What router to purchase

[EggNog]

Hi gents

I have a pair of Peavey speakers laying around and would like to make two new MDF enclosures for them.
Basically this will be an exercise just to get a feel for the woodwork side of things. So I will probably just stick to the original box shape/design and specs

Ive never used a router before, so my questions are, what router do I buy (are there different types), and what bits do I need to be able to :
 -  cut perfect round holes
 -  be able to do a counter sink ie. so a tweeter flange can be flush mounted
 -  to round edges

Looking to spend about R500 if that is possible

thanks
EggNog

[Jaco]

Egg...

Most of us doing the DIY thing build our own jigs to perform the tasks you mention, so basically any router will work.
I would suggest with your budget, to go 2nd hand - Cash Converters have some nice stuff from time to time.

Dremmel also makes a nice tool that will cut round holes, etc, but these are way above your budget.

The big thing to keep in mind is using very sharp, high quality bits and these cost around R130+ a pop.

[alternativeroute]

Egg...

Most of us doing the DIY thing build our own jigs to perform the tasks you mention, so basically any router will work.
I would suggest with your budget, to go 2nd hand - Cash Converters have some nice stuff from time to time.

Dremmel also makes a nice tool that will cut round holes, etc, but these are way above your budget.

The big thing to keep in mind is using very sharp, high quality bits and these cost around R130+ a pop.

+1 on that one... A circle jig is easy to make  (but hard to describe  )

[EggNog]

thanks guys

I have a few Cash Converters nearby so will def pay them a visit...

Still unsure of what type of bits to buy for what I described above, what do I ask for? Don't want the salesman to sell me something I don't need

Regards

[Jaco]

For cutting holes, usually a "slot" type bit.
For rounding there is a lot of choices, but you will see the profile of the bit and know that is the right one for you...

[alternativeroute]

Some routers come with an attachment for doing large holes like such:


Big bass on a budget Build - cutting the driver recess and cutout by arclients, on Flickr

That is mine and it can do from 200mm diameter circles to 500mm diameter...

On the bit front I like to use a narrow bit (3-6mm) for the actual hole cutting as there is less dust... For the recess you need a bit at least as wide as the driver flange (in the picture it was a 12mm straight bit for a 10mm flange)...

[NoSnipeLimit]

I suggest going for a router that can take 12.7mm router bits. 
That way you can fit all 3 times of bits in your router without issues.
I have a dewalt 625E and i'm very happy with it.  Try get a router with
dust extraction, very useful when working with MDF. 

[EggNog]

Thanks to all you guys for your help
Much appreciated

Have a lekka day
 

[Cirr]

Hi Eggnogg,

I have been using routers since 1996,and I have a small furniture factory.I make furniture for a big pine franchise.

Please do not buy a no name brand! ( I have 4 broken ones incl. Startel, Ryobi ,Stramm ,etc)
I do however have 3 Makita`s and 2 Bosch.(Green or blue ,doesn`t matter)
My favourite brands are Festool, De Walt, Makita, Blue Bosch, Green Bosch in order of preferance.
All the above have spares readily available.(you will need spares for the above ,but only after 10-20 years)
PLEASE  do not buy anything under 1200W.
And a last piece of advice , Junkmail.

[Cirr]

Hello again, Eggnog.

If you are in PTA area, please get into contact with me, if you only going to use a router once or twice a month.
You can come and visit my workshop with your parts.
Only on Saturdays, please.

BTW, I bought my one small Makita(900W) in the Junkmail for R200-00.

Regards

[EggNog]

Thank you for the advice Cirr

Your offer is very generous, and would love to have paid you a visit, but I'm unfortunately in Cape Town  

Regards
EggNog

[DRNB]

What Cirr said, except for the green Boch.... I would remove that from the list.

[JimGore]

I had a green Bosch router which laster me many moons.  You just need to be more gentle with it.

Regards,
Ian.

[johnc]

I have a similar green Bosch and I'm happy with it.
Probably overkill for someone (me) who does not route every day.
I certainly couldn't justify spending more than R1000 on a tool I might use for, say, 10 days per year.