga** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:00 pm

Bruce Weldy wrote:If possible, spend the money for a combo kit that has plunge and fixed bases. Porter Cable, Bosch, etc. will cost more - but are better tools.

Yes, I do want to get something good that will last. Hopefully my four builds so far are just a start of many happy years of speaker building. If I keep at this pace, I should have 20 T30's by 2020.

Bruce Weldy · #12 Post by **Bruce Weldy** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:07 pm

This is the one I bought. Very nice piece of gear.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4 ... B00005RHPD

doncolga · #13 Post by **doncolga** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:13 pm

Thanks Bruce! So on this one, there's a plunge base and a fixed base correct? Fixed base is what'd use for something like rounding off corners correct...and plunge would be for cutting driver holes? What's concerning me here is, having never used one, I've only got a very basic idea as to what to do with it. I guess the two big things would be smoothing off corners and making the driver holes, as I mentioned. I'm sure I'll figure out more things as I go. Off bargain hunting...

I wonder if something like this would make it to a Black Friday sale?

Bruce Weldy · #14 Post by **Bruce Weldy** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:37 pm

doncolga wrote:Thanks Bruce! So on this one, there's a plunge base and a fixed base correct? Fixed base is what'd use for something like rounding off corners correct...and plunge would be for cutting driver holes? What's concerning me here is, having never used one, I've only got a very basic idea as to what to do with it. I guess the two big things would be smoothing off corners and making the driver holes, as I mentioned. I'm sure I'll figure out more things as I go. Off bargain hunting...

I wonder if something like this would make it to a Black Friday sale?

Another great use is when your cab is just a little out of square - you can make the last side/top/panel oversized then use a pattern bit to make it flush. I just got mine during my last builds and used the heck out of it. Recessing the jack plate and handles, etc.....lots of uses.

Tom Smit · #15 Post by **Tom Smit** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 2:35 am

doncolga wrote: What's concerning me here is, having never used one, I've only got a very basic idea as to what to do with it.

Search Youtube for ideas on how to use the router. Woodshop, Woodsmith, etc, etc, also provide ideas on video and with pictures.

BillFitzmaurice.info

Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative

Re: Dremmel Trio or Alternative